City of Revelstoke Sign Bylaw No. 2054 A Bylaw to regulate the number, type, form, appearance and location of signs on private property in the City, and to regulate and impose requirements in relation to the erection, placing, alteration, maintenance, demolition and removal of signs, sign boards, advertisements, advertising devices and structures on private property and encroaching into public roadway within the City. NOW THEREFORE the Council of the City of Revelstoke, Province of British Columbia in open meeting assembled enacts as follows: Section 1 Title and Repeal 1.1 This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as "Sign Bylaw No. 2054". 1.2 This Bylaw repeals Sign Bylaw No. 1864 and all amendments thereto. Section 2 Definitions 2.1 Words appearing in bold are defined terms under this Bylaw. 2.2 In this bylaw, the following definitions shall apply: Abandoned Sign - means a sign that advertises an activity, product or service no longer conducted on the property on which the sign is located. Animated Sign - means any sign other than a banner sign, flag sign, changeable copy sign or barber pole, which includes action, motion or colour changes on all or any part of the sign. Banner Sign - means a temporary sign composed of lightweight material, including nylon, vinyl, cloth, canvas or similar fabric, either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame, which may be attached to a structure. Billboard - means a third party sign used for the purpose of advertising places, persons, products, services or activities that are not directly related to the parcel on which the sign is located. Building Directory Sign - means a sign that provides a guiding list of the businesses or operations within a building. Building Face - means the total area of a building elevation, extending from grade to the eaves or top of any parapet wall. Building Official means the person appointed to that position by Council, any person authorized by the Building Official to exercise their powers in their absence, and any other person appointed by the Council to administer this Bylaw including the Manager of Development Services and Director of Engineering and Development Services. Canopy, Awning or Marquee - means a temporary or permanent projecting roof or similar structure, which is attached to and supported by a building wall. Canopy/Awning Sign - means a sign placed on, attached to or constructed on the face of an awning, canopy or marquee. Changeable Copy Sign - means a sign on which wording and/or graphics are changed either automatically or manually through the use of attachable letters, numerals and graphic panels or electronic switching of lamps or illuminated tubes. Clearance - means the vertical distance between the bottom of a sign and surface immediately below. Comprehensive Sign Plan - means a plan showing the number, design, colour, size, copy, appearance, location and elevation of all existing and proposed signs on a development site. Construction Sign - means a sign used to identify the owner, general contractor, sub-trades, architect, engineers and others associated with the design, planning and construction of a building under construction. Copy - means the text, illustrations and symbols that make up the messages on a sign. Directional Sign - means any sign that serves solely to direct to places or areas on a property.
Sign Bylaw No. 2054 Page 2 of 8 Fascia Sign - means a flat sign attached to or painted on a building face which does not extend beyond the building face. Flag Sign - means a sign displayed on a piece of fabric but does not include a flag or emblem of a political, civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization. Flashing Sign - means an illuminated sign other than a changeable copy sign which contains electronic moving or flashing copy, flashing lights or exhibits noticeable changes in light intensity. Freestanding Sign - means a permanent sign that is self-supporting and is not connected to a building, but does not include billboard signs. Grade - means the highest surface elevation of the ground abutting a structural element of any sign or other structure whose height is regulated by this bylaw, except in the case of lots adjacent to the Trans-Canada Highway, in relation to which grade shall mean the level of the surface of the portion of the roadway of the Trans-Canada Highway that is nearest the sign or other structure. Home Occupation Sign - means a sign that identifies a home occupation business being carried out on a residential property. Lot - means the smallest unit in which land is designated as a separate and distinct parcel as shown on the records of the Land Title Office. Parapet/Parapet Wall - means that portion of a perimeter building wall that rises above the roof level. Penthouse Sign - means a sign on a structure projecting above a building roof or parapet, or on a structure forming a wall or screen around equipment mounted on a roof. Portable Sign - means any sign other than a sandwich-board sign that is not permanently attached to the ground or to a building. Projecting Sign - means a sign that projects perpendicularly from a building face. Real Estate Sign - means a temporary sign that displays information indicating that the property or premises on which the sign is located is for sale, lease or rent. Roof Line - means the horizontal line made by the intersection of the wall of a building with