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Page 1
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by-law NO. 191-03
of the
CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Being a by-law of the Corporation of the City of
Cambridge to prohibit or regulate signs and other
advertising devices or any class or classes thereof and
the posting of notices on buildings or vacant lots within
the City of Cambridge or on land abutting any defined
highway or part of a highway and to repeal by-law No.
129-92.
WHEREAS s. 9(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 (the "Act") provides that s. 8 and
s. 11 of the Act shall be interpreted broadly to include rather than exclude municipal powers that
existed on December 31, 2002;
AND WHEREAS, on December 31, 2002, the Municipal Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.45, as amended,
authorized the prohibiting or regulating of signs and other advertising devices or any class or
classes thereof and the posting of notices on buildings or vacant lots within any defined area or
areas or on land abutting any defined highway or part of a highway;
AND WHEREAS s. 11(5) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 (the "Act") provides as a
non-exclusive sphere of jurisdiction for lower and upper tier municipalities, structures, including
fences and signs;
AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the City of Cambridge deems it desirable to
prohibit or regulate signs and other advertising devices or any class or classes thereof and the
posting of notices on buildings or vacant lots within any defined area or areas or on land abutting
any defined highway or part of a highway;
AND WHEREAS, pursuant to s. 99(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, public notice
was given and a public meeting was held at which any person who attended was given the
opportunity to make representation with respect to the matters herein;
NOW THEREFORE THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF
CAMBRIDGE ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1
SHORT TITLE
This by-law shall be known as "The Sign by-law".
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INDEX
SECTION
PAGE
Section 1
Short Title
1
Section 2
Definitions
5
Section 3
Establishment of the Class of Signs
11
Section 4
Permitted Signs by Zones
13
Section 5
Awning Sign
15
Section 6
Canopy Sign
16
Section 7
Projecting Sign
17
Section 8
Fascia Sign
18
Section 9
Free Standing Sign
20
Section 10
Mobile Read-A-Board Sign
22
Section 11
Changeable Copy Sign
24
Section 12
Institutional Event Sign
25
Section 13
Religious Event Sign
26
Section 14
Portable Sign
27
Section 15
Temporary Open House and Model Home A-Frame Real Estate Sign
28
Section 16
Real Estate Sign
29
Section 17
Model Home Real Estate Sign
31
Section 18
Development Sign
32
Section 19
Temporary Construction Sign
33
Section 20
Billboard Sign
34
Section 21
Directional Sign
36
Section 22
Non-Illuminated Plate Identification Sign
37
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Section 23
Home Occupation Sign
38
Section 24
Weather Canopy Sign
39
Section 25
Municipal Election Sign
40
Section 26
Heritage Conservation Districts and Designated Buildings
42
Section 27
General Provisions
43
Section 28
Inspection and Approval Fees
45
Section 29
Replacement of Non-Conforming Signs
45
Section 30
Maintenance
45
Section 31
Liability for Damages
45
Section 32
Removal of Signs
46
Section 33
Violations
48
Section 34
Effective Date
48
Section 35
Application of by-law
48
Section 36
Application for Permit
50
Section 37
Repeal of By-Laws
50
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SCHEDULES
Schedule B
Yards and Setbacks
Schedule C
Billboard Signs
Schedule D
Daylighting Triangles
Schedule E (Part 1) Industrial Business Park Signs
Schedule E (Part 2) Industrial Business Park Signs
Schedule E (Part 3) Industrial Business Park Signs
Schedule E (Part 4) Industrial Business Park Signs
Schedule E (Part 5) Industrial Business Park Signs
Schedule F
Heritage Conservation Districts
Schedule G
Fascia Signs
Schedule H
List of Designated Buildings
Appendix 1
Metric Conversion Table
Appendix 2 & 3 Permitted Locations for Mobile Signs
Appendix 4
List of Amendments
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SECTION 2
DEFINITIONS
In this by-law,
Access Driveway means the area between the traveled portion of a roadway and a parking lot
used by motor vehicles for access to and from the parking lot;
Animated Sign means any sign that includes action or motion of all or any part of the sign but does
not include colour changes;
Awning Sign means a non-illuminated identification sign or logo painted or affixed flat to the
surface of an awning that does not extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of such
awning.
Banner Sign means a sign produced on cloth, fabric or other lightweight material.
Billboard Sign means a third party, non-accessory sign that advertises goods, products, services
or facilities that are not available at the location where the sign is situated or that directs persons to
a location different from that where the sign is located.
Building Face means the total area of a building contained between the finished surface of the
ground and the eaves;
Canopy means any structure projecting from the building face having a rigid frame and being
attached to a building in such a manner as not to become an integral part thereof, but does not
include awnings;
Canopy Sign means a sign attached to, marked or inscribed on or erected or placed against the
canopy of a building, but does not include awning signs;
Changeable Copy Sign means a sign on which copy can be changed through the use of
attachable letters, numerals and pictorial panels or automatically by electronic switching of lamps
or illuminated tubes and shall be deemed not to mean time and temperature messages;
Copy Area means the entire area within a single square or rectangle or a combination of squares
or rectangles that enclose the extreme limits of the advertising message, declaration,
announcement or logo;
Development Sign means a non-illuminated sign which is installed or affixed to the ground on the
site of the subdivision or project where the purpose of the sign is to provide information on the
development and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall include one or more of the
following, the name of the subdivision or project, prices and the names and addresses of
architects, consultants, developers, builders and related personnel to the development;
Directional Sign, Free Standing means a sign supported independently of and visibly separated
from a building or structure and permanently fixed to the ground and shall be used for the direction
of pedestrian and/or motor vehicle traffic but shall not be used for identification or advertisement;
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Driveway means the improved land on a road that provides vehicular access from the roadway to
adjacent land;
Fascia Sign means a wall sign and every sign attached to, marked or inscribed on, or erected or
placed against a wall forming part of a building and having the exposed face thereof on a plane
approximately parallel to the plane of such wall and may project from the face of such wall and
shall include a painted wall sign and a banner sign and a banner sign;
Fascia Industrial Directory means a fascia sign specifically intended for an industrial mall building
of at least three distinct tenant units which may include the municipal street number and address
and shall include a complete list of each individual tenant or occupancy by company name and/or
logo for identification purposes but which does not display product or business advertising;
Flashing Sign means a sign or advertising device which contains an intermittent or flashing light
source or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation or an
externally mounted light source but does not include an automatic changing sign such as time
and/or temperature and/or date sign or electrically controlled message centre;
Free Standing Sign means any sign, except a billboard, supported independently of and visibly
separated from a building or other structure and permanently fixed to the ground;
Free Standing Industrial Directory Sign means a free standing sign specifically intended for an
industrial mall building of at least three distinct tenant units which may include the municipal street
number and address and shall include a complete list of each individual tenant or occupancy by
company name and/or local for identification purposes but which does not display product or
business advertising;
Frontage means the length of the property line of any one premises parallel to and along each
legally accessible public street, excluding a lane or alleyway, that it borders;
Gas Bar Weather Canopy means a permanent free standing roof structure erected for the purpose
of sheltering gasoline service pumps from the weather. Such structure shall not be enclosed and
may be attached to a building;
Height of Sign means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign to the
finished grade immediately below such sign and shall include any support structure;
Home Occupation Sign means a non-illuminated sign installed, erected or displayed for a home
occupation identifying the business and containing no other message or advertising;
Institutional Directional Sign means a sign erected on a road allowance to inform the public of the
location of Business Improvement Areas, public buildings, institutions, recreational or educational
facilities or service clubs but shall not be used for advertising.
