A-Frame & Sandwich Board Sign Licence - Québec

Signs and Advertising Quebec 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Quebec

In Québec, Quebec, merchants must follow city bylaws for A-frame and sandwich board signs on sidewalks to protect pedestrian safety, accessibility and municipal right-of-way. This guide explains when a licence is needed, where boards may be placed, typical permit requirements, and how enforcement and appeals work under municipal rules. It summarizes steps to apply, what to expect during inspections, and common violations to avoid so businesses can advertise safely without blocking sidewalks or creating hazards.[1]

Check setback and clearance rules before placing any sign.

Design, placement and licence overview

Sidewalk signs (A-frames, sandwich boards) are generally treated as temporary signs placed on public domain and may require a licence or authorization when placed outside private property limits. Rules typically cover maximum dimensions, required clear pedestrian passage, anchoring, and restrictions near intersections, ramps and bus stops. When a licence is required, applicants must supply a site plan and proof of insurance if requested.[2]

  • Licence requirement: may be required for use on public sidewalks.
  • Permitted hours: often limited to business hours or as specified by permit.
  • Size limits: municipal rules commonly set maximum height and width.
  • Clearway: maintain unobstructed pedestrian clearance and accessibility.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the citys by-law or enforcement service, which issues notices, orders or fines for non-compliance. Specific fine amounts and escalation are not specified on the cited pages; consult the enforcement office for exact schedules and procedures.[3]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offences — not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary orders: removal orders, seizure of sign, or court action may be used.
  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement or Contrôle des règlements (contact via municipal enforcement page).[3]
Keep documentation of any permit or approval on site to show inspectors.

Applications & Forms

Application procedures vary; the city provides permit information and online application pages for occupation of the public domain and signage. The official permit form name, number, fees and deadlines are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed on the municipal permit page or by contacting the licensing office.[1]

  • Application: see municipal permit page for sidewalk occupation or temporary signage.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page.
  • Supporting documents: site plan, proof of insurance if requested.

Common violations

  • Blocking accessible routes or reducing sidewalk clearance below municipal minimums.
  • Placing signs too close to intersections, ramps or transit stops.
  • Displaying signs without required licence or outside permitted hours.

FAQ

Do I need a licence to place an A-frame sign on the sidewalk?
Possibly; licences or authorizations are often required when the sign encroaches on public domain — check the citys permit and signage pages for details.[1]
How wide must the clear pedestrian path remain?
Minimum clearway widths are set by municipal accessibility rules; the exact clearance is not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the citys permit office.[2]
What happens if my sign is placed incorrectly?
By-law officers may issue orders, penalties or require immediate removal; contact By-law Enforcement to resolve disputes or appeal orders.[3]

How-To

  1. Confirm whether your signage location is on private property or public domain by consulting municipal maps or contacting the permit office.
  2. Review the citys signage and public domain permit pages and download any required application forms.[1]
  3. Prepare drawings showing sign dimensions and sidewalk clearance and obtain proof of insurance if required.
  4. Submit the application, pay fees if listed, and await written authorization before placing the sign.
  5. If a by-law notice is issued, follow the removal or correction instructions and use the municipal appeal process if you dispute the order.

Key Takeaways

  • Check whether a permit is required before placing any sidewalk sign.
  • Maintain required pedestrian clearance and avoid placing signs near intersections or ramps.
  • Contact By-law Enforcement for clarification, permits, or to report violations.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Municipal permit page for occupation of public domain
  2. [2] Municipal signage and advertising rules
  3. [3] By-law Enforcement contact and complaints

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