Coquitlam has temporarily relaxed its sign regulations to help businesses more easily publicize key information related to the pandemic.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Nov. 27, 2020 – Coquitlam has temporarily relaxed its sign regulations to help businesses more easily publicize key information related to the pandemic.
Monday night, Council approved temporary exemptions to the sign bylaw that will waive fees and other requirements for temporary signs that convey safety, hours and other information to customers.
Part of the City’s COVID-19 Community Support and Recovery Plan (CSRP), the exemptions are in effect until Dec. 31, 2021 and apply to licensed businesses (excluding home occupation businesses) for temporary sandwich board signs, window signs and time-limited signs (e.g., banner signs).
Helping Businesses Meet New Challenges
Many Coquitlam businesses have faced temporary closures and changes to their hours and services – often with little notice – as they continue to operate during the pandemic. The ongoing changes to health orders make it challenging to conform with the City’s sign bylaw, which includes an approval process to ensure attractive and appropriate sign use.
The temporary exemptions will mean businesses do not need to apply for a sign permit, pay fees or adhere to limits on the sign area (excluding sandwich board signs), time period and number of temporary signs that provide pandemic-related information such as:
- Hours of operation, closures and reopenings;
- Directional information to ensure physical distancing;
- Best practices to limit the spread of COVID-19, such as use of masks;
- Changes of services or inventory; and
- Phone numbers and website addresses.
The temporary signs may not be used to advertise products, services or pricing, and businesses are expected to keep the signs organized, maintained in a professional manner and installed safely.
Sandwich boards must remain on the business property and are not permitted on sidewalks or other public rights-of-way unless approved through a formal sign application.
The City will revisit these temporary exemptions at the end of 2021.
For more details, visit www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/business or www.coquitlam.ca/development, or contact the Planning & Development customer service centre at 604-927-3430 or planninganddevelopment@coquitlam.ca.
City’s COVID-19 Plan Supporting Community Recovery
Introduced in spring 2020, Coquitlam’s COVID-19 Community Support and Recovery Plan is a multi-phased recovery strategy made up of programs and initiatives to support all facets of the community through the pandemic. Launched in the spring 2020, the CSRP provides targeted immediate and long-term support for businesses, residents and the not-for-profit sector. A wide variety of CSRP initiatives were introduced in spring and summer 2020, with more rolling out throughout fall 2020 and 2021. Information about the program and new supports is posted at www.coquitlam.ca/csrp.
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
- www.coquitlam.ca/csrp: Details about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is supporting non-profits, businesses and residents through the pandemic;
- www.coquitlam.ca/spirit: Free activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to stay engaged; and
- www.coquitlam.ca/covid19: City service updates and COVID-19 health resources.
Stay up-to-date about City news and service changes by:
Media contact:
Andrew Merrill
Director, Development Services
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3416
amerrill@coquitlam.ca