Portable Sign Permit Information

NEW - You Can Now Apply for Portable Sign Permits Online

Permit applications for portable signs can now be submitted online.

The provisions of the City of Brampton Sign By-Law 399-2002, as amended, which governs these signs are described below.

What type of portable sign does the online submission process apply to?

At this time, the online submission process is applicable only for signs known as mobile or trailer signs. These signs are free standing, usually on a framework which is towed or transported to a site for positioning on the ground.

A mobile sign may have two sides and typically contains interchangeable letters.

The maximum permitted letter height is 51 cm (20 in) and the message displayed on the sign must relate to the business for which the permit was issued.

When should a portable sign permit be obtained?

Permits are required prior to a mobile sign being installed on a site and are valid for up to twenty-one (21) days. Tags (formerly stickers) issued by the Building Division of the City of Brampton must be attached to the sign by the applicant as proof that a sign has a permit. Tags must be placed so that they are easily visible from the street.

Where are mobile signs permitted?

Mobile signs are permitted to be placed on private property with the owners written consent.

There may be a maximum of four signs per property road frontage and mobile signs must be separated from one another by at least 46 m (150 ft). Signs may not be placed in a visibility triangle where they may impede sightlines, or in any manner that interferes with pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Click here for a graphical representation of a visibility triangle.

How is the Sign By-Law Enforced?

All provisions relating to portable signs within the Sign By-Law are enforced by City of Brampton Enforcement Officers, 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

How can I obtain a site plan or survey?

A property site plan may be obtained from the Document Services Unit of the City of Brampton Building Division.

*Please note: Site maps saved from Brampton Maps may now be submitted for permit applications for mobile signs.*

The site map must be current and show all driveway entrances and buildings, if the map does not provide this information, please contact the Sign Unit at signunit@brampton.ca for further information.

Instructions on how to copy plans from Brampton Maps can be found here. You are required to show the location of the proposed mobile sign as well as the location of any existing portable sign(s) on the property.

What are the Submission Requirements?

A complete application consists of:

Completed online application form
Site plan or site map showing the location of the proposed and existing sign(s), driveway access and existing buildings. Aerial photographs are permitted provided they are obtained from the City of Brampton website (google maps etc, are not acceptable.)
Confirmation that a minimum of $2 million liability insurance is in effect.
Completed and signed Notice of Permission to Display a Portable Sign. This form is available online for printing and must include an original signature.

Scanned documents must be attached to the online application prior to submission. Instructions on how to do so are found here.

Applications may be submitted up to one week (7 calendar days) in advance of the requested start date of the permit. Please allow 2 to 3 business days for the review of your application.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be processed, you will be required to resubmit the application if it is considered incomplete.

How do I pay for my Mobile Sign Permit?

The following payment is required prior to issuance of your permit, and is now submitted online at the time of application:

New Permit Application $125.00
Application for a Revision to a Permit $100.00

NOTE: All fees are non-refundable.

What if I need to revise a permit or change the location of a sign?

If you need to revise a permit or propose a change to the location of a sign, you will need to submit an application for a revision to the permit

The online application form allows you to choose "revision to an issued permit."

In order to submit an application for a revision to a permit you will require the original permit and PIN number.

Please ensure that the permit and PIN number are entered exactly as provided to you, ensuring that there are no spaces.

Where can I find my permit and PIN number?

The permit and PIN number was provided by email to the original applicant upon issuance of the permit.

Should you need assistance in determining the permit and PIN number, please contact the Sign Unit at signunit@brampton.ca or 905.874.2401 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm.)

How can I obtain technical assistance?

Technical support is available during regular business hours (Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.) by calling 311 or 905.874.2000.

Applications may be submitted up to one week (7 calendar days) in advance of the start date of the permit. The review of your permit application takes approximately two (2) to three (3) working days from the day that you have submitted your application online.

Email notification will be provided if an application cannot be approved.

Once your application has been approved, your permit will be issued to you by email.

The permit card that you receive must be printed and displayed in the store front window. The bottom portion of the permit card contains a tag, this replaces the sticker that was previously provided to you. This tag must be attached to the sign. It is recommended that the tag be plasticized or placed in a clear plastic sleeve to protect it from weather.

The tag must be legible and visible from the street. If the tag is damaged another tag may be printed to replace it.

*NEW - You Can Now Apply for Portable Sign Permits Online*

NEW - You Can Now Apply for Portable Sign Permits Online