Background

The Sign Regulations in the Zoning Bylaw (No. 9990) provide requirements for all signs within Saskatoon. The regulations are separated into signage groups based on zoning districts, with allowable sign types based on the context of the area. Significant amendments to the Sign Regulations have not occurred since 2011. In 2024, the City began phase 1 of a review by engaging the public on housekeeping changes for clarity and consistency. Phase 2 of the review will focus on more substantive changes to specific sign categories.

Phase 2 Objectives

The City is proceeding with phase 2 of the review to modernize two sign categories: digital signs and project development signs. The objectives of this phase include addressing traffic safety, sign clutter, and impacts to adjacent land uses from the two sign categories. Permitting processes and regulatory tools will be examined to close loopholes and align sign requirements across similar types.

Proposed Amendments - Phase 2

Phase 2 of the review will focus on modernizing two sign categories: digital signs and project development signs. These amendments will not move forward with the Phase 1 approval package.

Public engagement on Phase 2 will include:

Online Public Survey
Stakeholder Meetings
Public Open House

Phase 2 Proposed Amendments

Digital Signs
Topic	Proposed Change	Rationale
Permitting process	Make digital signs discretionary uses, requiring a more intensive review process. For example, digital signs within proximity to major intersections could be reviewed more closely for traffic safety conflicts.	Digital signs are currently permitted uses in the sign groups they are listed. This means that if a sign meets the technical requirements of the regulations, it can be established regardless of other locational factors. By making signs a discretionary use, decisions can consider other factors such as traffic safety.
Application requirements	Require freestanding signs to be accompanied by a real property report with easement locations to confirm sign placement.	Additional information is required with sign permit applications to confirm regulation requirements are being met. Having this information upfront reduces review times and improves clarity for applicants
Digital signs brightness	Add a requirement for maximum screen brightness for digital signs. Sign panels must not exceed 0.3 footcandles above ambient light levels.	To reduce impacts to adjacent land uses and distraction to drivers, digital sign panels should be limited in how bright they can be. The maximum brightness requirement is tied to ambient light levels to ensure digital signs are an appropriate brightness at different hours of the day/night.
Digital sign curfew	Require digital signs within 200 metres of residential properties and natural areas to be switched off at 11pm until 1 hour before sunrise.	Digital signs contribute to light pollution that can have negative impacts on sensitive land uses such as residential properties and natural areas. To reduce the impact from this sign type, signs should be entirely switched off during the darkest hours of the evening.
Digital sign content	Prohibit digital signs to include: Flashing images or lights; Sound and live video feeds; A white background; Imitate traffic signals or emergency signals; Extra lighting beyond the digital sign face.	To improve traffic safety, digital signs should not contain content that could distract drivers.
Minimum separation distances	Require freestanding digital signs to be a minimum of 3 metres from all property lines. Require freestanding digital signs to be a minimum distance from other digital signs, residential properties, and natural areas, based on size: Greater than 8m² to less than 15m² – 100m; 15m² to 40m² – 200m; Greater than 40m² – 300m.	Minimum separation distances between signs, property lines, and certain land uses are used to reduce sign clutter, prevent impact to adjacent land uses, and improve traffic safety.

Project Development Signs
Topic	Proposed Change	Rationale
Real estate signs	Add a definition for real estate signs: “A sign stating that a property is for sale, lease, or rent, but does not include advertising of any on or off premises business”.	By adding a separate definition for real estate signs, this category is differentiated from other project development signage.
Contractor signs	Add a definition for contractor signs: “A sign displayed on a residential property indicating that a contractor is working on the property.” Require contractor signs to be removed immediately upon completion of the associated work. Restrict contractor signs to a maximum of 0.84m² per sign face in all sign groups.	By creating a new category for contractor signs, this category is differentiated from other project development signage.
Permitting, size, and locational requirements	Create three tiers of project development signs: Type 1 – no permit required, size not exceeding 0.82m², allowed with one & two unit dwellings Type 2 – no permit required, size not exceeding 6.0m², allowed with multi-unit dwellings/institutional service/neighbourhood commercial Type 3 – permit required, size not exceeding 18.0m², allowed with commercial/industrial	By regulating project development signs by size, the regulations can better meet the objectives of safety and reducing sign clutter.
Allowable time on-site	Require project development signs to be removed immediately following closure of the associated building permit for the project.	Project development signs are intended to be temporary to promote the project. Once the project is complete, the signs should be removed. This requirement ties the removal of the signs to the building permit.

Comments or questions on the review can be directed to Bylaw Compliance at signpermits@saskatoon.ca or 306-657-8766.

Timeline

March 2024 - April 2024

Public Consultation on Phase 1
March 21st, 2024 | 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Phase 1 Open House
Rusty McDonald Library (225 Primrose Drive)
Phase 2 Public Engagement

Spring/summer 2025
Public Open House (Come and Go)
June 19th between 5pm-7pm
Saskatoon Field House (2020 College Dr) in the concession area
Phase 2 to MPC

TBD
Phase 2 to City Council

TBD

Sign Regulations Review (Zoning Bylaw Appendix A)

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Engage

Background

Phase 2 Objectives

How Can You Get Involved

Proposed Amendments - Phase 2

March 2024 - April 2024

March 21st, 2024 | 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Phase 2 Public Engagement

Phase 2 to MPC

Phase 2 to City Council