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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-07-19 Signs in the CountySigns in the County of Newell Recent updates to the current Land Use Bylaw include changes to installation requirements for signs in the County (Schedule 4, Section 29). The purpose of these changes is to better understand and control the kinds of signs that are being installed in the County, and to clarify the County’s requirements for installing these signs. In doing so, signs have been grouped into 3 categories according to their general attributes and installation needs. Category 1 Signs are those that are directional or for information purposes. As such, they do not require development permit approval. However, as with all ‘development not requiring a permit’, to be exempt these signs must meet all other requirements of the land use district in which they are placed, including setbacks from roads and property lines. Types of Category 1 Signs include the following: • Farm and/or oil and gas identification signs • Dwelling or Business address signs • Real Estate, Election, Parking signs • Directional signs, smaller than 20 ft2 in size • Home Occupation signs, smaller than 6 ft2 in size (with an approved HO permit) Specifications, diagrams, and installation requirements for Category 1 signs may be found in Schedule 4, Section 29.7 of the County of Newell Land Use Bylaw (www.countyofnewell.ab.ca/p/land-use-bylaw ). Category 2 Signs are those that are used to advertise or promote a product, service or idea, or to call attention to people passing by. These signs require development permit approval. Requirements will vary according to the land use district and type of sign being installed. Types of Category 2 Signs include the following: • Awning and Canopy signs • Billboards • Fascia signs • Freestanding signs • Projecting signs • Roof Mount signs • Wall and Painted Wall signs Specifications, diagrams, and installation requirements for Category 2 signs may be found in Schedule 4, Section 29.8 of the County of Newell Land Use Bylaw (www.countyofnewell.ab.ca/p/land-use-bylaw ). Category 3 Signs are also used to advertise or promote a product, service or idea, or to call attention to people passing by for some purpose, but they are built in such a way that they can be moved or are portable. These signs require development permit approval. Requirements will vary, depending on the land use district and the type of sign being installed. Note that Category 2 and 3 signs are prohibited in all residential land use districts – Acreage Residential (AR), Grouped Rural Residential (GRR), and Hamlet Residential (HR). Types of Category 3 signs include the following: • Portable signs • Signs on a trailer, truck, automobile or other type of vehicle that is parked in such a way as to advertise or promote a message to people passing by Specifications, diagrams, and installation requirements for Category 3 signs may be found in Schedule 4, Section 29.15 of the County of Newell Land Use Bylaw (www.countyofnewell.ab.ca/p/land-use-bylaw ). Final Notes: • The sign on your land may require permit approval. • No signs may be placed in a County or Alberta Transportation road allowance (Bylaw 1790-40), except for signs installed by the County or Alberta Transportation. • For private land, whether you’ve installed the sign yourself, or you have an agreement with a sign company or other third party, it is your responsibility as the landowner to ensure that proper permit approvals are in place prior to installing the sign. • Without permits, you may be subject to enforcement proceedings and/or fines. • Any sign installed on private land along a numbered road or highway must apply for Alberta Transportation approval, in addition to County approval. • An approval for a sign installation from Alberta Transportation does not negate the need for a County approval. In order to be sure about whether your sign requires permit approval, and for information regarding permit requirements and the permitting process, please contact Shanna Lee Simpson at the County office.