Signs, posters, permits and concerns

Flashing/revolving signs, inflatable signs, signs for home-based businesses, unauthorized signs on utility poles, signs which obstruct the vision of drivers, and signs installed without the required permit do not comply with Guelph’s sign bylaw.

Get a sign permit

Please submit your permit application, drawing and fee for a mobile sign, building sign, freestanding sign (pylon sign), or portable sign (A-frame/sandwich board). If you plan to place the sign on a boulevard (City property) there may be additional regulations.

Permits are NOT required for:

  • Garage/yard sale signs (please remove immediately after the event)
  • A sign for occasional use as set out in the zoning bylaw. real estate signs, open house or model home directional signs, construction or subdivision site sign, or portable sign for a home maintenance contractor
  • A commemorative plaque or cornerstone on your own property that does not advertise
  • Municipal election signs

Get permission for posters

Posters are only permitted on the Downtown Community Board. Please contact the Downtown Guelph Business Association to place a poster on the board.

Posters are not permitted to be located on any sidewalk, vehicular entrance/exit, traffic island, light standard, road allowance, or along the frontage of a school.

Norfolk Street footbridge banners

The City is no longer accepting or processing requests for banners on the Norfolk Street footbridge.

The Norfolk Street footbridge will be closed as of February 5, 2017 as part of the Wilson Street and parkade construction project. The City is building a new parking facility at the site of the Wilson Street parking lot, and replacing the footbridge. Banners will not be permitted on the new footbridge.