Portable Signs in Fort McMurray
A Portable Sign means a sign with a total area on one face of no greater than 4.6 m2 mounted on a frame or on a trailer, stand or similar support which together with the support can be relocated to another location, and may include a copy that can be changed manually through the use of detachable characters;
- All portable signs must have a valid sign permit or be placed on a valid sign marker. Are approved for all land use districts except CR, SH, HR, SE and any other residential land use districts.
- Signs must be set back 3m from the road & 10m from utility lines, road right-of-ways & intersections
- There must be a minimum of 25m between portable signs & 10m from a permanent sign
- No 3rd party advertising allowed
- The Development Officer may allow one temporary or portable sign (not both) per parcel announcing a special event, sale, relocation of a business, new business, or the future proposed development of a building or structure, or other function
- No person shall post or exhibit a temporary or portable sign in or on a vehicle of any type,
including tractor-trailer units, if it is temporarily or permanently parked
solely for the purpose of displaying the sign. - It is not permitted to locate a temporary or portable sign so that it causes a traffic hazard, or conflicts with parking, loading, or walkway areas
- No Person shall in any land use district, locate a temporary or portable sign within the sight triangles indicated in Figure 58.2 of this Bylaw;
- It is not permitted to locate a temporary or portable sign within roadway rights-of-way or on public property, except where such roadway rights-of-way or other public property has been authorized for such purposes by the Municipality;
Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws
The above Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws are summarized for the reader’s convenience. The Bylaws are always subject to their interpretation of the regulations in favor of the City of Fort McMurray. The City may change the signage bylaws at any time. Detailed information may be found on their website
Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws FAQs
The Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws are the regulations established by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) that govern how portable (temporary) signs can be used, displayed, and maintained in the Fort McMurray region. These bylaws define what qualifies as a portable sign, outline where signage can be placed, and set standards for size, setbacks, duration, and safety. Their goal is to balance the right to advertise or promote businesses and events with public safety, traffic visibility, and community appearance. Compliance with the Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws helps keep signage orderly, safe, and respectful of the community environment.
Yes. Under the Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws, any portable sign must have a valid sign permit or be placed on a valid sign marker before being erected. signguru.ca The permit ensures the sign meets the city’s requirements for location, setback, size, and safety. Without a permit or marker authorization, the sign is considered non-compliant and may be removed or lead to enforcement. Following the permit requirement is essential for legal and proper use of portable signage under the Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws.
According to the Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws, a portable sign’s face must not exceed 4.60 square meters (per sign face) to a total sign area of 9.20 square meters. The bylaws also set a maximum height limit for portable signs of 3.10 meters. These size restrictions help ensure portable signs remain temporary in scale, do not dominate the visual environment, and avoid obstructing sightlines or creating hazards for traffic and pedestrians. Complying with these limits is critical to adhere to the Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws.
Under the Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws, portable signs must be located within a parcel (i.e., on private property) and are not permitted on public property, road rights-of-way, sidewalks, or medians, except where explicitly authorized by the municipality. Signs must be set back at least 1.2 meters from the edge of the road, curb, or sidewalk. They also must be at least 3 meters from the road and 10 meters from utility lines, road rights-of-way, or intersections, depending on location. Additional safety-related restrictions ensure that signage does not obstruct traffic visibility or pose hazards.
Yes. The Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws require a minimum separation distance of at least 25 meters between portable signs. Additionally, a portable sign must be placed at least 10 meters from any permanent sign. These separation rules help avoid visual clutter, prevent overlapping advertisement zones, and maintain safe spacing for drivers, pedestrians, and other infrastructure. Observing these distances ensures compliance with the Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws and supports orderly signage across the region.
No. The Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws specify that portable signs are approved for all land use districts except certain residential land-use zones (such as CR, SH, HR, SE and other residential districts). This restriction aims to preserve neighborhood character, reduce visual clutter, and prevent potential disturbance to residents. Therefore, portable sign installation in residential areas is generally prohibited under the Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws.
No — the Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws traditionally prohibit third-party advertising on portable signs. This means a sign must generally advertise the business or property on which it is placed, and cannot simply display advertisements for unrelated third-parties. This restriction helps prevent the proliferation of unrelated ads, preserves visual order, and ensures signage remains relevant to the property.
Yes. The Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws explicitly prohibit using a vehicle (including trailers or parked trucks) solely for the purpose of displaying a portable sign. This means you cannot simply park a vehicle and use it as a mobile billboard. This regulation ensures that signage remains on properly permitted structures and does not encroach on roadways or create hazards for traffic.
Under the Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws, portable signs are considered temporary and their duration is regulated. According to recent regulations, portable signs may remain on a lot for up to 180 consecutive days. After that period, the sign must be removed for at least 180 consecutive days before another portable sign can be placed. This limit helps prevent long-term clutter and ensures that portable signage remains temporary in nature.
If you violate the Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws, your sign may be removed by city enforcement officers, and you could face fines or have future permit applications denied. The municipality reserves the right to enforce setbacks, size, placement, and permit requirements strictly. Because the bylaws are subject to change and may be updated (as indicated by recent amendments and reviews), noncompliance can lead to immediate removal or penalties. Always confirm the current regulations before installing a portable sign to avoid enforcement under the Fort McMurray Portable Sign Bylaws.
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