‘Protect the aesthetics’: Fort St. John adds height and size limits to city signage

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John has approved upper size and height limits for all future signage around the city. 

During the December 8th regular meeting, the City of Fort St. John council reviewed an amendment to its Sign Bylaw. 

The amendment was intended to “correct an omission” in the most recent Sign Bylaw adopted by council in 2024.

Specifically, the amendment detailed “upper limits” for sign size to “protect the aesthetics of a community” and a height limit of 11 meters to “allow for effective marketing without becoming visually overwhelming.”

“Reinstating the maximum height regulation for freestanding signs is important to maintain consistency with the city’s past sign standards and to ensure public safety, visibility and community aesthetics are protected,” staff stated in the report to council. 

“Height limits help prevent visual clutter, minimize distractions for drivers and maintain an appropriate scale of signage relative to surrounding developments.”

The council unanimously approved the amendment bylaw, and the new version of the bylaw will be updated online for public access.