Signage Permits
Signage plays an important role in helping residents, businesses, organizations and event organizers share information, promote activities and guide people safely through our community. To ensure signs are safe, accessible and visually appropriate, the Town of Bracebridge regulates signage through the Sign By-law.
Most permanent signage in the Town of Bracebridge requires a sign permit to be obtained prior to it being installed, however all signage, including signage that doesn't require a permit, is required to follow the requirements of the Sign By-law.
Specific Signage Regulations
Prior to placing or installing any new signage, review the requirements for different signage types below.
General Signage Rules
- Most permanent signs require a permit. Temporary signs often do not, but rules still apply.
- Signs must be well-maintained and removed when no longer relevant.
- Signs must not obstruct sightlines, traffic, or pedestrians.
- Signs cannot be placed in road allowances, medians or sight triangles unless expressly permitted.
- Any sign not specifically permitted by the by-law is prohibited.
Prohibited Signs
The following signage types are explicitly PROHIBITED in the Town of Bracebridge
1. Roof Signs
A Sign that is located on or above the Roof of a building or located on the top of, or above, the Parapet of a building.
2. Feather Banner Signs
A Temporary Sign consisting of non-rigid fabric that is attached to a vertical or curved pole and supported by a portable base, ground spike, or similar device, and which is designed to move with the wind. A Feather Banner Sign does not include a Flag or a Banner Sign.
3. Animated Signs
A Sign with a Sign face or faces that possess a video screen or any kinetic illusionary motion of all or a part of a Sign, including rotations, or any Sign that is projected on a display surface by electronic means.
4. Flashing Signs
"A Sign that 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. A Flashing Sign does not include a Strobe Light, Electronic Message Board Sign or an Animated Sign..."
5. Vehicle & Trailer Signs
Any Sign erected or painted on a vehicle or trailer where the vehicle or trailer is not in weekly operation for transportation and is parked or located in a manner so as to make the vehicle or trailer visible from a street for the purpose of functioning as a Sign.
6. Signs on Public Property / Trees
Any Sign placed or located on park benches, streetscape furniture, utility poles, or trees.
7. Off Site Service and Contractor Signs
Signs advertising services (e.g., roofing, paving, painting, snow removal) are prohibited from being placed on public boulevards, street corners, or utility poles. A contractor may only place a sign on a property if they are currently performing work at that specific location. Placing 'lawn signs' around town to generate business is not permitted.
8. Moving Signs
Any signs that mechanically move, including air-blown inflatable devices that wave, or dance (often referred to as "wacky inflatable tube men" or "sky dancers") are strictly prohibited. While some static (stationary) inflatable signs may be permitted with a specific permit, any sign that mechanically moves or flails is not allowed.
9. Sight Triangles
Any sign that obstructs the view or interferes with pedestrian traffic on the Municipal sidewalk, or the driver of a motor vehicle, the visibility of any traffic Sign or device, or where it interferes with vehicular traffic movement in a manner that could endanger any Person.