Sign By-Law Review

Municipalities control and have rules for the signs erected by individuals and businesses on private and public property. This power to regulate signs is found in the Municipal Act and other legislation.

A sign by-law is a basic tool in the municipal toolbox councils rely on to advance the public interest in their community. Sign regulations are principally concerned with aesthetics and safety. The details of sign by-laws vary from municipality to municipality, reflecting the differences in local circumstances, values and priorities.

Municipal sign by-laws typically achieve their objectives through rules governing the following matters:

• Where signs can be located;
• The types of signs permitted;
• The number, size, and height of signs;
• Other characteristics of signs considered important to control in the public interest;
• Administrative and enforcement provisions.

While the rules of a sign by-law for a given type of sign may differ from one municipality to another, there is nevertheless a consistency among the municipal approaches to signage and the rules for signs that result in either good or bad signage in a community. One objective of this review is to arrive at a new Sign By-law for Arnprior that incorporates the best practices of other municipalities while reflecting local circumstances, values and priorities.

So why is a review of the sign by-law proposed?

1. The by-law is out of date: The current sign by-law from 2004 may no longer accurately reflect local circumstances, values and priorities and does not include new technologies such as LED signs.
2. Feedback received identified that sign clutter may be a concern: The First Impression Community Exchange in 2017 identified that the volume of signage in some areas of the municipality was high and took away from the beauty we know Arnprior has to offer. It will be important to get resident and business feedback to understand their views on this.
3. The current sign by-law does not include consideration of the Heritage Conservation District (HCD): Arnprior adopted an HCD for Downtown Arnprior in 2007. The HCD is intended to conserve and enhance the heritage character of downtown. New signage can have a big effect on the heritage character. As such, a sign by-law review should consider incorporating HCD guidelines to support the continued conservation and enhancement of Downtown Arnprior.
4. The current by-law lacks clarity on the process for obtaining a sign permit
5. Make the by-law easier to read and understand
6. Consider best practices from other municipalities
7. Clarify when a building permit is required in addition or as part of a sign permit application.
8. Detail the process for requesting a minor variance or amendment to the sign by-law: It is not always possible for a sign to meet the by-law, detailing the process for requesting an amendment or variance will make it clearer to applicants what is required, the timeline who makes a decision and based on what criteria.

The purpose of the Sign By-law review will look at the current Arnprior Sign By-law, identify its strengths, weaknesses, gaps and prepare an appropriate new Sign By-law based on the findings of the review and public consultation. Public engagement will be extremely important in providing direction for the new sign by-law.