the roof of the building or the top edge of a parapet, or in the case of a building with a pitched roof, shall mean to the edge of the eaves. Roof Sign - means a sign erected upon the roof or parapet of a building above the roof line of the building. Revolving Sign - means any sign which as a whole or a portion revolves or rotates. Sandwich Board Sign - means a non-illuminated moveable sign consisting of two flat surfaces joined at the upper end and resting on the ground. Service Event Sign - means a sign that advertises an event being held by a school, church, service club, health and welfare organization, and City sponsored events being held within Revelstoke. Sign - means any structure, device or visual display intended to advertise, to communicate or attract the attention of the public for any purpose. Sign Area - means total area of the face of a sign including the copy, framing, trim, or molding but does not including the supporting structure. The calculation for a double faced sign shall be the area of one face only. Double faced signs shall be constructed so that both sides are the same. Sign Height - means the vertical distance measured from grade to the highest point of a sign for maximum height, and to the bottom of the sign for minimum height. Street - means a highway, road or thoroughfare open to the public, excluding lanes. Subdivision Identification Sign - means a sign identifying by name only a group of 10 or more lots created by subdivision. Temporary Promotional Sign - means a banner sign, displayed for a maximum of 14 days, used to promote the opening of a business, a change of business address, a change of ownership or lessee, or a major business anniversary. Third Party Sign - means a sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered on premises other than the premises on which the sign is located.
Sign Bylaw No. 2054 Page 3 of 8 Under Canopy/Awning Sign - means a sign suspended by an awning, canopy or marquee and located entirely below and under the awning, canopy or marquee. Window Sign - means a sign painted on or affixed to the inside of a window which is visible to the general public. Section 3 General Provisions 3.1 This Bylaw applies to all signs other than municipal, federal or provincial signs. 3.2 No sign shall be altered or relocated unless the sign has been made to conform in all respects with the applicable provisions of this Bylaw. 3.3 Every sign shall be maintained by the property owner as to its structural soundness and appearance such that it does not constitute a hazard to persons in the vicinity or present an unsightly appearance, and for that purpose a sign presents an unsightly appearance if: any painted or stained surface of the sign or supporting structure is chipped or peeling or exhibits visible discoloration, rust or corrosion; (ii) any portion of the copy is faded or otherwise deteriorated so as to render it illegible at the distance from which the sign is intended to be read; (iii) any fabric of which the sign is fabricated, including any fabric comprising an awning, is torn or frayed; (iv) any letter of a sign composed of individually mounted letters is absent; (v) any light bulb or tube is inoperative or any wiring component not functioning; or (vi) the supporting structure or any component thereof has been damaged or has deteriorated such that the sign is not plumb and level. 3.4 If, at any time, any sign does not conform in every respect with the provisions of this Bylaw, the Building Official may give notice to the property owner, or occupier of the land or premises upon which it is displayed, to repair or remove the sign within the period specified in the notice. 3.5 Unless otherwise provided for by this Bylaw, a sign for a business premises may be erected or placed only on that portion of the building that is occupied by the business or activity to which the sign relates, and on a building face that is oriented towards a street. 3.6 The Building Official may order the stop of any erection, construction, alteration, or other establishment of a sign that does not comply with this Bylaw by posting a notice to that effect on the sign or the site of the work and providing a copy of the notice to the property owner or occupier of the premises. Section 4 Prohibitions General Prohibitions 4.1 Except as permitted in Section 5, no person shall erect, construct, alter, paint, move or otherwise establish a sign on a property within the City unless a permit has been issued pursuant to this Bylaw. 4.2 No person shall erect, construct, alter, paint, move or otherwise establish a sign that is not according to the Sign Permit, including the description, plans and specifications of the sign for which the permit has been issued, unless such change has been approved in writing by the City. 4.3 Unless authorized by the City, no person shall reverse, alter, deface, cover, remove or in any way tamper with any notice posted on or fixed to any sign or other structure pursuant to this Bylaw. 4.4 No person shall interfere with or obstruct the entry of the Building Official onto land or premises for the purpose of inspection or otherwise determining whether the requirements of this Bylaw are being met. 4.5 No person shall continue to erect, construct, alter, paint, maintain, move or otherwise establish a sign after the Building Official has ordered cessation of the work, except as authorized by the Building Official.
