A lot has changed since city council approved the current sign bylaw in 1996 – not only the technology signs use, but how and where they’re used.
With that in mind, city council is looking to update the rules local businesses and others in the community play by when it comes to promotion.
“Many of the regulations are outdated and do not align with our current urban design principles and new technology in the sign industry,” explained Krista Walkey, the city’s general manager of planning and building services infrastructure, development and enterprise services. “It’s certainly caused some challenges for businesses and for the administration and enforcement of the bylaw.”
In addition to covering sign sizes, setbacks and site locations, the bylaw also addresses things like illumination, animation and more. They apply to all signs in the city, with special rules set out for the University of Guelph as well as downtown.
"We have, on average, approximately eight variance requests to the bylaw a year over the last three years," Walkey added.
Many of the recommended changes focus on updating the definitions and different types of signs. But here are some examples of the others:
- Bylaw will not exempt the Downtown Guelph Business Association, as the current one does, with the exception of the downtown community board
- Give staff the authority to approve or refuse sign bylaw variance requests, though decisions can be appealed to council
- Provide detailed descriptions and authorities for refusing, revoking, cancellation and expiry of permits (process not clear now)
- Not require permits for a portable sign on private property, as is now the case, though a permit will be required for downtown portable signs on public property (portable signs not permitted on public property outside of the downtown)
- Establish setbacks from residences for billboards and menu boards
- Specifically prohibit animations, motion, scrolling content, fading, flashing or blinking light that creates the illusion of movement
- Establish rules around the use of signs and posters on poles
- Double the limit on real estate open house signs from four to eight, but restrict their display to between two hours before the open house and two hours after.
The draft recommendations are coming forward following a comprehensive bylaw review launched in January 2018. Since that time there’s been a number of stakeholder and public engagement efforts undertaken to gather input and feedback, including workshops, surveys and direct consultations.
City council, meeting Monday as the committee of the whole, will be asked to provide input on those draft recommendations. Staff will bring forward a report with formal recommendations for council’s consideration early next year.
