Portable Signs

Portable signs are rigid free-standing moveable signs which are not fastened to the ground or any structure. This excludes A-frame signs. A common type of portable signs are T-Frame signs. Portable signs require a permit from the City.

Application Requirement

Below you will find the documents and information you need to provide with your application submission. Additional documents maybe requested.

Valid photo identification
Provincial Business Name Registration or Franchise Agreement Declaration
Site Plan or Survey of location
Letter of Authorization from Property Owner
Photo of sign

Note: Applicants must provide proof of two million dollars in Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance. The completed Certificate of Insurance  must be signed and stamped by the insurer. The Certificate must be sent by email to MLSroadallowance@toronto.ca directly from the Insurance Representative.

How to Apply

Applications need to be submitted online. You cannot apply for this licence/permit in-person.

Apply online

Please have all required documents ready to upload before starting the application, as it requires 10-15 minutes to complete and cannot be saved. Download a step by step guide  on how to submit a new application. Permit application fees can be paid online or by sending a cheque.

Submit Application

If you have already submitted an application you may upload additional documents using your upload token.

Upload Documents for Existing Request

Apply in-person

In-person services are available at the Licence and Permit Issuing Office, 850 Coxwell Avenue, 3rd Floor.
You must bring hard copies of all application requirements. Applications will not be started unless all requirements are provided. Digital copies of documents will not be accepted.

Payment can only be made by debit, credit or cheque. Cash will not be accepted.

Walk-in services

Walk-in services are available once a week.

Please contact MLSroadallowance@toronto.ca for the next weekday availability.

Please note office hours:
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:00 p.m.
The office is closed from 12:30–1:30 p.m. daily.

Appointments

Appointment services are available. Please contact MLSroadallowance@toronto.ca.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in and be on time for your appointment or you may be turned away and asked to re-book for another day and time, subject to availability.

Fees

Portable signs: $119.05 per sign, including HST.

Sign Requirement

Example of a portable sign

The City has updated the rules on where A-frame and portable signs can be placed.
There must be 2.1-metres pedestrian clearway on sidewalks and this is expanded to 2.5 metres on certain downtown Toronto streets.
Signs must be placed beside the curb and in-line with other street furniture, where possible (instead of close to the building).
There are new rules on minimum separation distances between signs and street furniture and utilities.

Placement

No larger than 0.6 metres wide x 1 metres high x 0.75 metres long
Only permitted on public property if not able to be located on private property
First part advertising only
One per business location
Sign can only be out during business hours
No illumination, sound, motion etc.
Area around sign must be kept free of litter, debris and weeds

Permit Renewal

Your permit will expire annually on the anniversary of the date that the permit/licence was first issued. A renewal notice, identifying any documents required to renew the permit/licence, will be mailed to the address on file.

Portable sign permit renewal fee $93.99

If documents are not received; please note that your permit/licence may be cancelled, and a new application will be required. Please ensure you submit all renewal documentation and fees.

Existing licensees must renew their licences via a new online renewal portal. Licence renewal fees can be paid online or by sending a cheque.

Please have all required documents ready to upload before starting the renewal, as it requires 10-15 minutes to complete and cannot be saved. Download a step by step guide  on how to renew a licence or permit.

Renew Licence

Find your outstanding business licence or permit renewal invoice.

Renew in-person

In-person services are available at the Licence and Permit Issuing Office, 850 Coxwell Avenue, 3rd Floor. You must bring hard copies of all application requirements. Applications will not be started unless all requirements are provided. Digital copies of documents will not be accepted.