Sign Bylaw No. 2054 Page 4 of 8 4.6 Signs that are not specifically permitted in this Bylaw are prohibited. Without restricting or limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following signs are prohibited: Section 5 Abandoned Signs; (ii) Animated Signs and Changeable Copy Signs (except Changeable Copy Signs displaying gas prices at gasoline service stations and copy displaying menu items as facia signs for restaurants and coffee shops); (iii) Flag Signs; (iv) Signs mounted on or supported by a balcony; (v) Flashing Signs; (vi) Penthouse Signs; (vii) Portable Signs, except as permitted by Section 5.14 of this Bylaw; (viii) Revolving Signs, and posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, or other similar moving attachments affixed to a sign; (ix) Roof Signs; (x) Third Party Signs other than signs on land comprising a shopping centre or similar comprehensive commercial development included as part of a comprehensive sign plan; (xi) any sign that obstructs any portion of a doorway, window or fire escape; (xii) signs on balloons or other gas-filled devices except to advertise a special event or to identify a new business or change of ownership of premises, provided that the sign is not displayed for more than 7 days; (xiii) signs which by reason of their size, message, location, movement, content, colouring or manner of illumination, may be confused with or construed as a traffic control sign, signal or device, or the light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle, or which conceal from view any traffic or street sign, signal or device; (xiv) signs attached to or located on any vehicle or trailer parked so as to be visible from a street. This does not prohibit any form of permanent signage normally attached to a motor vehicle for the purposes of identifying the owner or operator of the vehicle or the goods or services it contains or provides; and (xv) signs emitting sound, odor or matter. Exemptions to Sign Permit Requirements 5.1 The following signs are permitted on all properties in the City without a permit otherwise required by this Bylaw, subject to the regulations set out in this section and the regulations pertaining to the relevant sign type in Section 6: 5.2 Construction Signs subject to: a maximum sign area of 3.0m 2 (32.3ft²) erected on the site of a building under construction other than a single-family dwelling or duplex; (ii) a maximum sign area of 1.0m 2 (10.8ft²) on the site of a single-family dwelling or duplex under construction; (iii) a maximum sign height of 2.4m (7.9ft); (iv) a maximum of one sign per construction site; and (v) removal of the sign within 14 days of the issuance of an occupancy permit for the building to which the sign pertains. 5.3 Election Signs on behalf of candidates for public office or referenda on election ballots. 5.4 Flags or emblems of political, civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations, to a maximum sign area of 1.5m 2 (16.1ft²). 5.5 Home Occupation signs, to a maximum sign area of 0.2m 2 (2.2ft²). 5.6 Memorial plaques, cornerstones, and like monuments displaying historical building information approved by the City. 5.7 No trespassing, no dumping and no shooting signs to a maximum sign area of 0.2m² (2.2ft²). 5.8 On-site directional signs to a maximum sign area of 0.6m² (6.5ft²), and with a maximum sign height of 2.0m (6.6ft) in the case of a freestanding sign. 5.9 Public notices authorized by City, Provincial or Federal legislation. 5.10 Real Estate Signs, subject to:
Sign Bylaw No. 2054 Page 5 of 8 a maximum sign area of 3.0m 2 (32.2ft²) for signs advertising an entire commercial, industrial or multi-family residential property; (ii) a maximum sign area of 0.6m 2 (6.5ft²) for signs advertising a single-family residential property or a portion only of a commercial or multi-family residential property; (iii) a maximum of one sign per property; and (iv) removal of the signs within two weeks after the property to which they relate is sold, rented, leased or otherwise taken off the market. 5.11 Real Estate Signs advertising a group of lots for sale within a subdivision, including the name of the subdivision, lot and road plans, prices, and the name of the listing real estate agent, provided that the sign is located on the land being subdivided and does not exceed a maximum sign area of 3.0m 2 (32.3ft²) or a maximum sign height or width of 2.4m (7.9ft). 