How to Obtain a Sign Permit in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa (Durham Region)
Costco fascia (wall) sign with channel letters on aluminum siding
If you're a business owner planning to install an exterior wall sign or ground sign in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, or anywhere in Durham Region, you’ll need to follow specific municipal sign permit regulations. At Rouge Hill Consulting, we specialize in helping local businesses obtain sign permits for legal and compliant installations.
Who Needs a Sign Permit?
Any permanent business sign installed on private property—such as a wall sign, fascia sign, ground-mounted sign, pylon sign, or monument sign—requires a sign permit under local by-laws in Durham municipalities. Some signs also require a Building Permit under the Ontario Building Code.
Common sign types we assist with:
Exterior wall signs on commercial buildings (channel letters or sign cabinets)
Ground signs at plazas, standalone retail, or office sites
Pylon and monument signs
Durham Region Sign Permit Requirements (By Municipality)
Pickering
Sign By-law 6999/09
Wall signs limited by façade percentage
Ground signs regulated by height, setback, and illumination rules
Ajax
Sign By-law 44-2013
Wall and ground sign area limits depend on frontage and zone
Illumination restrictions in residential zones
Whitby
Sign By-law 4284-99
Permits needed for all business exterior signs
Requires detailed drawings and site-specific info
Oshawa
Sign By-law 72-96
Strict rules for ground signs in commercial zones
Building Permit required for structural signage
What’s Included in a Sign Permit Package?
We prepare all necessary documents for your business’ exterior sign permit:
Site Plan – shows sign location relative to buildings and lot lines
Elevation Drawing – shows wall sign size and placement
Cross-Section Details – shows ground sign footing or wall anchorage
Compliance Check – with local by-laws and Ontario Building Code
Consultation – on lighting, materials, and sizing for by-law compliance
Additional Permits You Might Need
Heritage Permit (if applicable)
Conservation Authority Approval (e.g., TRCA, CLOCA)
Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Permit (if near a provincial highway)
Rail Corridor Permit (if within 300 m of Metrolinx, CN, or CP Rail)
We’ll identify and help secure all necessary permits based on your location.
Submit Your Application
Once your drawings and application forms are ready, submit the package to your local municipality:
Municipality Estimated Processing Time:
Pickering 5–10 business days
Ajax 10–15 business days
Whitby ~10 business days
Oshawa 5–15 business days
Ready to Build? We’ll Connect You With Certified Installers
Once your sign permit is approved, we work with local sign manufacturers to fabricate and install your sign according to code. From wall-mounted signs to ground sign footings, everything is installed to spec and according to the regulations within the Durham region.
Get Your Sign Permit Started Today
Rouge Hill Consulting is your trusted partner for business exterior sign permits in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and across Durham Region.
Email: permits@rougehillconsulting.com
Phone: 437-833-7817