Store Signage

he quality of store signage plays a significant role in attracting business to Port Hope and makes a major contribution to the town's distinctive identity and character. Many of the store fronts within Port Hope's commercial area survive from the 19th and early 20th century. These original features collectively form one of the best-preserved and most complete 19th century streetscapes in the province. In December 2005, the Municipality of Port Hope passed a by-law to regulate signs and other advertising devices in the municipality. 

View samples we included in our recent sign presentation!


GUIDELINES FOR THE PORT HOPE SIGN BYLAW

NOTE: These guidelines are not intended to substitute for the legislative requirements of the by-law but shall provide a general overview

1. APPLICATION FOR SIGN PERMIT AND/OR HERITAGE SIGN APPROVAL
Sign By-law 17/2005 and Heritage Applications may be obtained from the Building Department at the Municipal Office
(Sign By-law 17/2005 – Section6.4)

2. TEXT AND FONT/LETTERING
minimize message
include business name, logo and number
use simple and legible text
make message proportional to fascia size
limit window lettering to 15% of total glazed area - examples of suggested fonts are included as Schedule “A” of the sign by-law
(Sign By-Law 17/2005 - Section 5.22.2.2 & By-law 16/2008 Guidelines p. 78)

3. HERITAGE COLOURS
apply to all signs in the Heritage District
include paint company name, colour number/name, heritage colour sample and finish
(Sign By-law 17/2005 – Section 5.22.2.3)

4. CANOPIES (MUST BE CANVAS OR EQUIVALENT AND RETRACTABLE)
limit message to 15% of valance area
locate business name and address located on valance and end panels
use guidelines for text, lettering and heritage colours
(Sign By-law 17/2005 - Section 5.16 & By-law 16/2008 Guidelines page 78)

5. ILLUMINATION
use external fixtures only
(NOTE: Internally illuminated, flashing and Read-o-Graph signs are not permitted)
(Sign By-law 17/2005 – Section 2.15.3, 5.22.2.4.5 and Section 6.4.2.3.4)

6. MOVING SIGNAGE FROM ONE BUILDING TO ANOTHER IN THE DISTRICT(S)
submit Heritage Sign application
(Sign By-law 17/2005 – Section 6.3)

7. ILLUSTRATIONS OF PROPOSED SIGNAGE
(Sign By-law 17/2005 – Section 6.4)

8. FASCIA SIGNS
position on the space above the door and window and below the cornice of the front façade
ensure that architectural features are not obscured
ensure that proportion and scale of sign relate to architectural features
use metal, natural material or wood equivalent
(Sign By-law 17/2005 – Section 5.22.2.1 & By-law 16/2008 Guidelines p. 78)

9. GROUND SIGNS
use only one per lot
note the size restrictions
use the guidelines for text, lettering and heritage colours
(Sign By-law 17/2005 - Section 5.13 and Schedule C)

10. PROJECTING SIGNS
use only one per business façade
note the size restrictions
(Sign By-law 17/2005 - Section 5.15 and Schedule C)

11. SANDWICH BOARDS
use only one per lot
note the size restrictions
use the guidelines for text, lettering and heritage colours
(Sign By-law 17/2005 - Section 5.20 and Schedule C)

12. SOFFIT SIGNS
use only one per business façade
note the size restrictions
attach to underside of soffit
(Sign By-law 17/2005 - Section 5.17 and Schedule C)

13. WALL SIGNS
limit size to 15% of building façade
use the guidelines for text, lettering and heritage colours
(Sign By-law 17/2005 - Section 5.14 and Schedule C)

14. WINDOW SIGNS
affix sign lettering to window and door glazing
limit size to 15% of total glazed area
use the guidelines for text, lettering and heritage colours
(Sign By-law 17/2005 – Section 5.5)