5.12 Open House Signs shall direct to or advertise a real estate open house subject to: a maximum sign area shall be 0.6m 2 (6.5ft 2 ); (ii) display of signs permitted by this section only on the property to which the sign relates or on a vehicle parked on the property or on a street abutting the property; (iii) a limit of one Directional Sign placed on a boulevard at the nearest intersection, sign must not obstruct intersection visibility; and (iv) display of signs permitted under this section only during the hours that the property to which they relate is open to the public for inspection, plus one hour before and after. 5.13 Two Service Event Signs per event. 5.14 One Portable Sign per abutting street for the purpose of advertising petroleum products at a service station, not exceeding a sign area of 2.5m 2 or a sign height of 2.0m, and one sign per pump island not extending beyond the pump island or exceeding a sign area of 2.0m 2 (21.5ft²). 5.15 Temporary Promotional Signs, subject to: a maximum sign area of 1.5m 2 (15.6ft 2 ); and (ii) a maximum of one sign per business premises. 5.16 Window Signs, in zones other than residential zones, with a sign area not exceeding 20% of the total window area. 5.17 Signs erected by the City for any City purpose. 5.18 Signs containing the building s street address only, maximum size 1.0m 2 (10.8ft²). 5.19 Temporary Public Safety Signs. Section 6 Permitted Signs 6.1 Unless otherwise provided for by this Bylaw, a sign shall only be placed, erected or maintained if specifically permitted by the provisions of this Bylaw, and if a permit for the sign has been issued by the Building Official or is exempt under Section 5. Billboard Signs 6.2 Billboard Signs are permitted on lots abutting the Trans-Canada Highway No. 1 (East & West) and Highway 23 (North & South), subject to the following regulations: a Billboard Sign is only permitted on a lot containing no other Freestanding Signs except where the lot has more than 91.5m (300.0ft) of highway frontage. In such instances, more than one Billboard Sign is permitted provided that there is a minimum separation of 91.5m (300.0ft); and (ii) the maximum sign area of a Billboard Sign shall be 20.0m² (215.3ft²). Building Directory Signs 6.3 Building Directory Signs are permitted in all zones of the City other than residential, subject to the following regulations: the maximum sign area is 0.2m 2 (2.2ft²) per business premises to a maximum of 2.0m 2 (21.5ft²) per building or lot; (ii) the sign height shall be a maximum of 2.5m (8.2ft); (iii) a Building Directory Sign shall contain not more than two sides displaying copy; (iv) One Building Directory Sign shall be allowed per building; (v) Building Directory Signs may be freestanding or fascia signs; and
Sign Bylaw No. 2054 Page 6 of 8 (vi) A freestanding Building Directory Sign shall be located in a landscaped area 3m (9.8ft) from a property line abutting intersecting streets or the point of intersection of driveways and streets. In the case of an access road, the 3m (9.8ft) shall be measured back along the edge of the access road or driveway from the point of intersection of highway. Canopy/Awning Signs 6.4 Canopy/Awning Signs are permitted in all zones of the City other than residential, subject to the following regulations: Canopy/Awning Signs shall be limited to one sign per business or one sign per 7.6m (25.0ft) of canopy or awning length; (ii) the maximum sign area shall not exceed 25% of the area of the canopy or awning; and (iii) Canopy/Awning Signs shall be an integral part of the canopy or awning and not an attachment or addition. Under Canopy/Awning Signs 6.5 Under Canopy/Awning Signs are permitted in all zones of the City other than residential, subject to the following regulations: the maximum sign area shall be 0.6m 2 (6.5ft²); (ii) the minimum sign height shall be 2.5m (8.2ft); and (iii) under canopy/awning signs shall be limited to one sign per business, per building face. Fascia Signs 6.6 Fascia Signs are permitted in all zones of the City other than residential, subject to the following regulations: the maximum sign area shall be limited to 15% of the area of the building face. (ii) only one Fascia Sign is