For example, what if an airline such as Air Transat establishes its headquarters in North Hatley but operates out of Montreal? According to my research, it would not be able to advertise its business on its outdoor sign. It could not display “Air Transport,” for example, if zoning regulations do not allow this type of activity.
Therefore, municipal zoning can restrict commercial signage on a building, even if the business operates elsewhere.
Of course, I am not a municipal inspector or a municipal lawyer, but since I like to ask ChatGPT, here is its response:
Yes, that’s right: municipal zoning can indeed restrict commercial signage on a building, even if the company operates elsewhere.
Explanation :
Zoning regulations are established by municipalities to control land use, including:
- Types of permitted activities (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.)
- The size, shape, and content of the display
- The presence or absence of commercial signs in certain areas (e.g., residential or heritage areas)
Specific example:
If an aviation company sets up its administrative headquarters in a village such as North Hatley (which is residential and highly regulated in terms of aesthetics), the municipality may prohibit or severely restrict the possibility of displaying a sign with the company’s name or logo on the building, even if it is its official headquarters.
This is particularly true:
- in residential or heritage areas (which is the case in North Hatley)
- if the company does not carry out any visible commercial activities on site
- or if the signage violates local display standards (size, lighting, materials, etc.)
What can the company do?
- Consult the zoning regulations of the municipality concerned (often available online or at the municipal office).
- Apply for a minor exemption if she wants to install a sign despite the ban (but this may be refused).
- Adapt the display (e.g., discreet plaque on the door rather than a lighted sign).
Summary :
Yes, a municipality can legally restrict or prohibit a business from displaying signage on a building, even if that building is its headquarters, if zoning regulations do not allow for that type of use or signage. This depends entirely on local zoning regulations.
Furthermore, if you are considering requesting a zoning exemption, remember that your elected officials will have the final say on whether to approve or deny your request. It is important to avoid any personal conflicts with your elected officials, even though all elected officials have an obligation to remain impartial and recuse themselves in the event of a conflict of interest.
That said, don’t worry, I don’t think Air Transat will be setting up shop in North Hatley anytime soon!
