Sign Permit Fees in Toronto: Complete Fee Schedule (2026)
How Sign Permit Fees Are Calculated
Sign permit fees in Toronto are calculated based on the sign face area in square metres. The City charges a per-square-metre rate with a minimum fee floor, so even a small sign will cost at least the minimum. For double-sided signs, you need to include the area of both faces when calculating your fee — the City does not give you one side for free.
Every sign permit also includes a mandatory Building Permit (Designated Structure) fee of $70.67, which is bundled into the minimum. The overall minimum fee for any sign permit in Toronto is $334.53.
If you want to calculate the exact fee for your sign before applying, you can use the Allowd Sign Permit Fee Calculator to get an estimate based on your sign type and dimensions.
Sign Permit Fee Schedule
Here's the current fee schedule for sign permits in Toronto, as set by Chapter 441 of the Toronto Municipal Code.
First-Party Sign Permit Fees:
Wall Signs: $37.71 per square metre (minimum $253.72)
Ground Signs: $37.71 per square metre (minimum $253.72)
Projecting Signs: $37.71 per square metre (minimum $253.72)
Window Signs: $37.71 per square metre (minimum $253.72)
Overhanging Structure Signs: $37.71 per square metre (minimum $253.72)
Roof Signs: $45.22 per square metre
Topiary Signs: $334.53 per sign
Building Permit (Designated Structure): $70.67
The minimum total you'll pay for a standard sign permit is $334.53, which includes the building permit fee. Roof signs have a higher per-square-metre rate, and topiary signs are charged a flat fee regardless of size.
Other Permit-Related Fees:
Revision Permit: $334.53 (flat fee — required if your sign's attachment details change from what was originally approved)
Transfer of Ownership: $219.30 (when a sign permit needs to be transferred to a new owner)
Renewal of Sign Permit: $22.65 per square metre (for development signs that require annual renewal)
Renewal of Topiary Sign Permit: $158.42 per sign
Additional Inspection or Review: $94.73
For a detailed walkthrough of the entire permit process, including what drawings and documents you need, read our complete guide: How to Obtain a Sign Permit in Toronto.
The $963.71 Fee Nobody Wants to Pay
If a sign has been installed without the required sign permit or variance approval and the City issues a Notice of Violation, an administrative fee of $963.71 per sign face is added to your application. This is on top of the regular permit fees, and it applies per face — so a double-sided sign without a permit means $1,927.42 in administrative fees alone, before you even get to the permit cost itself.
There are also potential fines of $305 and the possibility of court charges or forced removal of the sign at the property owner's expense. The takeaway: it is always cheaper to get the permit before installation than to deal with enforcement after.
If you already have a sign up without a permit, we can help you get compliant: Already Have a Sign but No Permit? Here's How to Stay Compliant.
Sign Variance Fees
If your proposed sign doesn't fully comply with the City of Toronto Sign By-law (Chapter 694), you'll need a sign variance before a permit can be issued. Variance applications carry their own fees, separate from the sign permit fee:
First-Party Sign Variance: $971.16 per application
Third-Party Sign Variance: $2,039.44 per application
Signage Master Plan: $3,324.35 per application
Sign By-law Amendment: $3,324.35 per application
Appeal to Sign Variance Committee (First-Party): $883.00 per application
Administrative Fee for Signs Erected Before Variance Application: $963.71 per sign face
Variance applications typically take about three months from start to finish, including a 30-day public notice period and a 20-day appeal period. For a full breakdown of the variance process, including how to prepare a rationale letter, read our guide: How to Get Approval for Non-Compliant Signs in Toronto.
Preliminary Project Review (PPR) Fees
Not sure whether your sign proposal complies with the Sign By-law? A Preliminary Project Review is a smart first step. The PPR identifies any required variances, instances of non-compliance, or applicable law approvals before you commit to a full permit application.
First-Party Signs: $90.67 for the first 2 signs, $30.22 for each additional sign
Third-Party Signs: $90.67 per sign
The PPR review timeline is 20 business days. If the PPR reveals that your sign requires a variance, the PPR findings form the foundation of your variance application and rationale letter. We strongly recommend submitting a PPR before any variance application — it prevents surprises and strengthens your case.
