Temporary and Permanent Signage Regulations in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
In March 2024, the land use bylaw was updated to include new provisions for signs in the region. These changes ensure that the requirements for signs are simplified, easier to understand, and are more relaxed than they have been historically.
Signs play an important role in supporting businesses and can impact the look and feel of the region. On this page you’ll find different types of signs and how they’re regulated, what this means to businesses and how to make sure you have the correct permits.
These regulations were developed based on feedback received from businesses, signage businesses, community groups, and residents throughout the region.
How to apply
You can apply for the Development Permit online or in-person at the Planning and Development office at 9909 Franklin Ave, Fort McMurray AB T9H 2K4.
Apply now Application checklist
Your application will require the following documents:
- A site plan with sign location
- A sign plan with dimensions
- A certificate of title
Temporary Signs
A temporary sign is a sign which may or may not be portable in nature, and which is located on a parcel for a limited or specified period of time.
- Temporary signs must be positioned at least 5 metres away from fire hydrants.
- They should be setback 1.2 metres from the edge of the road, curb or sidewalk, whichever is nearer.
- They must be placed safely to avoid endangering vehicles or pedestrians.
- They cannot be situated within a corner visibility triangle.
A-board signs |
A-board signs (also called sandwich board signs) are self-supporting two-sided a-shaped sign which is set upon, but not attached to, the ground and has no external supporting structure. Dimensions
Placement
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Portable Signs |
These signs are static only, used for short-term advertising,that can be readily relocated to another location. Portable signs can only be approved for six-month periods for the placement of the sign. Dimensions
Placement
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Election signs |
Election signs inform the public of upcoming elections and candidates for municipal, school board, provincial, or federal election, a vote associated with a local Indigenous government, or any election held pursuant to the Local Authorities Election Act. Dimensions
Placement
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Billboard Signs |
These are large outdoor advertising structures, they stand independently of buildings and may contain first-party or third-party advertising. Billboards are now allowed throughout the entire region to display third-party advertising, however there are many regulations that must be followed if operating a billboard in the Region. Billboards may consist partially or entirely of a digital component but should follow the digital copy and illumination provisions of the bylaw. Dimensions
Placement
Illumination
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Fascia Signs |
Fascia signage is a type of sign or individual letters that are attached directly to, and run parallel with, the face of a building. These signs do not extend above the building's roof or parapet wall and are used only for identifying the business within that building, not for advertising other businesses. Size and Usage
Placement and Location
Design
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Fence Signs |
A fence sign is a flat sign that is attached to a fence or similar structure, but not to a building. Fence signs are intended for identification purposes, such as naming the property or displaying the owner's details. This is a new sign type identified under the new signage regulations. Only first-party advertising is allowed, which means the sign can only promote or give information about the entity located at that specific property. Size and Placement
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Freestanding Signs |
These are signs that stand independently of a building or structure and are supported by their own frame, poles, or base. Used predominantly for the identification of goods and services located on site. Third-party advertising is allowed for 20% of the sign area. Size and Capacity
Advertising area
Placement regulationsNumber of Signs
Location and spacing
Proximity to intersections and roads
Digital features
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Mural |
Murals are decorative designs or artwork, displayed on the exterior wall or surface of a structure, where the primary purpose is for decoration or artistic expression and not created to solely display a commercial message or depiction.
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Roof Sign |
Roof signs are placed on, against or directly above a roof or on top of or above the parapet wall of a building. Dimensions and Location
Quantity and Type
Advertising Restrictions
Visibility and Integration
Illumination:
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Window Sign (including window vinyls) |
Window Sign means a sign which is painted on, attached to, or installed on or inside a window. Provisions for window signs are now broader and more flexible. Dimensions
Location
Advertising Restrictions
Illumination + digital components
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Third-party advertising
The updated bylaw has brought changes to Third-party Advertising on signs in the region. These updates include:
Third-party advertising is not allowed in residential districts and is permissible on billboards and freestanding signs. All third-party advertising signs must be approved by Planning and Development.
Third-party advertising is NOT allowed on portable signs, fascia, roof signs, or fences.
Definitions
Billboard Sign
Means a sign supported by one or more uprights, braces, or pylons and which stands independently of a building and may or may not contain third-party advertising.
Corner Visibility Triangle
Means a triangle having development restrictions formed between two points on a corner lot as more completely described in Part 5, “Section 58 Corner Lot Restrictions” of this Bylaw.
Election Sign
Means a sign connected with a municipal, school board, provincial, or federal election, a vote associated with a local Indigenous government, or any election held pursuant to the Local Authorities Election Act, including, but not limited to, signs describing or promoting the election process or a candidate or party seeking election.
First-party Advertising
First-party Advertising means a sign that contains advertisement to the specific business, service, or activity on same parcel from where the sign is located.
Fascia Sign
means a sign, or individual letters, attached, marked, painted or inscribed on, and parallel to, the face of a building wall, which does not project above the roof or parapet. A fascia sign does not include third-party advertising, an Awning Sign or canopy sign, a mural sign, a Projecting Sign, or incidental signs.
Frontage
Frontage means the entire length of a street facing property line of a parcel.
Freestanding Sign
Freestanding Sign means a sign principally identifying goods and services associated with a parcel supported by one or more uprights, braces or pylons and which stands independently of a building and on the same parcel.
Fence Sign
Means a flat sign affixed to a fence or other similar structure, but not a building.
Mural
Means a graphic design, diagram, picture or artwork, displayed on the exterior wall or surface of a structure, where the primary purpose is for decoration or artistic expression and not created to solely display a commercial message or depiction.
Parcel
Parcel refers to parcel of land as referenced elsewhere in this bylaw.
Portable Sign
Portable Sign means a sign, which is mounted on a frame, stand or similar support which, together with the support, can be readily relocated to another location. A Portable Sign may include copy that can be changed manually through the use of detachable characters or by the replacement of sign imagery.
Permanent Sign
Means a sign that is fastened or affixed to a building or the ground on a parcel.
Roof Sign
Means any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof or on top of or above the parapet wall of a building.
Temporary Sign
Temporary Sign means a sign which may or may not be portable in nature, and which is located on a parcel for a limited or specified period of time.
Third-party Advertising
Third-party Advertising means a sign that contains advertisement for goods, products, services or facilities not principally found on the same parcel where the sign is located.
Window Sign
Means a sign which is painted on, attached to, or installed on or inside a window.