What is a Sign Variance?
What is a Sign Variance? by Rouge Hill Consulting
So you applied for a Sign Permit and were told you now need a Sign Variance. Or maybe you’re still in the planning stages and trying to figure out whether your proposed sign will comply with the local Sign By-law.
Either way, the question is the same:
What is a Sign Variance, and why do I need one?
Let’s keep it simple.
What Is a Sign Variance?
A Sign Variance is an exemption from one or more regulations in a municipal Sign By-law.
In other words, it is a formal request asking the municipality for permission to deviate from the strict requirements of the Sign By-law when full compliance is not possible or practical.
You are not changing the Sign By-law. You are asking for site-specific relief from it.
Example of a Sign Variance
Assume you are located in Mississauga in a commercial zone and want to install a wall (fascia) sign.
The Sign By-law allows wall signs only on the first storey
Your unit is on the second storey
You want signage that is visible from the street
Is that the end of the road?
No.
You can apply for a Sign Variance requesting permission to install the wall sign on the second storey instead of the first.
If approved, the municipality grants a minor exemption to the Sign By-law for your specific property and sign only.
Is a Sign Variance Guaranteed to Be Approved?
Absolutely not. And this is the most important thing to understand. A Sign Variance is:
Discretionary
Subject to municipal interpretation
Assessed case-by-case
There is no way to guarantee approval. However, the likelihood of approval increases significantly when the application is properly justified and supported.
What Makes a “Good” Sign Variance Application?
Municipalities typically evaluate sign variance requests based on planning principles, not personal preference.
Common evaluation factors include:
Characteristics of the surrounding neighbourhood
Consistency with the Official Plan
Precedent (similar signs approved nearby)
Zoning permissions
Magnitude of the variance (how far you are deviating)
Number of variances requested
Visual impact
Safety considerations
Feedback from adjacent property owners or community members
A well-prepared application addresses these points directly and technically, rather than emotionally or subjectively.
This approach aligns with how municipalities such as City of Toronto assess sign variance applications .
How Long Does a Sign Variance Take?
Sign variance timelines vary significantly by municipality and complexity.
Typical ranges in Ontario:
Mississauga: ~6–10 weeks for straightforward cases
Toronto: ~3–6 months
Other municipalities: 6–12 months is not uncommon
Factors that affect timeline include:
Completeness of the submission
Number of variances requested
Whether public notice or circulation is required
Internal staff workload and review processes
While timelines cannot be guaranteed, applications are processed faster and with fewer resubmissions when prepared correctly from the outset.
What Is a Sign By-law Amendment (and How Is It Different)?
A Sign By-law Amendment is not the same as a Sign Variance.
A Sign By-law Amendment is typically required when:
The request is too large to be considered “minor”
The relief sought would set a new policy direction
Multiple properties would be affected
Amendments are far more complex, costly, and time-consuming and usually involve Council approval.
In most commercial signage cases, a Sign Variance is the appropriate mechanism.
Why Professional Support Matters
A sign variance is not just paperwork, it is a planning and engineering justification exercise.
Poorly prepared applications often result in:
Refusals
Lengthy delays
Requests for additional information
Increased costs
An experienced sign variance consultant understands:
How municipalities interpret their by-laws
What staff look for in justifications
How to position a proposal to align with planning policy and precedent
This is why many applicants work with specialists such as Rouge Hill Consulting, who focus specifically on sign permits and sign variances across Ontario.
Final Takeaway
A Sign Variance is a legal and commonly used tool that allows signage to proceed when strict compliance with a Sign By-law is not possible.
While approval is never guaranteed, a strong technical case dramatically improves your chances and can save months of time and unnecessary frustration.
If you are:
Being told you need a Sign Variance
Unsure whether your sign complies
Planning a sign in a regulated area
Getting advice early is the most cost-effective step you can take.