Encroachment Fees
If your sign extends into the public right of way — even partially — you'll need an encroachment agreement with Transportation Services in addition to your sign permit. Encroachment agreements typically cost between $900 and $2,000 or more, and may also require annual fees depending on the nature of the encroachment.
This is separate from your sign permit fee and is handled by a different City department. If your sign requires an encroachment agreement and you don't obtain one, the City can revoke your sign permit.
How to Pay
Sign permit fees are due after the application has been approved. However, if there are 4 or more signs in your application, then the permit fees will be do upon application. The City accepts debit, credit card, and certified cheque (for amounts under $2,000).
All applications are submitted electronically via email to expressservices@toronto.ca. For full details on submission requirements and the documents you'll need, visit the City of Toronto's First Party Sign Permit page.
Sample Fee Calculations
To give you a sense of what real projects cost in permit fees, here are a few examples:
Small fascia sign (1.5 m × 0.6 m = 0.9 m²): Sign fee at $37.71/m² = $33.94, which is below the minimum — so you pay the minimum of $253.72 plus the $70.67 building permit fee. Total: $334.53 (the floor for any sign permit).
Medium wall sign (3.0 m × 1.2 m = 3.6 m²): Sign fee = 3.6 × $37.71 = $135.76, still below the minimum. Total: $334.53.
Large wall sign (6.0 m × 2.0 m = 12.0 m², double-sided = 24.0 m²): Sign fee = 24.0 × $37.71 = $905.04 plus $70.67 building permit. Total: $975.71.
Ground sign requiring a variance: Permit fee (minimum): $334.53 + Variance fee: $971.16. Total: $1,305.69 (before any engineering or encroachment costs).
You can run your own numbers using the Allowd Sign Permit Fee Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a sign permit cost in Toronto? The minimum fee for a sign permit in Toronto is $334.53, which includes a $70.67 building permit fee. The actual cost depends on the sign type and size, calculated at $37.71 per square metre for most sign types. Roof signs are charged at $45.22 per square metre.
Do I need a sign permit for a window sign? Window signs in commercial zones do not require a permit as long as they are not electronic (like LED), don't exceed 25% of the window area, display only first-party copy, and are not above the second storey. If any of those conditions are not met, you need a sign variance first.
What happens if I put up a sign without a permit? The City can issue a Notice of Violation, which adds an administrative fee of $963.71 per sign face to any subsequent permit application. You may also face a $305 fine, court charges, and forced removal of the sign at the property owner's expense.
How long does it take to get a sign permit in Toronto? The standard processing time is 10 business days. The Express Service pathway can process applications in 3 business days for straightforward applications with no deficiencies.
What is the fee for a sign variance in Toronto? A first-party sign variance costs $971.16 per application. A third-party sign variance is $2,039.44. Signage master plans and sign by-law amendments are $3,324.35 each.
Are there extra fees if my sign extends over the sidewalk? Yes. If your sign encroaches into the public right of way, you'll need an encroachment agreement with Transportation Services. These typically cost between $900 and $2,000, with possible annual fees on top.
When do sign permit fees need to be paid? Fees are due at the time of application. The City accepts debit, credit card, certified cheque, and credit card payments over the phone at 416-392-8000.
Does a double-sided sign cost more? Yes. Sign permit fees are calculated based on total sign face area. For a double-sided sign, you must include the area of both faces. This effectively doubles the per-square-metre portion of your fee.
Need Help With Your Sign Permit?
At Rouge Hill Consulting, we handle every aspect of sign permitting in Toronto — from initial by-law review and fee estimation, to producing sign permit drawings, managing variance applications, and coordinating engineering and inspections. Our team maintains a 95% first-application approval rate.
Whether you're a business owner putting up your first sign, a sign company looking to outsource permit work, or a national brand rolling out signage across multiple locations through our National Franchise Permit Program, we'll get your sign approved.
Get in touch:
Phone: 437-833-7817
More Reading:
Sign Inspections in Toronto: What Happens After Your Permit Is Approved
When Do You Need an Engineer for Your Sign Project in Ontario?
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