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Institutional Event Sign means a sign installed, erected or displayed for public educational
institutions, public hospitals and public libraries and other civic organizations (but does not include
places of worship) consisting of permanent lettering identifying the establishment and address,
which includes changeable copy as an integral part of a free standing or fascia sign;
Menu Board means a free standing sign used to display food and beverages available and may
include the price of such item for drive-thru food services establishments only;
Mobile Read-A-Board Sign means any sign or sign structure designed for temporary placement or
erection on a site and constructed to support, carry or display an area of changeable copy but is
not permanently attached to the ground or a building and/or any sign or sign structure designed for
the temporary placing of copy, letters or messages;
Model Home Real Estate Sign means a non-illuminated sign that is permanently installed or
affixed to the ground where the purpose of the sign is to direct attention to model homes;
Municipal Act means chapter M.45 of the Municipal Act 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, as it may from time
to time be amended or replaced;
Municipal Election Sign means a sign, including a mobile read-a-board sign, used to advertise any
person or political party participating in an election for public office, but excluding Provincial and
Federal office;
Mural means an artistic painting on or against a building face but does not include a fascia sign or
a mural sign or include any advertising or promote any business or product;
Mural Sign means a sign that is a combination of a mural and a fascia sign;
Non-Illuminated Plate Identification Sign means a wall sign having the exposed face on a plane
parallel to the plane of such wall, which sign shall not be internally illuminated and shall be used
only for identification, direction and liability notices;
Outer Boulevard means:
(a)
where there is a sidewalk, that part of a road lying between the property line and
nearest edge of the sidewalk; or
(b)
where there is no sidewalk and there is a shoulder, that part of a road lying between the
property line and nearest edge of the shoulder; or
(c)
where there is no sidewalk or shoulder, that part of a road lying between the property
line and the nearest edge of traveled part;
Owner means the person, corporation or agent controlling the property on which the sign is
located;
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Painted Wall Sign means any sign painted upon any outside wall or other integral part of the
building, without the use of independent supports or frames thereof;
Park means a property owned by or made available by lease, agreement or otherwise, to the
Corporation, that is or hereafter may be established, dedicated, set apart or made available for
passive and active recreational use as a public park or garden, or that has been or hereafter may
be placed under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of the Community Services Department on
behalf of Council including any and all buildings, structures, facilities, erections and improvements
located in or on such property, for so long as such property is so established, dedicated, set apart,
made available or under the jurisdiction of the City of Cambridge, as the case may be;
Planning Commissioner means the Commissioner of Planning of the City of Cambridge or his/her
designate for administrative purposes;
Portable Sign means a non-illuminated portable sign, which may include an A-frame sign, which is
not permanently installed or affixed to the ground but does not include a mobile read-a-board sign;
Projecting Sign means a single or double-faced sign which projects perpendicular to the building
wall and such wall is used as the main source of support.
Public Services Advertising means signs installed by or authorized by the City of Cambridge, the
Region of Waterloo, or on behalf of the Province of Ontario or the Government of Canada
including signage for community and charity functions by or on behalf of non-profit organizations.
Real Estate Sign means a non-illuminated sign installed, erected or displayed for the notification
that a premises or portion thereof is for sale, rent or lease, or that such premises has been sold,
rented or leased and which may include information such as to whom a person should enquire
with regard thereto;
Religious Event Sign means a sign installed, erected or displayed for a place of worship consisting
of permanent lettering identifying the place of worship and address and shall include changeable
letters for the hours of services, studies, name of pastor and other similar items;
Road means a road allowance under the jurisdiction of the City of Cambridge;
Roadway means that part of the road that is improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular
traffic, but does not include the shoulder and, where the road includes two or more separate
roadways, the term roadway refers to any one roadway separately and not to all of the roadways
collectively;
Roof Line means the line made by the intersection of the wall of the building with the roof of the
building;
Roof Sign means any sign above the roofline or upper limit of any parapet;
Rotating Sign means any sign or portion of a sign that moves in a revolving or similar manner but
not including motionaugraphy and other multiple-prism signs;
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Shoulder means that part of the road immediately adjacent to the roadway and having a surface
that has been improved for the use of vehicles with asphalt, concrete or gravel;
Sidewalk includes all parts of a road set aside for use by pedestrians;
Sign means and includes any surface, structure or frame made or designed for printing, projecting
or attaching any outdoor announcement, declaration, device, demonstration or insignia used for
direction, information, identification, advertisement, business promotion or promotion of products,
activities or services offered upon the premises and may include a logo or product identification
sign;
Sign Area means the entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed, including any frame or
embellishment that forms an integral part of the display. In the case of a double face or a
multiface sign, all sign faces will be counted in the sign area calculation. The area of individual
letter signs shall be calculated on the basis of the smallest square or rectangle that will enclose the
individual letters or features of the sign;
401 Sign means a fascia sign on a building wall facing Highway 401, a free standing sign and/or a
billboard sign located on a lot where such building and/or lot abuts Highway 401;
Street or Highway means a common and public walkway, street, avenue, parkway, driveway,
square, place, bridge, viaduct or trestle, designed and intended for, or used by, the general public
for the passage of vehicles and having, for the purposes of this by-law, a minimum road allowance
of 12.0 metres;
Street Line means the limit of the street or highway allowance and is the dividing line between a lot
and a street;
Subdivision means an entire plan under a Region of Waterloo subdivision file and not an individual
phase of registration;
Temporary Construction Sign means a non-illuminated sign which is temporarily installed or
affixed to the ground where the purpose of the sign is to provide information on the project and,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall include one or more of the following, the name
of the project, the names and addresses of contractors, architects, engineers, consultants and
related personnel to the project;
Temporary Open House and Model Home A-Frame Real Estate Sign means non illuminated signs
which are not permanently installed or affixed to the ground and forms a double faced inverted V-
type sign and where the purpose of the signs is to direct attention to a real estate open house or
model home event taking place at a location other than the location of the signs. For the purpose
of this by-law, a temporary residential sales office for the sale of residential dwelling units shall be
considered as a model home;
Third Party Advertising means advertising by an establishment or other activity that is not
conducted on the land on which the sign is installed, erected or displayed;
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Traffic Control Device means a sign or pavement marking installed by the City of Cambridge for
the purpose of regulating or guiding traffic and pedestrians and includes traffic control signals;
Transit Shelter Sign means a third party, non-accessory sign attached to a wall of a public shelter
provided by or for the Corporation of the City of Cambridge for the comfort and convenience of
patrons of the public transit system;
Wall Sign means a sign attached to, marked or inscribed on, or erected or placed against a wall
forming part of a building and shall include an awning sign and a painted wall sign;
Weather Canopy Sign means a sign located on any face or side of a weather canopy, which is a
permanent unenclosed roof structure erected for the purpose of sheltering persons from the
weather when using facilities which include, but are not limited to, automated teller machines, fuel
pumps etc.
