The Municipality of Port Hope regulates business signs, 911 civic address signs, and patios to help keep our community safe, visible, and vibrant. If you’re advertising a business or service, installing a required 911 address sign, or expanding your restaurant with an outdoor or sidewalk patio, you may need to apply for the appropriate permit.
Signage Applications
The Municipality of Port Hope’s Sign By-law regulates business and advertising signs, including size, location, and maintenance. Review sign types, fees, and requirements before applying. 911 civic address signs are governed under a separate by‑law for regulating street addressing. Choose the sign type below to find the appropriate application process.
Signs located within heritage districts
If your premises is designated under Part IV or V of the Ontario Heritage Act, you require Heritage approval from Heritage Port Hope prior to applying for a sign permit. Signs that are backlit, contain flashing, animated lights or neon lights are not permitted within the Heritage Conservation Districts.
Types of signs
| Civic Address Signs: 911 signs and Emily sign |
|
Emergency responders like firefighters, paramedics, and police depend on clearly visible address numbers to find the right location without delay. If your address is missing, faded, or hard to see from the road, critical minutes may be lost, potentially making the difference between life and death. It is the law (See By-law: Regulate Street Addressing in the Municipality of Port Hope) to ensure that property identification is clean, reflective and maintained. You must have a 911 sign if your address is not visible from the road. Emily Signage: Signage is also available to identify undeveloped Ward 2 properties such as vacant agricultural land. While vacant agricultural land does not qualify for 911 signage, it may be identified with an Emily Sign. Emily Signs can be requested through the same application process as a 911 sign. Although optional, Emily Signs are encouraged to help support faster and more efficient emergency response. Next steps: Staff will contact you after submission to confirm your identity. Proof of identity is required at the time of fee payment. Additional documentation may be required, including: proof of ownership or residency. Fees for signs and components are listed in the Fees and Charges (see municipal addressing line) or see below:
|
| Billboard sign |
|
Billboard signs refer to a self-supporting sign structure with an area of 70 ft2 (6.5m2) or greater. What to include with the completed application:
|
| Canopy sign |
|
Canopy signs refer to any sign on a building other than a projecting sign, soffit sign, or wall sign, and includes signs on awnings or similar projections. What to include with the completed application:
Inspections required: Sign connection to building or projection |
| Ground sign |
|
Ground signs refer to any sign that is supported from the ground and not attached to any part of a building. This includes pylon signs, but not include portable or real estate development signs. What to include with the completed application:
Inspections required:
|
| Portable sign |
|
Portable signs refer to a one or two-sided sign which is specifically designed or intended to be readily moved from one location to another and does not rely on a building or fixed foundation for its structural support. Portable signs are permitted for a single period of no more than sixty (60) days. What to include with the completed application:
|
| Projecting sign |
|
Projecting signs refer to a permanent sign which projects perpendicularly from a wall, pole or spar of a building to which the sign is secured to. What to include with the completed application:
Inspections required: Once the sign has been completed |
| Roof sign |
|
Roof signs refer to a permanent sign, the face of which is above the roof level or parapet of the building upon which the sign is secured to. What to include with the completed application:
Inspections required: Once the sign has been completed |
| Sandwich board sign |
|
Sandwich board signs refer to a self-supporting on-grade sign constructed of substantive weather-resistant materials, typically forming the shape of an 'A'. What to include with the completed application:
|
| Soffit sign |
|
Soffit signs refer to a sign that is mounted to the underside of a projecting canopy or soffit. What to include with the completed application:
Inspections required: Once the sign has been completed |
| Wall sign |
|
Wall signs refer to a permanent sign, parallel to the building wall to which it is attached. What to include with the completed application:
Inspections required: Once the sign has been completed |
Patio Applications
Looking to extend your restaurant by adding an outdoor or sidewalk patio? The Municipality of Port Hope requires you to complete a patio permit application.
Patio application process |
|
You must submit a site plan or drawing illustrating the intended size and location of your patio, and the location of parking, signage and barriers. You must provide proof of liability and property damage insurance in the minimum amount of $2,000,000 per occurrence and $5,000,000 aggregate. Complete patio permit application FeesPlease see our Fees and Charges page for the most current information. PaymentComplete the application online and attach all required documents to the application form. A Municipal Law Enforcement Officer will review your application and confirm your permit. You may pay by cash, debit or cheque made payable to the "Municipality of Port Hope" and drop it off: Development Team Office For questions about the Patio Permit application process, please contact staff in the By-law division by email or by calling 905-885-2431 |