permitted per 7.6m (25.0ft) of building face. Freestanding Signs 6.7 Freestanding Signs are permitted in all zones of the City, subject to the following regulations: the maximum sign area shall not exceed 11.5m 2 (123.8ft²) or a maximum sign height of 7.6m (25.0ft); (ii) the minimum sign height of Freestanding Signs located within 3m (9.8ft) of a property line abutting intersecting streets or the point of intersection of driveways and streets shall be 2.5m (8.2ft). In the case of an access road, the 3m (9.8ft) shall be measured back along the edge of the access road or driveway from the point of intersection of highway; (iii) only one Freestanding Sign structure shall be permitted per lot; and (iv) Freestanding Signs in residential areas are permitted only for apartments or townhouses for the purpose of identifying the name of the project, street address, management information and vacancies, and shall not exceed a sign area of 2.5m 2 (26.9ft²) and a maximum sign height of 1.5m (4.9ft). Projecting Signs 6.8 Projecting Signs are permitted in all zones of the City other than residential, subject to the following regulations: the maximum sign area shall be 0.6m 2 (6.5ft²); (ii) the minimum sign height shall be 2.5m (8.2ft); (iii) no part of a Projecting Sign shall be higher than the top of the roof line or wall to which it is affixed; and (iv) Projecting Signs shall display copy on both sides. Subdivision Identification Signs 6.9 Subdivision Identification Signs are permitted at subdivision entrances subject to the following regulations: the maximum sign area shall be 4.0m 2 (43.1ft²); (ii) the maximum sign height shall be 1.8m (5.9ft); (iii) the sign structure shall be set back a minimum of 1.0m (3.3ft) from any property line; and (iv) the Subdivision Identification Sign shall be located in a landscaped area at least twice as large as the permitted sign area.
Sign Bylaw No. 2054 Page 7 of 8 Sandwich Board Signs 6.10 Sandwich Board Signs are permitted in commercial zoning districts subject to the following regulations: Section 7 one Sandwich Board Sign per business; (ii) if located on a public sidewalk or boulevard, a maximum of two Sandwich Board Signs permitted per property frontage, a valid encroachment agreement and liability insurance must be in place prior to permit issuance, permits for Sandwich Board Signs on public sidewalks or boulevards are only valid for one calendar year; (iii) the maximum sign height shall be 0.91m (3.0ft); (iv) the maximum total sign area shall be 1.11m 2 (12ft²) including both sides of the Sandwich Board Sign; (a) Sandwich Board Signs located on public or private sidewalks the must be sited not less than 0.31m (1.0ft) from the curb and there must be a 1.5m (4.92ft) wide clear pedestrian corridor; and (v) Sandwich Board Signs located on public or private boulevards must be sited not less than 0.31m (1.0ft) from the edge of the adjacent roadway. Sign Permits Application for Sign Permits 7.1 Before any person places, erects or alters any sign, they shall make an application for a permit in writing to the City in the form prescribed for the purpose by the Building Official, unless the sign is specifically exempted in Part 5 of this Bylaw. 7.2 The applicant shall in no case proceed with the placing, erection, or altering of any sign until the permit has been issued. 7.3 An application shall include: the name and address of the Sign Permit applicant, the owner of the sign and the registered owner of the land on which the sign will be erected. (ii) a drawing of the sign including copy proposed. (iii) a copy of specifications and scaled drawings (8.5x11 or 11x17) showing, as applicable: (a) the dimensions of the wall surface of the building to which the sign is to be attached; (b) the dimensions of the sign and supporting members, including the method of attachment and character of the structural member to which attachment is to be made; (c) the materials of which the sign is constructed or fabricated; (d) the proposed location of the sign in relation to any building face on which it is to be mounted. (e) the proposed location of the sign in relation to the boundaries of the lot upon which it is to be sited; (f) the size and location of all existing signs on the premises which require a permit under this Bylaw; (g) the sign