Yard means any open, uncovered space appurtenant to a building and, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, includes any such land used for such purposes as landscaping,
parking access, etc.;
Yard, Front means a yard extending across the full width of the lot between the front lot line and
the nearest part of any building or structure on the lot, as illustrated on Schedule B attached
hereto;
Yard, Rear means a yard extending across the full width of the lot between the rear lot line and the
nearest part of any building or structure on the lot, as illustrated on Schedule B attached hereto;
Yard, Side means a yard extending from the front yard to the rear yard between the side lot line
and the nearest part of any building or structure on the lot, as illustrated on Schedule B attached
hereto;
Yard, Side, Exterior means a side yard that immediately adjoins a public street, as illustrated on
Schedule B attached hereto;
Yard, Side, Interior means a side yard other than a side yard that immediately adjoins a public
street, as illustrated on Schedule B hereto attached.
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SECTION 3
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CLASS OF SIGNS
Signs shall be permitted only in the area as set forth below for each class of sign. These classes
of sign shall apply in the zone classes established by the City of Cambridge Zoning by-law as
shown below. In the case of a compound zone, as established by the City of Cambridge Zoning
by-law, the sign(s) shall conform to the regulations as set out in the zone class where the use is
permitted.
Residential Signs
• R Zone Class
• RR Zone Class
• RS Zone Class
• RM Zone Class
• R Zone Class With the (CO) Suffix
• RS Zone Class With the (CO) Suffix
Agricultural Signs
• A Zone Class
Institutional Signs
• N Zone Class
Open Space Signs
• OS Zone Class
Commercial Signs
• C Zone Class
• CS Zone Class
Industrial Signs
• M Zone Class except for areas designated Industrial Park
Industrial Park Signs
• M Zone Class in areas designated Industrial Park
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NOTE:
For the purposes of this by-law, Industrial Park lands shall be in an industrial use class zone and
be located:
(a)
specifically in an M1 zone of the City of Cambridge Zoning by-law;
(b)
within the area outlined by a heavy black line on Schedule E (Parts 1 to 5) attached to and
forming part of this by-law.
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SECTION 4
PERMITTED SIGNS BY THE CLASS OF SIGN SUBJECT TO THE REGULATIONS WITHIN
EACH SECTION
RES: Residential
IND/PK: Industrial Park
AGR: Agricultural
COM: Commercial
INST: Institutional
OS: Open Space
IND: Industrial
HCD/DP: Heritage Conservation District
Designated Property: See Section 24 for
details.
PERMITTED: •
TYPE
SECTION
RES
AGR
INST
OS
COM
IND
IND
PK
HCD/
DP
PERMIT
REQ’D
Awning
5
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
yes
Billboard
20
x
x
x
yes
Canopy
6
x
x
x
x
x
yes
Changeable
Copy
11
x
x
x
x
yes
Development
18
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
yes
Directional
21
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
no
Fascia
8
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
yes
Free Standing
9
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
yes
Home
Occupation
23
x
•
x
x
yes
Institutional
Event
12
x
x
yes
Menu Board
27.11
x
yes
Mobile Read-
A-Board
10
x
See
S.
10.7
x
x
x
yes
Model Home
Real Estate
17
x
x
•
•
•
yes
Municipal
Election Sign
25
See
S. 25.
1(a)
•
x
See
S. 25.
1(a)
x
x
x
•
no
Mural Sign
8.6
x
x
x
x
x
yes
Non-
Illuminated
Plate I.D.
22
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
no
Portable
14
x
no
Projecting
7
x
x
x
x
x
yes
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TYPE
SECTION
RES
AGR
INST
OS
COM
IND
IND
PK
HCD/
DP
PERMIT
REQ’D
Real Estate
16
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
no
Religious
Event
13
x
x
x
no
Temporary
Construction
19
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
no
Temporary
Open House
and Model
Home A-
Frame Real
Estate
15
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
no
Weather
Canopy
24
x
yes
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SECTION 5
AWNING SIGN
Means an identification sign or logo painted or affixed flat to the surface of an awning that does
not extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of such awning.
Regulations
1.
Lettering and logos on awnings shall be in accordance with the regulations prescribed in
Section 8.1 of this by-law for fascia signs.
2.
No other attachment to the awning will be permitted.
3.
Minimum height of an awning above a sidewalk or finished grade shall be 2.0 m
whichever is less measured from any part of the awning.
4.
The upper limit of any awning sign shall not project above the roofline. In the case of a
parapet wall, the awning sign shall not project above the parapet.
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SECTION 6
CANOPY SIGN
Means a sign attached to, marked or inscribed on or erected or placed against the canopy of a
building, but does not include awning signs.
Regulations
Canopy signs are permitted only in accordance with the regulations prescribed in section 8 of
this by-law for fascia signs, except that all canopy signs shall have a clearance of more than 2.0
m from the sidewalk or grade, whichever is less.
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SECTION 7
PROJECTING SIGN
Means a single or double-faced sign which projects perpendicular to the building wall and such
wall is used as the main source of support.
Regulations
1. Maximum sign area: 0.6 m
2
per side
2. Projection from building face: 1.0 m
3. Minimum height above grade: 2.5 m
4. No establishment shall have more than one projecting sign for each street frontage.
5. No projecting sign installed or erected in a residential zone or facing a property line adjacent
to any residential zone shall be illuminated.
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SECTION 8
FASCIA SIGN
Means a wall sign and every sign attached to, marked or inscribed on, or erected or placed
against a wall forming part of a building and having the exposed face thereof on a plane
approximately parallel to the plane of such wall and may project from the face of such wall and
shall include a painted wall sign and a
banner sign.
Regulations
1.
Location
a) Maximum Sign
Area
b)
Maximum
Projection
from Wall
c) Illumination
d) Number of
Signs per
Street
Frontage
residential and
agricultural zones
0.8 m
2
0.6 m
prohibited
one per street
frontage
heritage conservation
district and
designated properties
see Section 26
see Section
26
see Section 26
see Section 26
401 Signs in
commercial zones,
Industrial Park and
Industrial zones
1.2 times the width of
the building face to a
maximum of 23 m²
0.6 m
permitted
no restrictions
all others where the
building face is not
more than 15m from
a property line
measured
perpendicular to the
centre line of sign on
such building face
1.2 times the width of
the building face to a
maximum of 15 m
2
for
all fascia signs on such
building face per tenant
0.6 m
permitted (see
Section 8.5)
no restrictions
all others where the
building face is more
than 15m from a
property line
measured
perpendicular to the
centre line of sign on
such building face
the maximum sign area
may be increased 2.5
m
2
for each 5.0 m back
from the 15 m setback
to a maximum of 40 m
2
for all signs on such
building face per tenant
0.6 m
permitted (see
Section 8.5)
no restrictions
Page 19
19
2.
No fascia sign shall project into or cover any openings on any building face.
3.
In the case of a building that has been constructed with a mansard style roof, a fascia
sign shall be permitted against such roof and such sign shall be subject to all applicable
regulations of this by-law.
4.
The upper limit of any fascia sign shall not project above the roofline. In the case of a
parapet wall, the fascia sign shall not project above the parapet. A sign may be located
entirely above the roofline, provided however, that no part of the sign projects above the
highest point of the roof or beyond the limits of a parapet wall.
5.
No fascia sign installed or erected facing a property line adjacent to any residential zone
shall be illuminated.
6.
A mural sign may be marked or inscribed on, or erected or placed against a building face
subject to the following additional regulations:
(a)
notwithstanding Section 8.1(a), the copy area of a mural sign shall not exceed
20% of the total building face that the mural sign is on. The copy area may be
increased to 40% of the total building face that the mural sign is on provided,
however, there are no other types of signs permitted by the by-law installed on
such building face.
