Signage in the Town of Gibsons

The Town of Gibsons regulates signs through its Official Community Plan, in addition to its sign bylaw.

Sign Bylaw No. 526 (http://www.gibsons.ca/images/stories/bylaws/sign%20bylaw.pdf)

The Town of Gibsons Sign Bylaw defines a number of terms relating to the kinds of signs permitted and prohibited within the Town’s boundaries. Sign Bylaw No. 526 requires permits be obtained for signs, with noted exemptions, and sets out the procedural requirements for making an application. The Building Inspector is authorized to oversee the Sign Bylaw, issue permits and to ensure signs in Gibsons are maintained and kept in safe condition.

The general provisions of the bylaw sets out various types and sizes of signs that do not require a permit, and lists various prohibited signs, such as “third party” signs, advertising signs with flashing lights, billboards, roof signs except in certain commercial zones, signs on satellite dishes and antennae, permanent window signs exceeding 25% of a window area, rotating signs, and neon signs except within certain commercial zones.

The Town of Gibsons Sign Bylaw also requires that political election signs and handbills receive prior approval from the Municipal Clerk, and expressly prohibits the scattering or dropping of advertisement, poster, placard or handbill from airplane or motor vehicle.

The Town of Gibsons Sign Bylaw expressly permits a number of types of signs within certain specifications, including advertising signs, awning signs, changeable illuminated copy signs, fascia signs, freestanding signs, identifications signs, neon signs, portable signs, informational signs, projecting and suspended signs, roof signs and temporary signs. Governmental signs are permitted without conditions.

The Town of Gibsons Sign Bylaw also sets out specific enforcement provisions, penalties and remedial powers, including the ability to remove or demolition of a sign that contravenes its provisions.

Town of Gibsons OCP Policies affecting Signs

The Town of Gibsons Official Community Plan establishes three major Development Permit Areas for commercial and multi-family residential development, which include design guidelines for the signs.

Upper Gibsons (Development Permit Area No. 3)

According to the Town’s OCP, signs in the Upper Gibsons Development Area No. 3 are to conform to the following standards:

• · All signs are to be architecturally coordinated with the overall design of buildings and landscaping.

• · Multi-unit buildings are encouraged to have an attractive, simple single entry sign rather than multi-tenant which clutter appearance.

• · Street oriented signs should be restricted to a maximum height of 3 metres above grade.

• · Signs should display craftsmanship and commitment, and may require modification of corporate or franchise design elements.

• · Changeable illuminated copy signs are not permitted in Development Permit Area No. 3, except where such signs are a clear requirement of the business activity (i.e. movie theatres, gas stations).

• · Detailed sign requirements are to be developed as part of the Upper Gibsons Revitalization Strategy Plan, which may modify the above guidelines in the future.

Multi-Family (Development Permit Area No. 4)

The Town of Gibsons OCP also contains guidelines for signs within its Multi-Family Development Permit Area No. 4, in which signs and lighting are to conform to the following standards:

• · The size, siting and style of signs must not be obtrusive or present a cluttered image.

• · Entry signs are to be placed at or below eye level and integrated with landscaping and other features

• · Site lighting of all developments should be designed in a manner that avoids “light-spill” into adjoining lower density neighbourhoods.

Gibsons Landing (Development Permit No. 5)

The Gibsons Landing Development Permit Area No. 5 is established for the purpose of revitalizing the original harbour settlement area in Gibsons. The Development Permit Area No. 5 guidelines set out to achieve modest, orderly signage that is in keeping with the character of street facades and which exhibits a handmade, well-crafted form where possible. The Development Permit Area No. 5 guidelines set out additional design guidelines for signs within the Gibsons Landing area, as follows:

• · The size, siting and style of signs should be pedestrian-oriented.

• · All signs should be architecturally coordinated with the overall design, architectural features and finishes of buildings.

• · Timber and metal are the preferred construction materials for signs, while individually carved and/or hand painted wood signs are highly recommended.

• · Back-lit or self-illuminated signs are discouraged.

• · Neon signs may be installed on the interior of shop windows, however, exterior neon signs are discouraged in favour of incandescent and other warm coloured lit signs.

• · Signs are to be mounted, painted or carved directly on buildings or incorporated into building pediments.

• · Hanging signs are to be hung from wood canopies or by suspended ornamental brackets.

• · The design guidelines also pay special consideration to the landmark “Molly’s Reach - Welcome Back” sign located in Gibsons Landing; the guidelines state any alterations to the site should retain the famous sign or replace it with a replica.