Surrey Sandwich Board Rules - Sign Bylaw Guide

Signs and Advertising British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

This guide explains how sandwich board and A-frame sidewalk signs are regulated in Surrey, British Columbia, so retailers can place, permit and maintain street-level advertising without risking tickets or removals. It summarizes the city rules that apply to signs on sidewalks, what triggers enforcement, how to apply for any required permissions, and the practical steps to avoid common violations.

Overview

Surrey regulates signs to protect pedestrian access, sightlines and public safety while allowing businesses to advertise. Sidewalk sandwich boards are often subject to location, size, anchoring and liability requirements under the municipal sign rules and related street-use policies. Retailers must confirm whether a sign is permitted in a boulevard or public right-of-way and whether a specific permit or approval is required by the city. For official guidance and the city’s sign program, see the City of Surrey signs information page Sign information[1].

Check permitted locations before placing any sign on a sidewalk or boulevard.

Rules that commonly apply

  • Placement restrictions: signs must not block sidewalks, ramps, bus stops or sightlines at intersections.
  • Size and construction: the city often limits dimensions, weight and stability to prevent tipping or hazards.
  • Permits and approvals: some sidewalk signs require a permit or written approval before display.
  • Liability and maintenance: businesses are typically responsible for safe installation and ongoing upkeep.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City of Surrey’s bylaw and compliance staff. The municipal program may use tickets, removal orders or other corrective measures when signs contravene placement, permit or safety rules. Specific monetary fines and escalation steps are not universally listed on the general guidance pages and may appear in the consolidated bylaw or Provincial Offence material; where amounts or escalation schedules are not available on the cited pages this guide notes that they are "not specified on the cited page" and points to the enforcement contact for details By-law Enforcement[3].

If a sign creates a pedestrian hazard, the city can order its immediate removal.
  • Fines: specific dollar amounts for sandwich board violations are not specified on the city sign information pages; see the consolidated bylaw or enforcement contact for exact fines.
  • Escalation: whether there are graduated fines for first, repeat or continuing offences is not specified on the cited guidance pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement tools can include removal orders, seizure of non-compliant signs, and prosecution through provincial offence procedures where applicable.
  • Enforcer and complaints: By-law Enforcement and the city’s sign program handle inspections and complaints; contact details are available from the city sign information and bylaw enforcement pages Signs[1] and By-law Enforcement[3].
  • Appeals/review: formal appeal routes or timelines are set by the municipal ticketing and bylaw procedures; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the general sign guidance pages.

Applications & Forms

Where permits are required, the city publishes permit application steps and contact points. The sign permit or approval process is described on the City of Surrey sign pages and associated application portal; details such as form name, application fees and submission method should be confirmed on the official sign permit page Sign permits[2]. If a fee or a specific form number is not shown on that page, it is not specified on the cited page.

If no sign permit is listed for your sign type, check with By-law Enforcement before placing the sign.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Blocking pedestrian paths: may lead to immediate removal orders and potential fines.
  • Unanchored or unsafe signs: removal and requirement to remediate the hazard.
  • Displaying signs without required permission: tickets or administrative orders until compliance achieved.
Keep a copy of any permit and a photo of installed signs to show compliance if inspected.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether your proposed sandwich board is allowed at your exact location by consulting the city sign guidance and property owner rules.
  2. If a permit is required, complete the sign permit application and pay any fee as directed on the sign permit page Sign permits[2].
  3. Install the sign so it does not obstruct sidewalks, ramps or visibility; anchor securely to prevent tipping or wind hazards.
  4. If you receive a notice or ticket, follow the instructions on the notice and contact By-law Enforcement for clarification or to request a review By-law Enforcement[3].

FAQ

Do I need a permit for a sandwich board on the sidewalk?
It depends on location and sign type; consult the City of Surrey sign permit information and contact bylaw staff to confirm.
What if my sign is removed by the city?
Follow the removal notice instructions and contact By-law Enforcement for retrieval or appeal options; specific procedures may be set out in the ticket or removal notice.
Who enforces sandwich board rules in Surrey?
By-law Enforcement and the city sign program enforce sidewalk sign rules and handle complaints.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check Surrey’s official sign guidance before placing a sidewalk sign.
  • Permits may be required; confirm via the sign permit page and keep documentation on site.
  • Contact By-law Enforcement promptly if you receive a notice to understand next steps.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Surrey - Signs and advertising
  2. [2] City of Surrey - Sign permits
  3. [3] City of Surrey - By-law Enforcement

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