Sign Permit
Apply for a sign permit for restaurants, offices, or retail stores.
You need a permit for any fascia, freestanding, awning, or canopy signs that will be displayed.
Read more about Surrey's Business Signage Bylaws, and then see below for information about applying for a permit:
How to apply
Complete the Sign Permit Application Form and submit the required documents, plans, and fees by email or in-person.
You can submit your sign permit application by email to permitapplication@surrey.ca.
Before submitting your application, review the digital submission guide. You will be contacted once your application has been accepted into the queue or if further information is required. An incomplete submission will not be accepted and will cause further delays in the review process.
Requesting hard copies for digital application submissions
Hard (physical) copies of drawings and documents may be requested throughout the permitting process. If you submit your application digitally, hard copies may be requested depending on the scope of work and project size.
Staff will communicate directly with the applicant if hard copies are required. If you submit digitally, do not send in hard copies unless requested to do so by staff.
View your permit
After you've applied for your sign permit, you can use the online portal to:
- View your permit details
- Pay fees
- View and download the deficiencies list
- View your permit status
To access the online portal, you are required to have a MySurrey account. Review the online portal registration guide before you get started.
Professionals you may need
Structural engineered drawings signed and sealed by a Registered Professional are required for:
- fascia signs weighing over 68 kg (150 lbs)
- freestanding signs over 2.5 m (8'-2") in height
- awning and canopy signs
- signs that are overly complex
Prerequisites
Prior to the issuance of a Sign Permit, you may require the following permits:
- a building permit for new awning or canopy installations
- a building permit for a new tenant occupying a new/existing space
- a development permit for new freestanding signs
- a development variance permit if the proposal exceeds the requirements of the Sign Bylaw
Required documents
Include the following documents with your application:
- a Sign Permit Application Form
- an Owner Authorization Form
- a Structural Schedule B and insurance certificate (if applicable)
- a Bylaw & Licensing Inquiry Form (zoning approval) or active Business Licence
Drawing requirements
Two sets of drawings that include:
- a site plan
- an elevation drawing/photograph (colour copies printed on standard paper sizes)
- a copy drawing (colour copies)
- a cross section
- a photograph of the building face showing the location of existing signage (colour copies printed on standard paper sizes)
- signed and sealed structural engineered drawings (if applicable)
Please refer to the Sign Permit Application Guide for examples of acceptable drawings.
Sign permit fees
The sign permit fees are based on the total size area of each sign. Please refer to the current fee schedule in the Sign Bylaw. The non-refundable processing fee that is required upon application will be credited towards the total sign permit fee if the proposal is approved.
In addition to the sign permit fee, the following fees may also apply where applicable:
- Electrical permit fee (if a separate electrical permit is required)
- Development Permit Minor Amendment fee
- Removal Bond (temporary signs)
Other permit information
To expedite the sign permit application process, please ensure the proposed signage complies with the City of Surrey Sign Bylaw and any applicable development permits and/or development variance permits (consult Development Planning to review approved permits).
Sign permit issuance does not grant building occupancy or authorize business operations. Final approval of the subject tenant improvement building permit and a business licence are required.
A final inspection of the sign permit is required once the sign is installed and related work (including electrical) is complete.
Related permits
- Electrical permit
- Building permit
- Development permit
- Development variance permit
