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Sign Permits

If you are considering putting up new signage, or changing the existing signage for your business you will need to obtain a sign permit.

Sign Bylaw

The Sign Bylaw 7867, 2017 regulates the installation, alteration, maintenance and removal of signs, advertisements, sign boards and structures within the City of New Westminster. Each zoning district has requirements for the types and size of signs allowed.

View Sign Bylaw 7867, 2017

Window Signage/Decals

To help keep our retail commercial areas active and bright, please ensure any window signage or decals meet the Sign and Business Licence Bylaw requirements and are kept to 20% or less of the area of windows or glass doors.

This includes the area of all exterior windows and glass portions of doors belonging to the business that are along the street at the ground level. The windows must remain unobstructed during the operating hours of the business. This includes: signage, graphics, decals, frosting, or decorative grillwork placed in front of or behind storefront windows or doors, or any other manner of obscuring such that the interior of the premises is not visible from the exterior.

Starting April 2026, staff will be following up with businesses who continue to have signage or decals that are not in compliance with the bylaws. Fines for noncompliance may be up to $250 per day.

Mural Policy

Anyone interested in installing a mural should contact .

For murals proposed on buildings older than 50 years, please also contact to confirm the building is not listed on the City’s Heritage Register, and not protected by a heritage designation bylaw or heritage revitalization agreement.

Murals that contain advertising (more than 10 percent of the copy area) may also require a sign permit.

Sign Permit Guide

Review information about sign permits in our Sign Permit Guide

Sign Permit Application

This application is designed for alterations to existing signage and sign installation projects.

Apply for a sign permit by email or online using the options below.

Apply by Email

Download and complete the required forms:

Sign Permit Application Form

Letter of Authorization Form

Once complete, email all required documents and drawings to:

Submission requirements:

  • All documents must be attached as PDF files (no links).

  • We do not accept documents shared via cloud-based services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).

  • If your files are too large to email, please contact us to request access to our FileShare site.

Applications will be reviewed by staff once all required documentation has been received. Complete submissions will be accepted for processing.

Apply Online

What You'll Need

  • MyCity Profile

Register or log in before starting.

  • Documents & Drawings

Required items include:

  • Current Title Search (within 30 days)
  • Letter of Authorization (if applying on behalf of owner) and Consent of Strata (if applicable)
  • Company/Society Summary or Solicitor’s Letter (if property is owned by a company)
  • Sign Profile Form
  • Site Plan and Graphic Drawings
  • Other Documents (e.g. Structural Drawings and Schedule B) may be required based on project scope
  • Payment

A non-refundable application fee is required and must be paid by credit card at the time of submission.

  • File Guidelines
    • Formats: PDF, DOCX, JPG, JPEG
    • Max size: 10 MB per file
    • Clear names (e.g., 123 Main St Site Plan.pdf)
    • If too large: compress, split or convert.

Tips For A Smooth Application

  • Be prepared - review all requirements before starting the application
  • Complete all fields marked with *
  • Ensure you have a reliable internet connection, wait for each page to load fully and avoid using your browser’s Back button, refreshing the page, or clicking Back/Continue repeatedly, as these actions can cause errors or duplicate submissions
  • Double-check signatures and documents before submitting

Submit Application

Submit online through our Application Portal

Application Processing

  1. The applicant applies for a Sign Permit with the Building Division. An application may be made by the contractor, sign manufacturer, owner or tenant, or any other authorized agent. 

  2. The applicant pays the required fee and submits two complete sets of plans to support the application.

  3. The plans are reviewed by the Planning Division for Sign Bylaw compliance.

  4. The plans are reviewed by the Building Division for Building Code compliance. The applicant may be required to submit sign plans sealed or stamped by a Structural Engineer.

  5. The applicant applies for a Street Occupancy Permit if access to a City street or sidewalk is needed for installation of the sign.

  6. When all requirements have been met and approvals received the permit is issued and the applicant may commence work.

  7. When the sign installation is completed, a letter from the engineer or associated firm must be deposited with the Building Division stating that the sign has been installed and inspected under the engineer’s supervision, and the work is in accordance with the submitted plans.

  8. The Building Division does the final inspection.

Contact

Planning Division
604-527-4532
Email: plnpost@newwestcity.ca

Building Division
604-527-4580
Email: buildingdept@newwestcity.ca