Case 01310

Amendments to By-law S-800

Temporary Signs

(updated 25 May 2010)

Application - summary

HRM initiated amendments to By-law S-800, the Temporary Sign By-law. The by-law requires the licensing of temporary signs (mobile signs, posters, sandwich boards, banners and inflatable signs) for private property and within HRM rights-of-way.

Status

A public information meeting was held Thursday Oct. 29, 2009 at Halifax West High School, Halifax.  This meeting provided residents with information regarding the proposed amendments and the amendment process, as well as provided an opportunity for staff to receive comments regarding the proposed amendments for inclusion in a recommendation report to Regional Council. 

As discussed at the meeting, the Proposed Changes Summary is now available.  Further updates will be posted to this site as changes occur.

UPDATE - In addition to the Oct. 29, 2010 meeting, stakeholder consultations have included:

• HRM Business Improvement Districts
• Regional Council’s Advisory Committee for Persons With Disabilities

Staff have concluded the formal by-law amendment consultation process and are preparing a report and recommendation on the proposed By-law amendments for consideration by Regional Council. If Regional Council decides to consider the amendment they will schedule a public hearing.  Notices will be published on this website and in the newspaper if a hearing is scheduled.

Background - Staff Report
On July 4, 2006, Regional Council adopted the Temporary Sign By-law. The goal of the By-law is to consistently and effectively regulate Temporary Signs on private property and within HRM public right-of-ways. The objective of the By-law is to:

• provide opportunities for temporary signs consistent with community vision and existing community plans;
• preserve and enhance the visual character of the region’s streetscapes;
• provide a single point of contact for clients;
• ensure consistent administration and enforcement of the By-law; and
• ensure effective remedy for non-compliance.

Consultation Process
In preparing the sign by-law, staff reviewed existing sign standards and procedures and researched By-laws used in other municipalities. The content of the By-law was refined through meetings with:

• representatives of the permanent and mobile sign industries;
• Planning Advisory Committees (jointly);
• number of the Business Commissions;
• internal staff (Capital District, Right-of-Way Services, By-law Rationalization);
• Nova Scotia Automobile Association; and
• various individuals and businesses.

In addition to the above consultation, staff held four public information meetings throughout the region on the content of the By-law. The comments received indicated:

• temporary signs are needed, especially for small businesses;
• need to address cluster and maintenance issues; and
• provisions should not be too restrictive that they prohibit temporary signs.

While the Temporary Sign By-law has resulted in a simplification and standardization of temporary sign provisions within the Region, and has aided in improved streetscapes and enforcement of sign provisions, over the past three years staff and industry stakeholders have monitored the administration and implementation of the Temporary Sign By-law with the following issues identified for review:

• transfer of responsibility for signs located in the right-of-way to HRM Transportation and Public Works
• duration of licences
• separation distances between signs
• administrative housekeeping matters

The information report received by Regional Council at its June 10, 2008 meeting indicated staff were reviewing the Temporary Sign By-law with regard to issues raised by the public, the sign industry, HRM administration of the By-law and members of Council, and would return with a recommendation report inclusive with proposed By-law amendments.

Significant issues inherent to the intent of the goals of the By-law have been identified, including:

• transfer of responsibility for signs located in the right-of-way to HRM Transportation and Public Works
• duration of licences
• separation distances between signs
• administrative housekeeping matters
• the period of time that Mobile Sign may be permitted
• limiting the use of mobile signs within the Cole Harbour/ Westphal and Sackville Drive plan areas
• review of sandwich boards signs provisions

Accordingly, staff believe these matters warrant initiation of a review by Regional Council, inclusive of a public participation program which will involve:

• Meeting with industry stakeholders
• A public information meeting
• Proposal Fact Sheet
• HRM Webpage

For additional information please see the staff report presented to Regional Council on August 4, 2009.

By-law Amendment Process
Upon consideration of the staff report, should Regional Council decide to proceed with the adoption process of the proposed amendments and schedule a public hearing, the date of the public hearing will be provided on this page, on our Meeting Notices list, and published in the "Municipal Notices" section of the Chronicle Herald newspaper.

HRM welcomes public input on the proposed amendments. Those who wish to provide comment are encouraged to attend the October 29, 2009 Information Meeting or contact staff as provided below.

Contact information

For more information, please contact: