York Region's Sign Bylaw
York Region has a new Signs on Regional Roads Bylaw to improve safety, reduce sign clutter and support better road operations.
What’s new:
- Fewer permitted sign locations; approximately 700 intersections, down from 1,950
- Defined sign types and size requirements
- Updated permit fees and mandatory identifier stickers
- Limits on the number of signs allowed per permit for businesses, development, real estate and election signs
- Updated election sign requirements
- Continued enforcement to ensure compliance
Signs can block sightlines, interfere with transit stops and create hazards. The new bylaw helps keep roads safe and reduces sign pollution.
The new bylaw takes effect on January 1, 2026. Resources, including printable maps and guides, will be available in January 2026.
About York Region’s Sign Bylaw
York Region's Sign Bylaw regulates temporary sign placement, duration and specifications on Regional roads. The bylaw has been amended three times since it was first enacted in 2000.
In 2020, the Region developed an online permit application to make it easier for applicants to apply for a road permit, including signs, which is required before signs can be placed along Regional roads.
The Region has more than 2,200 intersections. On Thursday, December 11, 2025, York Regional Council approved a new Signs on Regional Roads Bylaw to improve safety, reduce sign clutter and support better road operations.
Public Information Meeting
A virtual meeting was held on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Feedback from residents and stakeholders helped shape the new bylaw that will be enacted on January 1, 2026.
View a recording of the Public Information Meeting presentation below
Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is the York Region Sign Bylaw?
The Sign Bylaw regulates the placement, duration and specifications of temporary signs on Regional roads. It was first enacted in 2000 and has been amended in 2006, 2012, 2015, and now in 2025.
Why was the new bylaw created?
To improve public safety, reduce sign clutter and manage corridor space more effectively. Updates reflect increased non-compliance, environmental and safety concerns and the need for clearer enforcement.
Who was involved in developing the new bylaw?
York Region’s Public Works department (Roads, Traffic and Fleet), Legal Services, Communications and local municipalities through workshops and consultations with other stakeholders.
How will the Region support local businesses in adapting to the new bylaw?
- Continued access to temporary signage for business promotion, real estate open houses and development at designated intersections
- Clear communication of bylaw changes, including sign type requirements, placement rules and permit fees
- Providing resources such as printable maps, intersection guides and FAQs available on york.ca to help businesses understand where and how signs can be placed
- Mandatory identifier stickers provided with permits to ensure visibility and compliance
Sign regulations
What types of signs are permitted?
Temporary signs for real estate open houses, development and business promotion. Election signs are also permitted under specific conditions.
What are the size and format requirements?
Signs must be in good repair and not exceed 1.2 metres high and 1.2 metres wide. Only A-frame or stake for election signs are allowed.
Where can signs be placed?
Signs are permitted only at designated intersections on Regional roads, within approximately 40 metres from the edge of the pavement of the intersecting road. Printable maps and guides will be available on york.ca/RoadPermits.
It is encouraged that anyone installing signs have appropriate insurance to protect themselves and cover any costs related to potential damage to utilities, infrastructure or other incidents resulting from the installation of a sign. It is the sign installer’s responsibility to obtain any necessary utility clearances from Ontario One-Call.
Where are signs not allowed?
Signs cannot be placed:
- At restricted intersections and roundabouts
- On medians, traffic islands or centre boulevards
- In areas that obstruct sightlines or interfere with traffic signage
- Within five metres (17 feet) of fire hydrants, bus stops, transit shelters, benches
- Within three metres (10 feet) lateral distance from the edge of the road pavement or back of curb
- Within 10 metres (33 feet) lateral distance from intersection or driveway pavement edge
Permits and fees
Do I need a permit to place a sign?
Yes. Permits are required for all temporary signs.
What are the permit fees?
- Business/real estate open house/development signs: $310 for one year
- Election signs: $310 per municipality administered by the Region
- Sign removal/recovery: $62 per sign
- There is no charge for temporary signs advertising a community/charity event
- Fees cover administrative costs of permitting and enforcement
How do I identify a permitted sign?
Permitted signs must display a mandatory identifier sticker with the business name, expiry date and permit number. Stickers are mailed or available for pickup.
Timing and enforcement
When can signs be installed and removed?
- Signs may be placed:
- From 7 p.m. on Friday until 6 a.m. on Monday on regular weekends
- From 7 p.m. on Thursday until 6 a.m. Monday on weekends with a holiday Friday
- From 7 p.m. on Friday until 6 a.m. on Tuesday on weekends with a holiday Monday
- The sign bylaw is for temporary signs only
How is the bylaw enforced?
Road Operations and some local municipalities may assist with enforcement. Non-compliant signs may be removed and disposed of or stored for pickup.
Election sign guidelines
When can election signs be placed?
Federal/Provincial election signs are permitted on the day of the writ and must be removed within 72 hours after polls close.
Municipal election signs are permitted 24/7, starting 28 days before election day and must be removed within 72 hours after polls close.
Installation and removal of signs is the responsibility of election candidates
How many election signs are allowed?
One sign per designated intersection, per candidate.
Can election signs be recycled?
Yes. Coroplast signs can be dropped off at York Region Waste Depots within seven days after the election. Fasteners and stakes must be removed. For location details, visit york.ca/wastedepots or call 1-866-665-6752. Signs will be accepted at these locations for seven days following the election date.
What happens to removed signs?
Signs can be picked up within 30 days or will be recycled/disposed of. Election signs are held until after election day.
