We’ve all seen it: open house signs teetering precariously on the edge of a traffic median as cars rush past. Did you know this sign placement violates the City of Calgary’s temporary signage bylaws? 

Failure to adhere to the city’s signage bylaws can result in fines and removal of your sign. As a reminder, here are a few considerations for all REALTORS^® to keep their signs in compliance:

General Rules

(3.1) A Person must not place a Sign on a Highway which:

(a) obstructs a Traffic Control Device; 

  (b) has a position, shape, colour, format or illumination which is similar to a Traffic Control Device; 

(c) is a hazard, obstructs or is dangerous to vehicular or pedestrian traffic; 

  (d) is attached to or within 2 metres of a fire hydrant; 

(e) is permanently affixed; 

(f) is lit or electrified; 

(g) is inflatable;

(h) is supported by string, rope, or metal guide wire to add stability to the freestanding structure; 

(i) is unsightly, damaged or in disrepair or becomes unsightly, damaged or in disrepair; 

(j) is attached to any Traffic Signal Pole; 

  (k) is attached to any street light pole; 

(l) is attached to any Sound Attenuation Wall placed by the City; 

(m) is attached on or within a Plus 15 bridge; 

  (n) causes or could cause any damage to Municipal Property; 

(o) is attached to any Calgary Transit Sign, Sign pole or, structure; or 

  (p) is: 

(i) within 30 metres of; and 

(ii) on the same side of the Highway as a city bus shelter, transit bench, bus zone, Light Rail Transit Station, or Light Rail Transit platform without the written permission of the City Manager

(3.3) A person must not place a sign on a Highway:

• within 15 metres of an intersection;

• within two metres of a curb or edge of any roadway;

  • on or within any traffic island or median;

• within a playground zone or school zone;

  • within 10 metres of a crosswalk that is not located at an intersection; or

• within 20 metres of, and on the same side of the highway as, a sign posted by the same owner and depicts, advertises or promotes the same idea.

(3.4) A person must not allow a sign to remain on a highway:

• for more than 14 consecutive days; or

  • for more than 24 hours following the date any advertised event concludes, whichever is sooner.

(3.5) A person who places a sign on a highway must legibly state on the sign:

• the name of the owner of the sign and the address and phone number of the owner; and

  • the date the sign was placed.

Bylaw Number 29M97 defines a “Highway” as any public thoroughfare, street, road, trail, avenue, parkway, driveway, viaduct, lane, alley, square, bridge, causeway or trestle way owned by the City and includes: 

(i) a Sidewalk (including the Boulevard portion of the Sidewalk); 

(ii) if a ditch lies adjacent to and parallel with the Roadway, the ditch; and 

(iii) if a Highway right of way is contained between fences or between a fence and one side of the Roadway, all the land between the fence and the edge of the Roadway, as the case may be, but excludes any street or road located on privately owned land

You can download an uncertified copy of the Temporary Signs on Highways Bylaw 29M97 or visit the City Clerk's Department for a certified copy.

If you see a sign that has been improperly placed, please reach out to your fellow agents to let them know before reporting the sign to the city. A little courtesy goes a long way! 

If you feel your sign has been unfairly removed, please contact the City of Calgary Bylaw Services at 311 and inform them of the issue.

For more information on signage bylaws and what’s expected of you, contact CREB® Member Practice at mp@creb.ca