(b)
notwithstanding Section 4, a permit will not be required if the copy area of the
mural sign does not exceed 0.4 m
2
.
NOTE: Any sign installed above the roofline pursuant to section 8.4 of this by-law
shall comply with the provisions of the Building Code.
Page 20
20
SECTION 9
FREE STANDING SIGN
Means any sign, except a billboard, supported independently of and visibly separated from a
building or other structure and permanently fixed to the ground.
Regulations
1.
Location
(a)
Front
Yard
Setback
(b)
Exterior
Side
Yard
Setback
(c)
Minimum
Distance
between
all Free
Standing
Signs,
including
Billboard
s
(d)
Maximum
Height of
Sign Above
Grade
(e)
Maximum
Sign Area
per Face
(f) Minimum
Clearance of
Sign Where it
Projects Over
Vehicular
Traffic
residential and
agricultural
zones
1.0 m
1.0 m
15.0 m
1.5 m
0.4 m
2
N/A
institutional
and open
space zones
1.0 m
1.0 m
15.0 m
2.0 m
2.5 m
2
N/A
commercial
zones
1.0 m
1.0 m
15.0 m
10.5 m (see
Section
27.10)
0.3 m
2
for
each 1.0 m
of frontage
to a
maximum
of 20 m
2
per sign
(see
Section
9.2)
4.3 m
industrial
zones
1.0 m
1.0 m
15.0 m
10.5 m (see
Section
27.10)
0.15 m
2
for
each 1.0 m
of frontage
to a
maximum
of 20 m
2
per sign
4.3 m
Page 21
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Location
(a)
Front
Yard
Setback
(b)
Exterior
Side
Yard
Setback
(c)
Minimum
Distance
between
all Free
Standing
Signs,
including
Billboard
s
(d)
Maximum
Height of
Sign Above
Grade
(e)
Maximum
Sign Area
per Face
(f) Minimum
Clearance of
Sign Where it
Projects Over
Vehicular
Traffic
industrial park
1.0 m
1.0 m
15.0 m
4.0 m
0.15 m
2
for
each 1.0 m
of frontage
to a
maximum
of 20 m
2
per sign
N/A
401 signs in
commercial
zones within
60 m of the
property line of
401
3 m
from
401
property
line
1.0 m
15.0 m
10.5 m
0.3 m² for
each 1.0 m
of frontage
to a
maximum
of 46 m²
per sign
4.3 m
401 signs in
industrial park
and industrial
zones within
60 m of the
property line of
401
3 m
from
401
property
line
1.0 m
15.0 m
10.5 m
0.15 m² for
each 1.0 m
of frontage
to a
maximum
of 46 m²
per sign
4.3 m
2.
Notwithstanding section 9.1(e) (Maximum Sign Area) of this by-law, in a commercial zone,
a free standing sign may be allowed a maximum sign area of 30 m
2
per face for each sign
on a property in excess of 4 ha.
3.
The total allowed sign area for a free standing sign, having more than two sign faces, shall
be double the area permitted for one sign face.
4.
Notwithstanding Section 9.1(e) (Maximum Sign Area) of this by-law, a free standing sign
installed or erected on a lot occupied by an apartment house as defined in the City of
Cambridge Zoning by-law may have a sign area not greater than 0.8 m
2
per face.
5.
No free standing sign erected in a residential zone or within 15.0 m of an adjacent
property that is zoned residential shall be illuminated.
Page 22
22
SECTION 10
MOBILE READ-A-BOARD SIGN
Means any sign or sign structure designed for temporary placement or erection on a site and
constructed to support, carry or display an area of changeable copy but is not permanently
attached to the ground or a building and/or any sign or sign structure designed for the temporary
placing of copy, letters or messages.
Regulations
1.
(a)
Front yard setback
zero, but must be located on private property
(b)
Exterior side yard setback
zero, but must be located on private property
(c)
Interior side yard setback
5.0 m
(d)
Minimum distance between signs
50.0 m to another mobile read-a-board sign
already displayed on the same property
(e)
Maximum height of sign
3.0 m
(f)
Maximum sign area per face
6.7 m
2
(g)
Minimum distance from access
driveway
no mobile read-a-board sign shall be located
within the daylighting triangle, as determined
in accordance with Schedule D
(h)
Minimum distance from the
intersection of streets
no mobile read-a-board sign shall be located
within the daylighting triangle, as determined
in accordance with Schedule D
2.
(a)
No permit shall be issued to permit a mobile read-a-board sign to be displayed on
any one property for a period of less than one week or for a consecutive number
of days longer than 60 days.
(b)
No mobile read-a-board sign shall be erected or displayed for a cumulative period
of more than 180 days in any calendar year, per applicant.
(c)
No permit shall be issued more than 30 days in advance of the erection or display
of any mobile read-a-board sign.
3.
A Mobile Sign may be shared by multiple tenants as long as the tenants advertising on the
sign have an establishment on the property where the sign is displayed. The tenant who
obtains the permit shall also advertise on the sign at all times, while the sign is displayed.
Page 23
23
4.
No permit shall be issued to permit a mobile read-a-board sign unless written
authorization for the placement of such mobile read-a-board sign is received by the Chief
Building Official from the landlord/owner or any person on behalf of the landlord/owner of
the property.
5.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this by-law, no mobile read-a-board sign shall be
installed, erected or displayed on any public road allowance or other public lands.
6.
Non-profit and charitable organizations may install, erect or display a mobile read-a-board
sign provided such mobile read-a-board sign conforms to all the regulations of Section 4
and Section 10 of this by-law.
7.
Notwithstanding Section 4 under the heading ‘OS’, organizations authorized by the
Commissioner of Community Services may install, erect or display a mobile read-a-board
sign in the following locations:
(a) Dickson Centre
(b) Duncan McIntosh Centre
(c) Galt Arena Gardens
(d) Hespeler Memorial Arena
(e) Karl Homuth Arena
(f)
Preston Auditorium
(g) Riverside Park entrances at King Street and Speedsville Road
(h) Riverbluffs Park entrance at George Street
(i)
GRCA, Clyde Road
Page 24
24
SECTION 11
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN
Means a sign on which copy can be changed through the use of attachable letters, numerals and
pictorial panels or automatically by electronic switching of lamps or illuminated tubes and shall be
deemed not to mean time and temperature messages.
Regulations
1.
Free Standing Changeable Copy Sign
(a) the sign area shall have a total sign area not greater than the total sign area of the
free standing sign erected under section 9 of this by-law and, in any event not
greater than 6.7 m
2
for each sign face and such sign face may be provided in
addition to the sign area of the free standing sign permitted in section 9 of this by-
law.
(b) the changeable copy sign shall be an integral part of the free standing sign.
2.
Changeable Copy Fascia Sign
(a) the changeable copy sign shall have a total sign area that does not exceed the total
area of the fascia sign erected for the same establishment under section 8 of this by-
law and in any event, not greater than 6.7 m
2
.
Page 25
25
SECTION 12
INSTITUTIONAL EVENT SIGN
Means a sign installed, erected or displayed for public educational institutions, public hospitals
and public libraries and other civic organizations (but does not include places of worship)
consisting of permanent lettering identifying the establishment and address, which includes
changeable copy as an integral part of a free standing or fascia sign.
