Can I remove an illegal sign I find on city property?

Contact By-law Enforcement; do not remove signs on medians or city assets yourself as removal may be restricted or create liability.

How will I be notified if a sign on my property is illegal?

Enforcement typically issues a notice or order to the owner; timelines and methods are set out in the municipal procedures and the bylaw.

How do I pay a fine for a sign offence?

Payment instructions for any ticket or set fine appear on the offence notice and in Provincial Offences information; if not listed, contact the City or the court handling the offence.

Illegal Sign Penalties & Fines - Windsor Bylaw Guide

Signs and Advertising Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026

This guide explains how Windsor, Ontario enforces rules for signs and advertising, what penalties may apply, how to report illegal signs, and where to find permits and forms. It is aimed at property owners, businesses, campaign organizers and residents who need clear steps for compliance, payment or appeal.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Windsor enforces sign rules through its By-law Enforcement and Licensing divisions. Specific monetary fines, schedules, and set fines for illegal signs are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see the official references below for the controlling bylaw and complaint process. Sign permit and sign rules^[1] and how to report a bylaw complaint^[2] provide the operational contacts and permit overview.

By-law Enforcement investigates reported illegal signs and may issue orders or tickets.

Typical enforcement actions include orders to remove or correct a sign.
Monetary fines or set fines: not specified on the cited municipal pages; see municipal by-laws for the controlling instrument.
Continuing or repeat offences may lead to further tickets or court action; escalation details are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions may include compliance orders, removal at owner expense, and prosecution under the Municipal Act or applicable bylaw.

Enforcer, inspections and complaints

The primary enforcing office is the City of Windsor By-law Enforcement division. Complaints and inspections are initiated via the City reporting page or by contacting By-law Enforcement directly; see the municipal by-law listing for the controlling bylaw text and contacts. Municipal by-laws and bylaw text^[3]

Report illegal signs through the City online complaint form or By-law Enforcement phone contacts.
Inspections may be scheduled after a complaint is received; timelines are determined case by case.
Prosecutions, if any, are handled through the Provincial Offences process or as set out in the municipal bylaw.

Appeals, reviews and defences

The municipal pages do not specify an administrative internal appeal for sign tickets; where available, appeal routes or requests for review are governed by the Provincial Offences process or by specific provisions in the controlling bylaw. Reasonable defences commonly include valid permit, emergency necessity, or temporary approval; availability of these defences is subject to the bylaw wording and the discretion of enforcement officers.

Common violations

Unpermitted election or commercial signs on public land or medians.
Signs erected without the required permit or without approved mounting.
Obstructive signs that limit visibility for traffic or pedestrian safety.
Signs that violate size, illumination, or location limits in the bylaw.

Applications & Forms

The City maintains sign permit guidance and application instructions on its building and renovating pages. Specific form names, form numbers, fees and submission steps are provided on the City sign-permit page, or by contacting By-law Enforcement/Building Services directly. If a named provincial form or a municipal form number is required, it is listed on the applicable City page and in the municipal bylaw text.

Check the City sign permit page to confirm required documents, fees and submission method before installing a sign.

FAQ

Can I remove an illegal sign I find on city property?: Contact By-law Enforcement; do not remove signs on medians or city assets yourself as removal may be restricted or create liability.
How will I be notified if a sign on my property is illegal?: Enforcement typically issues a notice or order to the owner; timelines and methods are set out in the municipal procedures and the bylaw.
How do I pay a fine for a sign offence?: Payment instructions for any ticket or set fine appear on the offence notice and in Provincial Offences information; if not listed, contact the City or the court handling the offence.

How-To

Document the sign: take dated photos showing location and any identifying information.
Check whether a permit exists by consulting the City sign permit page or contacting Building Services.
Report the sign using the City complaint form or By-law Enforcement contact details.
If you receive a ticket, follow the payment or dispute instructions on the ticket promptly.

Key Takeaways

Obtain the correct sign permit before installation to avoid enforcement action.
Report illegal signs to By-law Enforcement with photos and location details.