Port Colborne Sign By-law (Full Guide): Permits, Sizes, A-Frames, Windows, Election Rules

Port Colborne Sign By-law 7167/108/21 aligns signage with waterfront, downtown, and industrial zones. Use this guide to streamline permits and recognize Region controls on Main Street West and Highway 3.

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Quick Facts

Remember the Niagara Region overlay

Regional roads through Port Colborne include Main Street West (Highway 3), Killaly Street, and Elm Street. When your sign sits near these corridors, Niagara Region Sign By-law 122-2013 applies.

Permit basics

Port Colborne requires permits for new, relocated, or altered signs. Prepare site plans, elevations, dimensions, and structural attachment details. Waterfront and downtown zones may include design guidelines—confirm with the Planning division.

A-frame / sandwich board rules

Portable sign controls limit A-frames to private property, away from sidewalks and street furniture. Downtown BIA participants should maintain 1.5 m pedestrian clearways and remove boards after hours to support streetscaping.

Window & fascia sign rules

Fascia signs must align with building-mounted area limits by zone. Avoid covering architectural detailing along West Street and Clarence Street. Window graphics are acceptable but should preserve visibility for security and comply with CPTED best practices.

Portable / temporary / lawn signs

Portable signs require permits and limited display periods. Construction/development signs must be removed once occupancy or project completion thresholds outlined in the by-law are met.

Digital / EMC rules

Digital displays must operate with static frames and dim automatically after dark to reduce glare across the canal and waterfront residential areas.

Billboards / third-party signs

Third-party signage is restricted to specific industrial corridors. Submit planning justification, sightline analysis, and engineering documentation for new billboard proposals.

Election sign rules

Election signs must stay off City parks, medians, and utility poles. Remove them within seven days after election day and coordinate with Niagara Region when posting along Regional roads.

Enforcement & removal

The City can remove portable or election signs placed on municipal boulevards, charging removal costs back to the owner. Repeat infractions may result in fines.

Regional roads overlay

Signs along Main Street West (Highway 3), Killaly Street, and Elm Street require Niagara Region approval. Include Region drawings, offsets, and application fees with your submission.

Local FAQs

Can A-frames sit on West Street sidewalks?

Only where a clear pedestrian path (1.5 m) is preserved and you have permission from the property owner. Encroaching onto City sidewalks without approval can trigger removal.

Are digital billboards allowed near Highway 3?

Digital billboards face strict review. Provide brightness controls and static display programs; flashing or animated content is prohibited.

Do I need Region sign permits for Highway 3?

Yes. Highway 3 is a Regional road, so Region permits apply to freestanding, portable, and election signage within the right-of-way.

Trusted Official Links

Niagara Business Sign Resources

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Port Colborne signage support

We work with canal-side businesses, marine operations, and the downtown BIA to deliver compliant signage—permits, fabrication, and installation with Region coordination where needed.