Regulations
1.
Free Standing Sign
(a)
Front yard setback: 1.0 m
(b)
Exterior side yard setback: 1.0 m
(c)
Maximum sign area: 3.0 m
2
per sign face (6.0 m
2
total)
(d)
Maximum height of sign above grade: 2.0 m
(e)
Minimum distance between all free standing signs: 15 m
2.
Fascia Sign
(a)
Maximum sign area: 3.0 m²
(b)
Sections 8.1(b), 8.3, 8.4 and 8.5 of this by-law shall also apply.
Page 26
26
SECTION 13
RELIGIOUS EVENT SIGN
Means a sign installed, erected or displayed for a place of worship consisting of permanent
lettering identifying the place of worship and address and shall include changeable letters for the
hours of services, studies, name of pastor and other similar items.
Regulations
1.
Free Standing Sign
(a)
Front yard setback: 1.0 m
(b)
Exterior side yard setback: 1.0 m
(c)
Maximum sign area: 3.0 m
2
per sign face (6.0 m
2
total)
(d)
Maximum height of sign above grade: 2.0 m
(e)
Minimum distance between free standing signs: 15 m
2.
Fascia Sign
(a)
Maximum sign area: 3.0 m
2
(b)
Sections 8.1(b), 8.3, 8.4 and 8.5 of this by-law shall also apply.
Page 27
27
SECTION 14
PORTABLE SIGN
Means a non-illuminated portable sign, which may include an A-frame sign, which is not
permanently installed or affixed to the ground, but does not include a mobile read-a-board sign.
Regulations
1.
Maximum sign areas: 0.8 m
2
per sign face (1.6 m
2
total)
2.
Maximum height of sign above grade: 1.0 m
3.
Maximum number of signs: one sign for each property having 30.0 m of lot frontage or
part thereof
4.
No portable sign shall be placed which would obstruct the view of drivers of vehicles on
the street or the movement of pedestrians on a sidewalk.
Page 28
28
SECTION 15
TEMPORARY OPEN HOUSE AND MODEL HOME A-FRAME REAL ESTATE SIGN
Means non-illuminated signs which are not permanently installed or affixed to the ground and
forms a double faced inverted V-type sign and where the purpose of the signs is to direct
attention to a real estate open house or model home event taking place at a location other than
the location of the signs. For the purpose of this by-law, a temporary residential sales office for
the sale of residential dwelling units shall be considered as a model home.
Regulations
1.
Maximum sign area: 0.8 m
2
per sign face (1.6 m
2
total)
2.
Maximum height of sign above grade: 1.0 m
3.
Maximum number of signs: four signs for each intersection for all owners of such signs
for each street intersection
4.
A temporary open house or model home A-frame real estate sign is allowed on a public
road allowance provided such sign is not located on the sidewalk and in no case closer
than 0.3 m from the curb or in the case where there is no curb 3.0m from the edge of the
traveled portion of all streets.
5.
No temporary open house or model home A-frame real estate sign shall be placed which
would obstruct the view of drivers of vehicles on the street.
6.
If a temporary open house or model home A-frame real estate sign is located on private
property, written approval from the owner of the land will be required.
7.
A temporary open house and model home A-frame real estate sign may not be placed
more than 3 hours prior or after the event except on weekends such sign may not be
placed more than 3 hours prior to the event on Saturdays and may remain until 3 hours
after the event on Sunday.
8.
Notwithstanding the definition of temporary open house and model home A-frame real
estate sign in this by-law, a temporary open house sign may be located on the site of such
open house in addition to other real estate signs and the regulations prescribed in
sections 15.1 and 15.2 shall apply.
Page 29
29
SECTION 16
REAL ESTATE SIGN
Means a non-illuminated sign installed, erected or displayed for the notification that a premises
or portion thereof is for sale, rent or lease, or that such premises has been sold, rented or leased
and which may include information such as to whom a person should inquire with regard thereto.
Regulations
1.
Free Standing Sign
(a)
Residential, Institutional, Agricultural, Open Space Zones and all types of
individual condominium units (excluding the RM zone classifications under the
provisions of the City of Cambridge Zoning by-law)
(i)
Maximum sign area: 0.8 m
2
per sign face (1.6 m
2
total)
(ii)
Maximum height of sign above grade: 2.0 m
(iii)
Maximum number of signs: one sign for each street frontage
(b)
Industrial Park, Industrial, Commercial Zones and RM Zone Classifications
(excluding all types of individual condominium units)
(i)
Front yard setback: 1.0 m
(ii)
Exterior side yard setback: 1.0 m
(iii)
Maximum sign area:
(1)
less than 30.0 m lot frontage: 4.5 m
2
per sign face (9.0 m
2
total)
(2)
30.0 m or more lot frontage: 0.15 m
2
per 1.0 m of street
frontage per sign face (22.0 m
2
maximum)
(iv)
Maximum height of sign above grade: 4.5 m
(v)
Maximum number of signs: one for each street frontage
Page 30
30
2.
Fascia Sign
(a)
Residential, Institutional, Agricultural and Open Space Zones and all types of
individual condominium units (excluding the RM zone classifications under the
provisions of the City of Cambridge Zoning by-law)
(i)
Maximum sign area: 0.8 m
2
(ii)
The regulations prescribed in sections 8.1(b), 8.2, 8.4 and 8.5 of this
by-law shall also apply.
(b)
Industrial Park, Industrial, Commercial Zones and RM Zone Classifications
(excluding all types of individual condominium units)
(i)
Maximum sign area: 4.5 m
2
(ii)
The regulations prescribed in sections 8.1(b), (c) and (d), 8.2, 8.3, 8.4
and 8.5 shall also apply.
Page 31
31
SECTION 17
MODEL HOME REAL ESTATE SIGN
Means a non-illuminated free standing sign that is permanently installed or affixed to the ground
where the purpose of the sign is to direct attention to model homes.
Regulations
Free Standing Sign
1.
Front yard setback: 1.0 m
2.
Exterior side yard setback: 1.0 m
3.
(a)
Maximum sign area on the site of a model home: 4.5 m
2
per sign face (9.0 m²
total)
(b)
Maximum sign area not located on the site of a model home: 9.5 m² per sign face
(19 m² total)
4.
Maximum height of sign above grade: 4.5 m
5.
Minimum rear yard: 7.5 m
6.
Maximum number of signs:
(a)
one sign on the site of a model home and
(b)
one sign for each builder per subdivision not located on the site of a model home
and the sign shall be located on vacant privately-owned land with written
approval from the owner of such land
7.
Minimum distance between all free standing signs: 15 m
Page 32
32
SECTION 18
DEVELOPMENT SIGN
Means a non-illuminated free standing sign which is installed or affixed to the ground on the site
of the subdivision or project where the purpose of the sign is to provide information on the
development and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall include one or more of the
following, the name of the subdivision or project, prices and the names and addresses of
architects, consultants, developers, builders and related personnel to the development.
Regulations
1.
Front yard setback: 1.0 m
2.
Exterior side yard setback: 1.0 m
3.
Maximum sign area: 9.5 m
2
per sign face (19.0 m
2
total)
4.
Maximum height of sign above grade: 4.5 m
5.
Minimum rear yard: 7.5 m
6.
Maximum number of signs: one sign for each street frontage (two maximum)
7.
Minimum distance between all free standing signs: 15 m
8.
