How to Apply for a Sign Permit in the Town of Newmarket

Town of Newmarket

Securing a Newmarket sign permit is mandatory for any sign placed on Town property or in situations where engineered drawings or by-law reviews apply. Whether you are a sign shop, property owner, contractor, or business operator, understanding the exact permit workflow is critical for avoiding delays, rejections, and enforcement issues.

This guide lays out exactly what you need, how to prepare compliant documents, and the correct method for submission through signs@newmarket.ca.

1. Overview of the Newmarket Sign Permit Process

The Town of Newmarket requires:

• A completed sign permit application form

• Payment of applicable permit fees

• All required technical documents

• Submission via email to signs@newmarket.ca

• Review by Legislative Services and other authorities where applicable

• Engineering approval and compliance with the Newmarket Sign By-law

For general inquiries, the Town’s Legislative Services Department can be reached at 905-895-5193.

The Town also maintains a separate by-law for election signs. Those rules are not part of the normal permit process; visit the Town’s Election website for full details.

2. Required Documents for a Newmarket Sign Permit

To obtain a Newmarket sign permit, your submission must include the following, depending on sign type:

A. Site Plan / Survey

• Must be to scale (metric)

• Must show:

  • Proposed sign location

  • Total property frontage

  • Boundary lines

  • All entrances/exits

  • All existing signage

• Accuracy matters: Town reviewers will compare locations to property lines and street allowances.

B. Property Owner's Letter of Permission

If the applicant is not the property owner, written permission is mandatory.

C. NT Power Signoff

Required for:

• Ground signs

• Billboard signs

• Construction information signs

• Development signs

This ensures clearance from overhead/underground utilities.

D. Engineered Drawings (P.Eng. Stamp Required)

For ground, fascia, projecting, construction-information, development, and billboard signs:

• Drawings must be engineered and sealed by an Ontario P.Eng

• Must show:

  • Structural details

  • Sign area calculations

  • Member sizes

  • Anchoring details

  • Load calculations (if applicable)

  • Materials

  • Dimensions

Unstamped drawings or drawings missing sign area/structural information will fail review.

E. MTO Signoff (If Applicable)

Required when:

• The sign is within 400 m (1312 ft) of Highway 404 and

• The sign is visible from the highway.

Applications must be submitted through the MTO online permit portal.

F. Heritage Permit Application

Required if the property is located within a Heritage Conservation District.

3. Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply for a Newmarket Sign Permit

Step 1 — Conduct a Sign By-law Compliance Review

Before any drawings are produced, confirm:

• Maximum sign area permitted

• Placement restrictions

• Setbacks and clearances

• Height limits

• Illumination rules

• Prohibited sign types

Failing to confirm compliance early results in redesigns and lost weeks.

Step 2 — Produce Engineered + By-law Compliant Drawings

Your design team must prepare:

• Site plan

• Elevations

• Sections

• Anchoring/structural details

• Sign area calculations

• Materials and fabrication specifications

A P.Eng. must seal structural elements for ground, projecting, billboard, and heavy fascia signs.

Step 3 — Collect All Required Supporting Documents

This includes:

• NT Power clearance

• Owner permission letter

• MTO approval (if within 400 m of Highway 404)

• Heritage permit (if applicable)

Organize these as PDFs; incomplete submissions lead to automatic delays.

Step 4 — Complete the Town’s Sign Permit Application Form

Fill out the Town form accurately, including:

• Applicant information

• Property address

• Sign type

• Dimensions

• Location

• Cost/value of sign

Step 5 — Submit Your Complete Package

Email the application and all documents to:

📩 signs@newmarket.ca

Include:

• Application form

• All drawings

• All supporting documents

Step 6 — Town Review and Issuance

The Town will:

• Verify compliance with the Sign By-law

• Confirm engineering adequacy

• Perform internal circulation (e.g., Planning, Heritage, Electrical/Utilities)

• Issue approval or request revisions

Review timelines vary based on workload and complexity. Errors or missing items can extend review times substantially.

4. Special Notes for Newmarket Businesses and Sign Shops

• Engineered drawings are mandatory for most freestanding or structurally significant signs.

• If the sign is illuminated, electrical approval may be triggered.

• Ground signs require more documentation than wall signs.

• Newmarket is strict about setbacks and visibility triangles — ensure your site plan captures these accurately.

• Billboard and development signage require additional circulation and often longer review periods.

5. Need Professional Help With Newmarket Sign Permits?

A fully compliant Newmarket sign permit requires precise drawings, engineering, and strict adherence to the Town’s by-law. Mistakes cause delays, rejections, or enforcement action.

Rouge Hill Consulting prepares:

• Full sign by-law reviews

• Engineered drawings (P.Eng.)

• Complete permit packages

• Submission and review management

• MTO/utility coordination

If you want a guaranteed 100% complete submission, reach out anytime.

Feel free to fill out the form below and we’ll reach out to you as soon as possible!