footing and/or base design details; (h) electrical design for the sign; sealed design drawings prepared by a Professional Engineer when required by the Building Official; (j) if the sign is to be illuminated, the source of illumination and colours; and (k) a current photograph of the building face where the sign is proposed to be attached and photos of all existing signs on site. 7.4 In the case of a development comprising more than one building or business or more than one lot, the Building Official may require the submission of a Comprehensive Sign Plan indicating the number, locations, sizes, and general appearance of all signs proposed to be erected or installed in the development, which shall be coordinated such that the signs present a consistent and unified appearance. 7.5 The Building Official shall issue the sign permit for which an application is made where the proposed sign conforms to this Bylaw and all other applicable Bylaws of the City. 7.6 The permit shall expire if the work or activity authorized by the permit is not completed within a period of 120 days from the date of the issuance of the permit.
Sign Bylaw No. 2054 Page 8 of 8 7.7 The Building Official may require, as a condition of the issuance of any permit, that all or a specified component or construction authorized by the permit be carried out under the supervision of a Professional Engineer registered in the Province of British Columbia, and may refuse to issue a permit unless the applicant provides a letter by a Professional Engineer registered in the Province of British Columbia, undertaking to supervise the work. 7.8 In addition to the Sign Permit, the connection of any electrical sign shall be authorized by a permit issued under the B.C. Electrical Safety Regulation. Owner Responsibilities 7.9 Notwithstanding that the Building Official has issued a permit, approved the drawings and specifications or conducted inspections and approved the work, the owner of the lot upon which a sign is or is to be located, the occupier of the lot upon which a sign is or is to be located and the owner of the sign shall be fully responsible for: Section 8 carrying out all work for which a sign permit has been issued to the standards required by all applicable Bylaws of the City; (ii) constructing and erecting the sign and carrying out the work authorized by the permit under conditions which protect public safety; and (iii) maintaining the sign in accordance with this Bylaw. Enforcement, Violations and Penalty 8.1 The Building Official may enter at all reasonable times upon or into any property, building or structure for the purpose of ascertaining whether the requirements and regulations of this bylaw are being followed. Any obstruction to the administration and enforcement of this bylaw shall be an offence. 8.2 The Building Official may order the cessation, repair, alteration, correction or removal of any sign or works which are in contravention of the provisions of this bylaw. 8.3 Every person who violates any of the provisions of this bylaw or permits any act in contravention of this Bylaw or who neglects to do or refrains from doing anything required by the provisions of this bylaw, commits an offence and each day during which such violation occurs or is allowed to continue shall constitute a separate offence, and upon summary conviction thereof shall be liable to a fine and penalty not exceeding $500.00 and shall be liable to the cost of prosecution. 8.4 This bylaw is designated under the provisions of Section 264 of the Community Charter as a bylaw that may be enforced by means of a ticket in the form prescribed, and in accordance with this bylaw. Section 9 Severability 9.1 If any section, sub-section, clause, phrase or sentence of this bylaw is for any reason held to be invalid by a Court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this bylaw. READ A FIRST TIME THIS 9 th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2014. READ A SECOND TIME THIS 9 th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2014. PUBLIC HEARING HELD THIS 28 th DAY OF OCTOBER, 2014. READ A THIRD TIME THIS 23 rd DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014. ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL THIS 13 th DAY OF JANUARY, 2015. Director of Corporate Administration Mayor