All development signs shall be removed upon substantial completion of the subdivision or
project.
Page 33
33
SECTION 19
TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION SIGN
Means a non-illuminated free standing sign which is temporarily installed or affixed to the ground
which shall be located on the site of the development and where the purpose of the sign is to
provide information on the project and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall
include one or more of the following, the name of the project, the names and addresses of
contractors, architects, engineers, consultants and related personnel to the project.
Regulations
1.
Front yard setback: 1.0 m
2.
Exterior side yard setback: 1.0 m
3.
Maximum sign area: 9.5 m
2
per sign face (19.0 m
2
total)
4.
Maximum height of sign above grade: 4.5 m
5.
Minimum rear yard: 7.5 m
6.
Maximum number of signs: one sign for each street frontage (two maximum)
7.
Minimum distance between all free standing signs: 15 m
8.
All temporary construction signs shall be removed upon substantial completion of the
project.
Page 34
34
SECTION 20
BILLBOARD SIGN
Means a third party, non-accessory sign that advertises goods, products, services or facilities
that are not available at the location where the sign is situated or that directs persons to a
location different from that where the sign is located.
Regulations
1.
Location
(a)
Front,
Exterior
Side
Yard &
Hwy.
401
Setback
(b) Rear
&
Interior
Side
Yard
Setback
s
(c)
Minimum
Distance
between
other
Billboard
Signs
(d)
Minimum
Distance
from other
Free
Standing
Signs
(e)
Maximum
Height of
Sign
Above
Grade
(f) Maximum
Sign Area Per
Face
commercial
and industrial
zones except
industrial park
6 m
3.5 m
500 m, but
if on the
same
street, see
Schedule
C (Part 1)
15 m
6 m
22 m²
industrial park
12 m
3.5 m
500 m, but
if on the
same
street, see
Schedule
C (Part 1)
15 m
6 m
22 m²
401 signs in
commercial
zones,
industrial
zones and
industrial park,
within 60 m of
the property
line of Hwy
401
6 m
3.5 m
500 m, but
if on the
same
street, see
Schedule
C (Part 1)
15 m
9 m
46 m²
Page 35
35
2.
Prohibited Locations: Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, no billboard
sign shall be erected:
(a)
on a lot upon which any other building or structure is erected;
(b)
in any public park, conservation area or public open space;
(c)
within 100 m of any residential, institutional, agricultural or open space zone
established by the City of Cambridge Zoning by-law, as illustrated in Schedule C
(Part 2) attached hereto.
3.
Removal: The owner of a billboard sign or of the lot upon which a billboard sign has been
erected shall cause the billboard sign to be removed from the lot prior to the construction
of any other building or structure on the same lot.
4.
No billboard sign shall be on display at any one time at a ratio of more than one billboard
sign for each 2000 persons in the population of the City of Cambridge.
Page 36
36
SECTION 21
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
1.
Free Standing Directional Sign
Means a sign supported independently of and visibly separated from a building or structure and
permanently fixed to the ground and shall be used for the direction of pedestrian and/or motor
vehicle traffic but shall not be used for advertising, except for the logo or name of the
establishment.
Regulations
(a)
Maximum sign area: 0.6 m
2
(0.3 m
2
per face)
(b)
Maximum height of sign above grade: 1.5 m
2.
Institutional Directional Sign
Means a sign erected on a road allowance to inform the public of the location of the Business
Improvement areas, public buildings, institutions, recreational or educational facilities or service
clubs but shall not be used for advertisement.
Regulations
(a)
Maximum sign area: 0.2 m
2
(b)
Signs must be approved and erected by the Traffic Divisions of the City of Cambridge or
the Region of Waterloo and if located on a provincial highway approval must be granted
by the Ministry of Transportation.
(c)
Signs must be erected in compliance with Section 27.5 of this by-law.
Page 37
37
SECTION 22
NON-ILLUMINATED PLATE IDENTIFICATION SIGN
Means a wall sign having the exposed face on a plane parallel to the plane of such wall, which
sign shall not be internally illuminated and shall be used only for identification, direction and
liability notices.
Regulations
1.
A non-illuminated plate identification sign shall not exceed 0.4 m
2
in area for each tenant
or occupancy and shall otherwise conform to the regulations prescribed in section 8 of this
by-law.
2.
One non-illuminated plate identification sign shall be permitted for each tenant or
occupancy of any building or structure and shall not project more than 0.08 m from the
face of such wall.
3.
Non-illuminated plate identification signs will be allowed in addition to all other signs
permitted by this by-law.
Page 38
38
SECTION 23
HOME OCCUPATION SIGN
Means a non-illuminated sign installed, erected or displayed for a home occupation identifying
the business and containing no other message or advertising.
Regulations
1.
Free Standing Sign
(a) front yard set back: 3.0 m
(b) exterior side yard set back: 3.0 m
(c) maximum sign area: 0.15 m²
(d) maximum sign height: 1.5 m
2.
Fascia Sign
(a) maximum sign area: 0.15 m², but may be increased 0.05 m
2
for each 3.0 m back from
the 6.0 m setback to a maximum of 0.8 m
2
.
3.
Projecting Sign
(a) maximum sign area: 0.15m
2
, but may be increased 0.05 m
2
for each 3.0 m back from
the 6.0 m setback to a maximum of 0.3 m
2
(b) projection from building face: 1.0 m
(c) minimum height above grade: 2.5 m
Page 39
39
SECTION 24
WEATHER CANOPY SIGN
Means a sign located on any face or side of a weather canopy which is a permanent unenclosed
roof structure erected for the purpose of sheltering persons from the weather when using
facilities which include, but are not limited to, automated teller machines, fuel pumps etc.
1.
A weather canopy sign shall be situated between the lower and upper limits of the
canopy’s roof structure fascia.
2.
A weather canopy sign shall conform to the regulations prescribed in section 8 of the by-
law for fascia signs on buildings.
Page 40
40
SECTION 25
MUNICIPAL ELECTION SIGN
Municipal Election sign means a sign, including a mobile read-a-board sign, used to advertise any
person or political party participating in an election for public office, but excluding Provincial and
Federal office.
Regulations:
1.
All signs except Mobile
Read-a-Board Signs
Mobile Read-a-Board Signs
(a) Permitted Locations
all zones except parks
all zones except Res. and OS
zones
(b) Setback from outer edge of
sidewalk on an outer
boulevard
0.5 m
N/A
(c)
Setback from outer edge of a
shoulder on an outer
boulevard where there is no
sidewalk
0.5 m
N/A
(d) Setback from outer edge of a
roadway on an outer
boulevard where there is no
sidewalk or shoulder
3.0 m
N/A
(e) Front yard and exterior side
yard setback from street line
N/A
Zero
(f)
Interior side yard setback
N/A
5.0 m
(g) Minimum distance between
signs
N/A
50.0 m to another mobile read-
a-board sign already displayed
on the same property
(h) Maximum sign area per face
on an outer boulevard of a
road
1.5 m
2
N/A
(i)
Maximum sign area per face
not located on a road
1.5 m². If it exceeds 1.5
m², the size must comply
with the zone in which the
sign is located.
6.7 m
2
(j)
Maximum height of sign on
an outer boulevard of a road
1.5 m
N/A
(k)
Maximum height of sign not
located on a road
The height must comply
with the zone in which the
sign is located.
