Illuminated Signs & LED Neon Signs in Winnipeg

In Winnipeg the City's Planning, Property and Development department issues sign permits. According to the City:

• Development permit: required for all signs under the Winnipeg Zoning By-law, except window signs (unless they cover more than 50% of a window surface on any facade of the principal building, in which case they are treated as a fascia sign) and real estate, construction and temporary signs that follow section 180 of the By-law.
• Building permit: required if structural work is proposed – all signs other than face-replace-only signs need one. Sign applications are processed as a combined development and/or building permit application, so no separate applications are needed.
• Electrical sign permit: an electrical sign permit application is required for all illuminated signs.
• Engineered drawings: the majority of signs need them. They are typically not required for signs up to 3.0 m² (32 sq. ft.) in area, signs no more than 1.22 m (4 ft) above grade, individual letters up to 0.37 m² (4 sq. ft.) that are not attached to other letters and have their own building attachment, or face replacement with no other changes – although the City may decide otherwise.
• Projecting signs: an encroachment sign application is required for all projecting signs.

Downtown and heritage buildings: a downtown urban design review is required for signs in the downtown area, and a heritage permit is required for signs on heritage buildings.

You can apply online through Permits Online, by email, or in person at the Zoning & Permits office (Unit 31, 30 Fort Street, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Sources: City of Winnipeg – Signs (Planning, Property and Development), as of October 2026. This is not legal advice – the local authority makes the final decision.

The City's sign application asks for drawings that show the sign, its size and how it is attached. With your free design preview you get:

• your sign shown on a photo of your storefront
• dimensions, materials and light colour
• which elements light up and which are printed

You or your sign installer submit the application.

• Indoor LED neon signs come with fixings and a plug-in power supply – hang it up and plug it in, step by step in our installation guide.
• Outdoor signs, light boxes and hard-wired signs should be connected by a qualified electrician; the City requires an electrical sign permit for illuminated signs. Winnipeg has plenty of sign installers who also fit signs made by others.

Tell us where the sign will go and we will tell you what you need for installation.

• LED neon signs – window signs for cafés, bars and salons in the Exchange District, Osborne Village or on Corydon Avenue
• Back-lit acrylic letters – a soft halo glow that suits the brick warehouse buildings of the Exchange District
• Channel letters – illuminated letters for the storefront
• Projecting signs – blade signs that catch the eye along busy streets

All sign types at a glance

1. Send your logo, sketch or text – ideally with a photo of your storefront
2. Receive your free digital design preview
3. After your approval, production takes about 2–3 weeks
4. Insured delivery to your address in Winnipeg

Every sign is dimmable and comes with a remote control and a 24-month warranty. Shipping is included – nothing extra to pay when it arrives.

Do I need a permit for an illuminated sign in Winnipeg?
Yes. A development permit is required for all signs under the Winnipeg Zoning By-law (with a few exceptions such as most window signs), a building permit for all signs other than face-replace-only signs, and an electrical sign permit for all illuminated signs.

Do I need extra approval for a sign on a heritage building or downtown?
According to the City, a heritage permit is required for signs on heritage buildings and a downtown urban design review for signs in the downtown area.

Do you install signs in Winnipeg?
Indoor LED neon signs come with fixings and a plug-in power supply, so you can hang them yourself. For outdoor signs, light boxes and hard-wired signs we recommend a local electrician or sign installer.

Can I see the sign on my storefront before ordering?
Yes. Send us a photo of your storefront and we will show you a free design preview with your sign in place.