Are all those A-frame advertising signs on city sidewalks legal?
Those are the issues that determine if two-sided signs that are so abundant along business sections of city streets comply with Torontos sign bylaw, or if theyre unauthorized and subject to removal. I would hate for this to become a precedent, said Collins. I wasnt sure if the sign in his photo was legal. But I had no idea if it was illegal. So I went for a walk through Greektown along the Danforth on a recent Saturday and saw dozens of A-frames advertising the wares and menus of stores and restaurants. When retail and food services have been closed or reduced for months at a time, due to the pandemic, its more important than ever that businesses are able to fly a flag that catches the eye of potential customers. Besides, I like to see the daily fare offered by a restaurant, artfully scribbled on a chalkboard mounted to an A-frame, or be informed that handmade chocolate or a hard-to-find product is available just around the corner. STATUS: I asked the city what the rules are for A-frames, and what it does to enforce them, and got a reply implying that any action it takes is driven by complaints. As is often the case, the city doesnt have the resources to send people out to look for illegal signs, but will respond to a complaint to 311. Spokesperson Lyn Kyle said, In order to be used, businesses must obtain a permit, which includes the need to provide a site plan or survey of the location where the sign will be displayed. Signs cannot be larger than 0.6 m wide x 1 m high x 0.75 m long, must be located against the front wall, can only be out during business hours, and must allow 2.13 m of unobstructed sidewalk between the store front and the road.  Kyle sent me a link to the temporary signs section of the bylaw, which includes A-frames and defines them as signs that are not permanently attached or fixed to a structure or surface. The bylaw regulates the size and location of all temporary signs on private and public property.  Permit applicants must have valid photo ID, a registered business or franchise agreement, a site plan or survey of the location, proof of $2 million in liability insurance and a photo of the sign, along with an annual payment of $126.39, plus HST. Given the requirements, and that enforcement is complaint-driven, it seems likely that a lot of businesses will take their chances on not getting caught. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Many of the signs on the Danforth were not up against the storefront, which seems to violate the bylaw. But I didnt see anybody stumbling over them. The bottom line for people who dont like a sign and think it may be illegal is to call 311 and let the city figure it out.