Ottawa Sign Permits

Signage Permits in Ottawa — What You Need to Know

A practical guide to Ottawa sign permit requirements — what needs a permit, how to apply, and how Lundon Calling handles it for you.

Let Us Handle Your Permits Read the Guide

Lundon Calling handles sign permit applications for clients across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario as a standard part of every installation project. The information on this page reflects our direct experience with the City of Ottawa sign permit process and the municipalities within our 200 km service radius.

Does Your Sign Require a Permit in Ottawa?

In Ottawa, most permanent exterior signs require a building permit under the City of Ottawa Sign By-law (By-law No. 2016-326). The by-law governs sign type, placement, size, illumination, and proximity to property lines and other signs.

Typically requires a permit

Any illuminated sign (internally or externally lit)
Freestanding signs — pylons, monuments, A-frames over permitted size
Wall signs over 0.3 m²
Projecting and blade signs
Signs on heritage properties (additional heritage approval required)
New signs replacing previously permitted signs

Typically does not require a permit

Temporary signs within size limits
Window graphics under 20% of window area in most zones
Certain directional and parking signs on private property
Interior signage (no City permit required, though landlord approval may still apply)

Note: Sign permit requirements vary across Eastern Ontario municipalities. What applies in Ottawa may differ in Kingston, Brockville, or Gatineau (which follows Quebec's sign regulations). Lundon Calling navigates each municipality's requirements independently.

How the Ottawa Sign Permit Process Works

Five steps from pre-application to final inspection.

Step 1 — Pre-application

Confirm the sign type, location, and dimensions comply with the Sign By-law zoning restrictions for your property. Heritage designations and BIA areas have additional rules.

Step 2 — Application submission

Submit a building permit application through Ottawa's online portal with sign drawings, site plan, and elevation drawings showing dimensions, materials, and placement.

Step 3 — Review & approval

Standard sign permit applications are reviewed within 10–15 business days. Complex applications — illuminated signs, heritage properties, or non-conforming requests — may require additional review or a Committee of Adjustment hearing.

Step 4 — Installation

The permit is posted on site during installation. Inspections may be required for electrical connections on illuminated signs.

Step 5 — Occupancy / final inspection

For illuminated signs with electrical permits, a final inspection may be required before the sign is energized.

Ottawa Sign Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit fees in Ottawa are calculated based on sign area. Typical fees range from $175 for a small wall sign to $500–$1,500+ for larger or more complex signs.

Heritage area applications and Committee of Adjustment hearings add cost and time — budget an additional 4–8 weeks and associated application fees if your property is in a heritage district.

Electrical permits for illuminated signs are separate from the sign permit and are obtained by the electrician completing the connection — Lundon Calling coordinates this as part of our installation process.

The Risk of Skipping the Permit

Installing a sign without a required permit in Ottawa can result in an order to remove the sign at your expense, fines under the Sign By-law, and difficulty obtaining future permits for the property. More practically, unpermitted signs are flagged during property transactions and lease renewals. The cost of retroactive permitting — if it is possible at all — often exceeds the original permit fee. Lundon Calling does not install permitted sign types without obtaining the appropriate approvals.

Let Lundon Calling Handle Your Sign Permits

Permit applications, drawings, and coordination with the City are included in our installation service. Tell us about your project and we will manage the rest.

Phone(613) 854-9255

Emailinfo@lundoncallinginc.com

Service AreaOttawa & Eastern Ontario