Signs

Approvals from other agencies are often required before a building permit can be processed and issued. The building department does not administer these approvals. The fastest way to obtain a building permit is to ensure that all other required approvals are completed before the permit application.

An Applicable Law Checklist is required as part of a complete application. Agency contacts are included with this form. Our community mapping has many layers mapped to help you determine if additional approvals are required for your application.

Zoning Requirements

Finding the zoning associated with your property is easy with our GIS Community Web Map; position your property and turn on the zoning layer by clicking layer list, planning, and zoning.

You will need to provide a plot plan for zoning review. Refer to Norfolk County Zoning Bylaw. This plot plan needs to include the following:

• Property lines and lot dimensions,
• Location of building and all other structures on the lot,
• Location of the sign on the property, with dimensions to property lines and adjacent properties,
• Height of the sign

A planning application will be required if your proposed building or structure does not comply with the zoning requirements. Zoning and Planning approval is required as part of a complete permit 
application. 

• Contact the Planning Department at planning@norfolkcounty.ca or 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 1842
• Contact the Zoning Department at zoning@norfolkcounty.ca or 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 1000

Site Plan Control

Sign permit requests submitted through the Building Department sometimes require the review and signature of the Planning Department. A separate site plan application or site plan waiver form is not.

The Planning Department will review and either required under applicable law. 

1. Sign for Approval in the "Site Plan Approval (if applicable)" section or
2. Respond to Building, and the Applicant indicated that site plan control is required and some type of site plan application is necessary.

Depending on the situation, additional information will be provided to ensure clarity to the applicant regarding the requirements of the Planning Department.

Setback Regulation for Signs.

Setbacks for signs apply, depending on the property's zoning where the sign will be located. Refer to Norfolk County Sign By-Law 2009-66.

A sign/building permit application consists of several documents.

Drawings and Documents

Drawings are to be legible and to scale. Use a ruler or computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to complete your drawings. Provide enough information and detail to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code.

Building Department staff, by law, are not permitted to provide design advice. It is the responsibility of the property owner or authorized agent to complete a design that meets the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and the Building Code Act (BCA) 

Application Checklist

Completed Forms 

• Sign Permit Application Form (Schedule A in the Sign By-law)
• Building Permit application: if a building permit is required,
• Commitment to General Review if a building permit is required,
• Applicable Law Checklist and supporting documents. 
• Applicant Authorization Form, if the property owner does not complete the application.

Required Documents 

• Plot Plan:
  • Showing the location of the sign on the lot,
  • distance from all property lines and other structures.
• Construction Drawings:
  • Plans of the proposed sign drawings to scale, including details,
  • supporting framework, footings, foundation
  • Illumination details, height and weight area,
  • clearance height and elevation in relation to adjacent buildings and sign type
  • materials and specifications,
  • sign affixed to any wall, anchoring plans and plans showing the elevation of the building on which the proposed sign is to be erected.

Fees

• Sign permit fee.
• Building permit fee (if applicable)

Online Portal

• Visit the Norfolk CityView Permits Portal and make your application online 

In Person

Visit our service counter located at 12 Gilbertson Dr., Simcoe, Ontario.

Please call or email ahead and make an appointment. Our Permit Coordinators will review your application and provide in writing any missing items and a cost breakdown for the permit fees and payment options.

A Building Inspector will contact you in writing if there are building code concerns or missing information from your application.

A building permit is issued once all documentation has been received, fees are paid in full, and your plans are check for compliance zoning by-law and the building code.

Once you have obtained a building permit, a building inspector needs to attend your site at several milestones in the construction process. Read more about inspections.

Once all inspections are complete and passed your permit is closed.