Signage Regulations

Temporary signs, including election signage, are regulated under the Temporary Signs Bylaw 29M97  (33 KB).  You can also consult our Temporary Signs Leaflet  (132 KB) for general information. This page will provide an overview of these regulations, but please refer to the actual bylaw for more detailed information.   Original copies of the bylaw are available at the City Clerk's office.

What is the law?

Signs on Private Property

• You must obtain the home owner's permission before placing a sign on their property and are encouraged to do so before placing a sign on a boulevard adjacent to their property.
• Signs must be freestanding.
• A maximum of three garage sale signs may be posted for the purpose of advertising the sale, only on the day prior to and the day of the sale.
• The name of the owner of the sign, their address, phone number and the date the sign was posted must be included on the front of the sign.
• Election signs must be removed no later than 36 hours after the polls have closed.  They may also be placed more than 14 days prior to the election date. 

Signs on Municipal Property

A temporary sign is not legal if it:

• Is closer than 30 meters to any intersection, City bus shelter, transit bench, bus zone, LRT station, or LRT platform.
• Is closer than two meters from the curb or edge of road.
• Is placed on any traffic island or centre median.
• Obstructs any traffic control device.
• Creates a traffic or pedestrian hazard.
• Is attached to a standard street light pole, traffic signal pole or a City sign pole (except for posters).
• Posters and signs may not be placed on any decorative lamp post.
• Could be a hazard to either the person erecting the sign, or any member of the public.
• Has a sign face larger than 0.6 square metres (3.0 square metres for election signage).
• Is attached to a sound wall.
• Is lit, electrified or inflatable.
• Is permanently affixed.
• Is supported by string, rope, metal stakes or wire.
• Damages municipal property.
• Becomes unsightly.
• Is placed within 10 meters or a crosswalk that is not at an intersection.
• Is placed on a fire hydrant.
• Is attached on or within a plus 15 bridge, pedestrian walkway, or overpass.
• Is erected on any Prohibited or Restricted Roadway  (27 KB).
• Is displayed for more than 14 days before or more than 24 hours following the date of the advertised event, whichever is less (see exceptions for election signage above).

Have a complaint?

Fines for contraventions of these regulations range between $50 and $200.  If you would like to report a bylaw infraction please:

• For signs on private property, please call 403-268-5415 (Development and Building Approvals).
• For signs on public property, please call 3-1-1 or 403-268-CITY (2489) - if calling from outside Calgary; or
• Contact us