Kelowna Sandwich Board & A-Frame Sign Bylaws

Signs and Advertising British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 26, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Kelowna, British Columbia regulates sidewalk sandwich boards and A-frame signs to protect pedestrian safety, accessibility and public right-of-way. This guide summarizes the city approach to placement, permits, liability and enforcement so businesses and property managers can comply with local requirements and avoid fines or removal of signs. Read the rules below, follow the practical steps, and contact the city bylaw office or planning group if you need a permit or clarification.

Keep sidewalks clear of obstructions and maintain a minimum clear path for pedestrians.

Overview

Small movable advertising signs — commonly called sandwich boards or A-frame signs — are generally allowed in commercial areas subject to location, size, and safety rules. Many requirements are set out by the City of Kelowna in its planning and bylaw materials and are enforced by Bylaw Services and related departments. For permit requirements and placement rules see the city sign/permit guidance Sign permits and information[1], Bylaw Services contact and enforcement details Bylaw Services[2], and the city bylaws index City bylaws and policies[3].

Typical Rules and Good Practice

  • Placement: Do not place signs where they obstruct a continuous accessible path, building entrances, transit stops or fire hydrants.
  • Size and weight: Follow maximum height and width limits set by the city and ensure signs are stable in wind.
  • Location: Keep signs on private frontage or in permitted boulevard areas only where allowed; do not place signs in travel lanes or bike lanes.
  • Liability: Owners/operators are responsible for damage or injury caused by signs.
Place signs so they do not reduce sidewalk clearance required for persons using mobility aids.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the city Bylaw Services and related enforcement staff. Where a sign violates the bylaw, enforcement options may include removal, tickets, or orders to comply. Specific fines, fees, and escalation amounts are not shown verbatim on the general guidance pages and therefore are not specified on the cited page; consult the consolidated bylaw text or contact Bylaw Services for exact penalty figures.[2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; see Bylaw Services for current penalties.
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat or continuing offences and daily continuation penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, seizure or impoundment, and court action are enforcement tools referenced by city enforcement guidance.
  • Enforcer and complaints: contact Bylaw Services for inspections, complaints and to request enforcement.[2]
If a sign is placed on city property without permission it may be removed without notice.

Applications & Forms

The city maintains a sign-permit application process; details and submission guidance are on the sign permits information page. Fees, form names/numbers and filing instructions are not specified on the general information page and must be confirmed on the sign permit page or by contacting the planning or bylaw office.[1]

Common Violations

  • Blocking the accessible path or narrowing sidewalk clearway.
  • Placing signs on public roadway, bike lanes, or hatching areas.
  • Failure to secure signs leading to hazard in high wind.

Action Steps

  • Check sign-permit guidance and application requirements before placing a sign.[1]
  • Measure and keep the minimum accessible sidewalk width required by the city.
  • Report unsafe or illegal signs to Bylaw Services via the official complaint channels.[2]
  • If you receive an enforcement notice, follow the compliance directions or appeal as instructed in the notice.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for a sandwich board or A-frame sign?
Often yes — many streets and commercial zones require a sign permit; check the city sign permit information page or contact Planning. [1]
How close can a sign be to the curb or edge of sidewalk?
Keep signs clear of vehicle lanes and maintain required sidewalk clearance; exact distance measurements are set in the city guidance or by permit conditions and should be confirmed with Planning or Bylaw Services. [1][2]
What happens if my sign is removed by enforcement?
Removal or impoundment is possible; follow the removal notice instructions and contact Bylaw Services to resolve or appeal the action. [2]

How-To

  1. Check if your property or street requires a sign permit and review size/location rules on the city sign permits page. [1]
  2. Measure the sidewalk and confirm you can leave the required clear accessible path before placing the sign.
  3. Secure the sign so it will not tip or blow into pedestrians or the roadway.
  4. If in doubt, contact Bylaw Services to confirm compliance or to request a permit. [2]
  5. Keep documentation of permits or approvals on site in case an officer inspects the sign.

Key Takeaways

  • Always prioritize pedestrian clearance and accessibility when placing signs.
  • Check the city sign permit guidance before installing a sandwich board or A-frame sign.
  • Contact Bylaw Services promptly if you receive a notice or need clarification.

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