The City of Brantford is currently reviewing the City's Outdoor Sign By-law to define and regulate the use of digital signs. Digital signs use technologies to display digital images, video, web pages, and more. The purpose of the by-law is to provide direction regarding where signs can be placed, the types of signs that are allowed, what size signs can be and more.
We are looking for feedback from the public to help inform any recommendations to Council for possible amendments to specific sections of the by-law. The entire Outdoor Sign By-law, Chapter 478 of the City of Brantford Municipal Code can be reviewed online at Brantford.ca. The sections under review are related to digital signs and are outlined below for quick reference.
We want to hear from you
Please take our short survey to provide your input and recommendations for changes to the outdoor sign by-law as it relates to digital or electronic signs. Your feedback will help inform staff recommendations to City Council. Complete the survey today.
Do you have a question about the Outdoor Sign By-law? Please don’t hesitate to ask a question below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Outdoor Sign By-law sections under review
478.2.9 Electronic message display - defined
“electronic message display” means an electronically and/or computer controlled sign, or part thereof, which displays illuminated copy or graphic information in a prearranged sequence which may or may not change. For the purposes of this Chapter, electronic message display shall include but is not limited to a video screen, read-o-graph or projected image. By-law 60-2012, 18 June, 2012.
478.4.8 Obstruction - confusing - hazardous - prohibited
A sign shall not be erected, operated, used or maintained if its position, shape, colour, format or illumination obstructs the view of or may be confused with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or other official sign, or otherwise poses a potential hazard to traffic.
478.4.9 Light - flashing - misleading - prohibited
A sign shall not be erected, operated, used or maintained if it displays lights which may be mistaken for the flashing lights customarily associated with danger or with those used by police, fire, ambulance or other emergency vehicles.
478.4.10 Illumination - in residential area - hours visible
Every illuminated sign which is visible from within habitable living space contained in a dwelling in a residential zone shall have its illumination extinguished by 2300 hours each day, and shall not be relighted before 0700 hours of the morning of the following day.
478.4.11 Illumination - essential - visible while open
Despite Section 478.4.10 of this Chapter, illuminated signs designating essential services may remain lighted so long as such establishments are open for service to the public.
478.4.12 Illumination - flashing - distance from residential zone
No flashing illumination of signs shall be permitted within 40 m (131.2 ft) of any residential zone, except where the construction of the building or structure upon which the sign is erected is such that any such sign is not visible from such residential zone.
478.4.13 Illumination - flashing - 3 second intervals - permitted
No flashing illumination of signs faster than three second intervals is permitted. By-law 122-91, 2 July, 1991.
478.4.14 Illumination - animated - moving - changing message
No electronic message display, illuminated sign being electrically animated or having moving parts or message changes is permitted except:
(a) a rotating sign which does not exceed ten revolutions per minute;
(b) an illuminated sign where a message is changed at not less than three second intervals, subject to Section 478.4.12;
(c) a sign having raceway track lighting or a continuous moving message sign, subject to Section 478.4.12;
(d) a sign located not closer than 50 m (164 ft) (to the nearest traffic signal of an intersection or to the nearest signal of a pedestrian crossing. By-law 60-2012, 18 June, 2012.
