Non-permanent changeable copy signs (portable)
A non-permanent changeable copy sign referred to as a Type E sign in the Land Use Bylaw (previously referred to as a portable sign) is a readily transportable sign that can easily be relocated to another location or temporarily set-up and removed from a site. It is designed to allow the message or advertising to be changed frequently and easily.
Where can a non-permanent changeable copy sign be located?
- On commercial or industrial property and in some specific locations within the rural area, provided:
- It does not interfere with the safe and orderly movement of pedestrians or vehicles and does not restrict sight-lines for pedestrians or drivers
- It is not placed in a location on a site that reduces the number of required parking or loading spaces
- Is not illuminated and does not include audio
- Is for on-site advertising, except:
- Non-permanent changeable copy signs may be used for off-site purposes only to provide direction. In such cases, they shall include only the name, address and telephone number and cannot include any advertising.
- Non-permanent changeable copy signs are restricted to a maximum of:
- Two (2) signs on a parcel of 90m in width or less
- Three (3) signs on a parcel of more than 90m in width
Where are non-permanent changeable copy signs restricted?
- Residential property (or any property other than specified above)
- Direct Control districts (unless specifically listed)
- Vacant or undeveloped parcels
- Parcels with an approved Freestanding Changeable Copy Sign
What are the required distances from existing signs, property lines etc?
- The minimum distance allowed between non-permanent changeable copy signs is 30 metres (98 feet)
- Non-permanent changeable copy signs must be set back from other features:
- 23m (75.5 ft) from a permanent sign
- 15m (49.2 ft) from a residential site
- 10m (32.8 ft) from another parcel (other than residential)
- 3m ( 9.8 ft) from any access/entrance to the site
- 10m (32.8 ft) from an intersection
- 1m (3.3 ft) from an existing or future curb line
- 0.3m (1 ft) from the inside edge of any sidewalk
What is the maximum size of the sign?
- Maximum sign area 5.0m² (53.82ft²)
- Maximum height 3.0m (9.84ft); height is measured from grade to top of sign
- Maximum width 3.0m (9.84ft)
Are there time limits for non-permanent changeable copy signs?
A permit may be obtained for 60, 120, 180 or 240 day periods however, at the end of each respective period, the sign must be removed from the site for a minimum of 30 days. A non-permanent changeable copy sign may not be placed on a parcel for more than 240 days per calendar year. Possible combinations:
- 60 day permit - must be removed from the site for a minimum of 30 days between the next permit/application; additional permits within the calendar year will be limited to:
- Three 60 day permits (allowing for 30 day removal between each permit) or,
- One 120 day permit with subsequent additional 60 day permit or,
- One 180 day permit
- 120 day permit - must be removed from the site for a minimum of 30 days between the next permit/application; additional permits within the calendar year will be limited to:
- One 120 day permit or,
- Two 60 day permits
- 180 day permit - must be removed from the site for a minimum of 30 days between the next permit/application; additional permits within the calendar year will be limited to:
- One 60 day permit
- 240 day permit - must be removed from the site after expiry and is not eligible for an additional permit until the next calendar year.
When is a permit required and how do I apply?
Permits are required for all non-permanent changeable copy signs
- The name and phone number of the non-permanent changeable copy sign owner must be placed on the sign so they can readily be seen by County staff.
- When the permit is approved, you will receive a validation tag showing the date of expiry
- The validation tag must be affixed to the sign.
What to submit:
- Development permit application
- Landowner authorization
- Length of time for proposed sign
- A site plan showing:
- Property lines, property dimensions, utility rights-of-way, street names and the north direction
- Location of existing buildings and signs on the property
- Mark the location of the proposed sign
- Label the distances from the proposed sign to property lines, accesses to the property and other signs on the property, including any portable signs and temporary signs for which permits have been issued. (Planning & Development Services has site plans for most commercial properties.)
- An elevation drawing of the proposed sign showing:
- The length, width and height of the sign
- The height of the sign from the grade to the top of the sign
- Proposed messaging on the sign
- See current fee schedule for permit application fees
Non-permanent changeable copy signs are defined in the Land Use Bylaw as Type E signs; to view the complete regulations governing these signs refer to Section 10 of the Land Use Bylaw 8-2001.
Further information
780-464-8080
PlanningandDevelopment@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Page ID: 6362