Sign Permits

• Submit a complete application form to the Development Services Department.
• The Sign Permit Fee (this amount is assessed according to the estimated construction value of the sign). Please note all permits are charge the minimum $90.00 permit fee.
• A security deposit is required for any signs requiring engineering (this deposit must be a separate payment from the application fee).
• A Letter of Consent from the property owner granting approval of the sign and its proposed location.
• Drawings of the proposed sign, in an appropriate scale, showing the dimensions and location of sign, of any buildings on the property and of any existing signs.  This may include a site plan, elevations of any building faces for signage proposed on a wall surface, indicting the sign area and copy area (in square meters) where applicable.
• Sign material specifications required.
• The Sign Contractor is required to have a valid business licence with the City of Port Coquitlam.

Signs that require structural Engineering

Structural and/or footing details prepared by a Professional Structural Engineer will be required for any freestanding, fascia , canopy, projecting or rotating sign with a weight of 25 kilograms (55 lbs) or greater, or a freestanding sign exceeding 4 m2 (43.05 ft. 2) in area or exceeding 3 m (9.94 ft.) in height or 4 m (13.12 ft.) in width.  These documents include:

• Original signed and sealed drawings prepared by a Professional Structural Engineer,
• Schedule B, (BC Building Code)
• Form B [PDF/118KB] (available online)
• Current Copy of Certificate of Insurance from Registered Professional
• Schedule C-B after installation of the sign (and Schedule C-A if Schedule A was required to coordinate two separate registered professionals)

There is no defined timeframe to obtain a decision in a Sign Permit process. The time depends on the complexity of the policy issues, comprehensiveness of the application and time to respond to identified issues.

Construction Value Up to $5,000
Permit Fees Required at Application: $120
Fee Required prior to permit: $0

Construction Value $5,000.01-$50,000
Permit Fees Required at Application: 0.8% of construction value plus $20
Fee Required prior to permit: 0.8% of construction value plus $20

Construction Value $50,000.01 – $500,000
Permit Fees Required at Application: 0.55% of construction value plus $150
Fee Required prior to permit: 0.55% of construction value plus $150

Construction Value Over $500,000
Permit Fees Required at Application: 0.45% of construction value plus $750
Fee Required prior to permit: 0.45% of construction value plus $750

A $500 security deposit will be required for a sign that requires structural engineering design. This charge will be applied towards the cost of any safety measures or City bylaw enforcement services related to the proposed sign.

Each sign requires a separate application form and fee (except for the case of channel lettering).  Two or more identical signs will be considered as one sign permit but calculated individually based on the construction value of each sign when calculating the permit fee.

Upon completion of bylaw requirements, any portion of the security deposit that has not been required to meet the City’s cost will be refunded. The security deposit must be paid in cash or cheque.