3.0 m
(l)
Illumination
Allowed except in Res.
and OS zones.
Allowed
(m) ) Daylight triangle at the
intersection of streets and
driveways
See Schedule D.
See Schedule D.
Page 41
41
All signs except Mobile
Read-a-Board Signs
Mobile Read-a-Board Signs
(n) Obstruction
The election sign shall
not obstruct the visibility
of pedestrians, vehicles
or traffic devices.
The election sign shall not
obstruct the visibility of
pedestrians, vehicles or traffic
devices.
(o) Removal of signs
72 hours following the
election date
72 hours following the election
date
2.
When a municipal election sign is placed on the outer boulevard of the road pursuant to
section 25.1, approvals from the owner of the property adjacent to such municipal election
sign will be required.
Page 42
42
SECTION 26
HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS AND DESIGNATED BUILDINGS
1.
(a)
All proposed signs in Heritage Conservation Districts; see Schedule F, and on
Designated properties, as summarized on Schedule H, shall be forwarded to the
Heritage Planner for Cambridge Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee approval
before being erected. However, the Cambridge Municipal Heritage Advisory
Committee is not empowered to refuse to approve the plans or drawings of such
signs referred to in this section of the by-law and shall refer such plans and
drawings where refusal is recommended to the Council of the Corporation of the
City of Cambridge.
(b)
All proposed signs in Heritage Conservation Districts and on Designated
Properties shall be accompanied by scale drawings showing:
(i)
the building(s) where the sign is to be located;
(ii)
the type of sign;
(iii)
the dimension of the sign along with any design or lettering;
(iv)
materials and colour of which the sign is to be constructed;
(v)
a cross-section of the sign showing the bracket and method of affixing
the sign to the wall; and
(vi)
any means of external illumination of the sign.
2.
The regulations prescribed in sections 8.1(a), 11.2, 13.2(a) and (b), 22.1 and 22.3 shall
not apply to the permitted signs in Heritage Conservation Districts and on Designated
Properties and the following regulations shall apply in their stead:
(a)
A wall sign shall have a total sign area not greater than 0.3 m
2
for each 1.0 m of
linear frontage of the building wall upon which the sign is located and, in any
event, not greater than 1.25 m
2
for each sign.
(b)
No sign installed or erected in Heritage Conservation Districts and on Designated
Properties shall be internally illuminated.
(c)
No business establishment shall have more than one sign per storey for each
building face of such establishment.
3.
Notwithstanding Sections 26.2(a) and (b), an existing wall sign used in a previous location
may be installed or erected in a Heritage Conservation District and on a designated
properties for a period of time not exceeding 90 days.
4.
Signs, other than wall signs, permitted pursuant to section 4 of this by-law shall comply
with sections 11.1, 13.1, 15, 16.1(a), 16.1(b), 18, 19, 21 and 25.
Page 43
43
SECTION 27
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.
Spot and flood lights used to illuminate a sign shall be so arranged as to deflect light away
from adjacent premises or streets.
2.
All electrical signs shall conform to C.S.A. standards.
3.
Flashing lights, animated signs, balloon signs, moving, swinging and revolving signs are
not permitted in the City of Cambridge.
4.
No third party advertising shall be permitted other than
(a)
a sign erected or displayed by any person or agency, on lands, buildings or
structures owned by the City of Cambridge provided such sign is approved by the
Council of the City of Cambridge
(b)
public service advertising
(c)billboards
(d)
temporary open house and model "A" frame real estate signs
(e)
free standing model home real estate signs
(f)
a sign approved by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo or the Province of
Ontario
5.
No sign shall be located in such a manner as to materially impede the view of any lane,
street or highway intersection or in such a manner as to materially impede the view of a
street or highway with a railroad grade crossing.
6.
This by-law shall be deemed not to prohibit the posting of signs or the painting of letters
on the interior surface of any window or glass door in any building or the placing of any
sign or advertising device in the interior of a building.
7.
Except where permitted in this by-law, no sign shall be fixed, attached on or painted onto
fences, boards, trees or utility poles.
8.
(a)
Legal non-conforming uses that existed on the date of the passing of this by-law
and/or any use allowed pursuant to section 4 of the City of Cambridge Zoning By-
law shall be permitted to have signs as if the premises were located in a zone that
such use would be permitted under the provisions of the City of Cambridge
Zoning by-law.
(b)
Local Shopping Centres in industrial zones permitted pursuant to section 4 of the
City of Cambridge Zoning by-law and a hotel/motel permitted in the M1 zone
shall be permitted to have signs as if the premises were located in a commercial
zone.
9.
Subdivision zoning map signs are required and must be erected pursuant to the City of
Cambridge Subdivision Agreement. A permit is not required.
10.
All signs shall be required to conform to the requirements set out in Part 3 and Part 4 of
the Building Code.
Page 44
44
11.
Menu Boards that are under 2.5 m2 in total area are exempt from the sign area
calculations under the other provisions of this by-law.
12.
In the event that any section of this by-law, including any section or part of any of the
schedules, is declared by a Court of competent jurisdiction to be ultra-vires, the remaining
parts shall remain valid and binding and shall be read as if the offending section had been
struck out.
13.
Signs that are not specifically permitted by this by-law are prohibited in the City.
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SECTION 28
INSPECTION AND APPROVAL FEES
The fees payable for the inspection and approval of plans required pursuant to this by-law are
those established by the City of Cambridge from time to time through the Annual Municipal Rate
Review.
SECTION 29
REPLACEMENT OF NON-CONFORMING SIGNS
Any existing sign or other advertising device which does not conform to the provisions of this by-
law shall not be relocated, rebuilt, reconstructed, altered, restored or replaced except in
accordance with the provisions of this by-law and a permit therefor has been issued in
accordance with Section 36 provided, however, that a change in the message displayed by a
sign or other advertising device shall not in itself constitute an alteration such as to require the
issuance of a permit.
SECTION 30
MAINTENANCE
The owner, lessee or agent of the land or premises upon which any sign or advertising device is
located and the owner and lessee of the sign shall maintain, or cause such sign or advertising
device to be maintained, in a proper state or repair so that such sign or advertising device does
not become unsafe, unsightly, dangerous or defective and so that such sign shall be completely
operative at all times.
SECTION 31
LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES
The provisions of this by-law shall not be construed as relieving or limiting the responsibility or
liability of any person installing, erecting or displaying any sign or advertising device for personal
injury or property damage resulting from the installation, erection or display of such sign or
advertising device or resulting from the negligence or willful act of such person or his or her
agents or employees in the construction, erection, maintenance, repair or removal of any sign or
other advertising device installed, erected or displayed in accordance with a permit issued
hereunder; nor shall the provisions of this by-law be construed as imposing upon the Corporation
of the City of Cambridge or upon any officer or employee thereof any responsibility or liability
whatsoever by reason of the approval of, or issuance of a permit for, a sign or other advertising
device under the provisions of this by-law.
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SECTION 32
REMOVAL OF SIGNS IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE by-law
1.
Any person who has caused a sign or other advertising device to be erected, displayed or
altered without first having obtained a permit to do so, or having obtained a permit, has
caused a sign or other advertising device to be erected, displayed or altered contrary to
the approved plans in respect of which the permit was issued, shall make such sign or
advertising device comply with this by-law or shall remove such sign or other advertising
device within 14 days of receipt of notice from the City that such sign or other advertising
device is in contravention of this by-law.
2.
Such notice may be served in any one of the following ways:
(a)
by prepaid registered mail to the owner of the lands on which the sign or other
advertising device is situate at the address of such owner shown on the last
revised assessment roll; or
(b)
by posting a conspicuous notice on or near the sign or other advertising device; or
(c)by personal service on any person apparently in occupation and control of the lands on
which the sign or other advertising device is situate; or
(d)
if a sign permit has been applied for, by prepaid registered mail to the owner of
the lands named in the sign application.
3.
Such notice shall be in writing, shall identify by municipal address the lands upon which
the sign is situate and shall specify the particulars of non-compliance with this by-law.
4.
Such notice shall be signed by the by-law Enforcement Officer and shall state that the
sign must be pulled down and removed at the expense of the owner of the sign on the
expiry of 14 days from the date of service of the notice unless the sign is made to comply
with this by-law before such time elapses.
5.
Upon the expiry of such 14 day period, if the sign has not been made to comply with this
by-law or has not been removed by the owner, the by-law Enforcement Officer may cause
such sign to be pulled down or removed at the expense of the owner of the sign. Any
costs incurred by the City may be recovered in like manner as municipal taxes on the
property where the sign was located or may be recovered by action pursuant to the
Municipal Act.
6.
The remedies provided for this section may be proceeded with prior to and
notwithstanding that no prosecution and conviction has been obtained under Section 32 of
this by-law.
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7.
Notwithstanding paragraphs 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of this section, A-frame signs, portable signs,
temporary open house signs, model home A-frame real estate signs and mobile read-a-
board signs that are erected or displayed contrary to this by-law shall be removed by the
owner thereof within two days after service of a notice from the City of Cambridge
advising that such sign or other advertising device is in contravention of this by-law. Such
notice shall be served in the manner provided by subsection 2 of this section. Such notice
shall be in writing, shall identify by the municipal address the lands upon which the sign is
situate and shall specify the particulars of non-compliance with this by-law.
If such sign or other advertising device has not been removed by the owner as required
herein, the by-law Enforcement Officer may cause such sign to be removed at the
expense of the owner of the sign and any costs incurred by the City may be recovered in
like manner as municipal taxes on the property where the sign was located or may be
recovered by action pursuant to section 427 of the Municipal Act 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25.
The remedies provided for hereby may be proceeded with prior to and notwithstanding
that no prosecution and conviction has been obtained under section 32 of this by-law.
8.
Notwithstanding paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of this section, the removal of municipal
election signs shall be as follows:
(a) the Commissioner of Planning Services for the City of Cambridge is authorized to
take down or remove or cause to be removed immediately without notice and at
the risk of its owner, a municipal election sign that is placed in contravention of
this by-law;
(b) a municipal election sign removed pursuant to this by-law shall be stored by the
City of Cambridge for a period of not less than 45 days during which time the
Owner or agent may retrieve the municipal election sign;
(c) where a municipal election sign has been removed by the City of Cambridge and
stored for a period of at least 45 days and such sign has not been retrieved, the
municipal election sign may be destroyed forthwith or otherwise disposed of by
the City of Cambridge without any notice or compensation to the owner thereof.
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SECTION 33
VIOLATIONS
1.
Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this by-law is guilty of an offence
and upon conviction is liable to a fine as provided for in the Provincial Offences Act.
2.
The owner of the sign, the owner of the land, the owner of the building, the lessee of the
land, the lessee of the building and the occupant of the property on which the sign is
located, shall be deemed to commit the offence.
SECTION 34
EFFECTIVE DATE
1.
This by-law shall come into force and have effect on and from the date of its enactment
and, subject to section 29, shall govern all signs erected or displayed on and after that
date. by-law 129-92 as amended continues in force and effect and governs all signs
erected or displayed before the day this by-law is enacted.
2.
If any portion of this by-law shall be found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid
for any reason, the said part shall be deleted herefrom and the remaining parts of the by-
law shall remain in full force.
SECTION 35
APPLICATION OF by-law
1.
No person shall erect, display, alter or permit to be erected, displayed or altered, any sign
or advertising device which does not conform in all respects to the provisions of this by-
law and every other by-law of the City applicable thereto.
2.
Signs that are not specifically permitted by this by-law are prohibited in the City.
3.
Every sign shall be maintained at all times in a safe condition and free from any defect
whatsoever.
4.
This by-law shall not apply to:
(a)
a sign erected or displayed by any person or agency on lands, buildings or
structures owned by the City of Cambridge and/or the Regional Municipality of
Waterloo, where
(i)
such sign(s) conforms to this by-law;
(ii)
such sign(s) does not conform to this by-law and has been approved by
the Commissioner of Planning Services or the Council of the City of
Cambridge;
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(b)
for public service advertising;
(c)street decorations installed or authorized by the City Engineer;
(d)
signs permitted by an Elections Act or municipal election signs;
(e)
banner signs installed or erected in the Business Improvement Areas, as
established by the City of Cambridge, provided, however, that the installation or
erection of such banner signs has been authorized by the Business Improvement
Area Associations;
(f)
subdivision zoning map signs required under the City of Cambridge Subdivision
agreement;
(g)
signs approved by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and the Province of
Ontario;
(h)
murals but does not include a mural sign;
(i)
protest signs.
5.
Signs issued to "charitable organizations" shall be exempt from payment of sign permit
fees but a permit will be required. Charitable organizations shall include:
(a)
places of worship (churches, cemeteries);
(b)
public educational institutions (universities, public and separate schools, high
schools);
(c)philanthropic educational or religious seminaries (for the purpose of learning of
religion);
(d)
public hospitals (under Public Hospitals Act);
(e)
municipal property (under the Municipal Affairs Act);
(f)
Boy Scouts and Girl Guides (under charter);
(g)
industrial farms (used as refuge, institution for offenders, care of children, boys
and girls homes);
(h)
charitable institutions (Red Cross Society, St. John’s Ambulance, Children’s Aid
Society, institutions conducted other than for profit or gain);
(i)
scientific or literary institutions (Public Library, Agricultural or Horticultural
Society);
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(j)
Navy League of Canada;
(k)Optimist Club.
6.
All signs erected, displayed, altered or permitted to be erected, displayed or altered, shall
conform in all respects to the provisions of this by-law save and except any signs located
in a Heritage Conservation District and/or on any designated heritage building which shall
also conform in all respects to section 26 of this by-law.
SECTION 36
APPLICATION FOR PERMIT
1.
No person or persons shall erect, permit to be erected, display, permit to be displayed,
alter or permit to be altered any sign or advertising device within the City of Cambridge
without first obtaining a sign permit certifying to the approval of the sign from the Chief
Building Official and, before the issuance of the said sign permit, all fees shall be paid
and the plans shall be inspected for conformity to this by-law and every other by-law of
the City of Cambridge and the Building Code Regulation 403/97, as it may be amended
from time to time.
2.
Such permit shall expire if work is not commenced within a period of 180 days from the
date of its issuance.
3.
A change in the message displayed by the sign or other advertising device does not in
itself constitute an alteration so as to require a permit.
SECTION 37
REPEAL OF BY-LAWS
That by-law 129-92 is hereby repealed.
READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME,
ENACTED AND PASSED THIS 24TH DAY OF NOVEMBER A.D., 2003.
"Doug Craig"
MAYOR
"David Calder"
CLERK

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