Guide · Construction hoarding
Construction hoarding graphics in Toronto: what to know before you order
Construction hoarding graphics are printed panels, mesh or banners that dress the fence around a building site with your project name, renderings and leasing details. This guide covers what the City of Toronto's rules say about the fence itself, what the City charges for hoarding signs, and what we need from you to quote the job, based on the City's own pages as of October 2026.
Hoarding is the fence or wall that keeps the public away from a construction site. Because it runs along the street for the whole life of the project, it is also some of the most visible advertising space a developer or builder has. Printed graphics turn it from a plain barrier into project branding, renderings, leasing information or community messaging. For the printing and installation side, see our large format printing page.
What the City requires of the fence itself
The City of Toronto's Municipal Code Chapter 363 (Building Construction and Demolition) sets the rules for construction fences. According to Article 7 of that chapter:
- A fence is required. All construction sites must be enclosed by a construction fence, in place before work begins and removed no later than 30 days after the work is complete.
- Minimum height. At least 1.2 m above outside grade for residential sites, and at least 1.8 m for other sites. Residential sites with an excavation within 3.0 m of a lane or public sidewalk also need 1.8 m.
- Built to deter entry. The fence must not have rails or bracing on the outside that help people climb it, and no opening may let a 100 mm sphere pass through.
- Permitted materials. Wood, plastic mesh, chain link and welded-wire panels, each with their own construction requirements, or other materials the Chief Building Official authorizes.
The article does not set rules for signs or advertising on the fence. Where it conflicts with another City by-law, the more restrictive by-law applies, so check the sign and street rules for your site too. Source: City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 363 (most recent amendment noted 2024-03-22).
When hoarding sits on City property
If the hoarding, a scaffold or a covered walkway extends past your property line onto the boulevard, sidewalk, roadway or lane, the City says you need a Street Occupation Permit before work starts. The same City page lists 2026 fees for hoarding signs on top of the permit fees:
| Item | City fee (plus HST) |
|---|---|
| Signage on construction hoarding | $10.56 per lineal metre |
| Use of space to display a hoarding sign | $8.98 per square metre per month |
The City lists higher rates for projects in a Construction Hub. Fees change, and which ones apply depends on your permit, so confirm with the City before you budget. Source: City of Toronto, Street Occupation Permit (page last modified July 21, 2026).
What goes on hoarding graphics
Developers and builders commonly use hoarding for:
- the project name, logo and rendering;
- leasing or sales contact details;
- builder, architect and partner credits;
- safety or community notices.
Our large format printing service lists construction hoarding among its uses, for developer branding and project renderings on site hoarding and fences.
Printing and installing hoarding graphics
Hoarding sees wind, rain and sun for months or years, so the material and fixing method matter. We print on materials chosen for where they will hang, such as mesh for windy fences and scaffolds, with finishing suited to the surface, and we install on hoarding, fences, scaffolds and building faces with our own crew. Big prints are tiled and seamed, and we check every file for resolution, bleed and colour and send a proof for approval before printing.
If you also want printed or cut vinyl for site offices, doors or vehicles, see vinyl graphics.
How we price it
We do not publish prices for hoarding graphics. Every job is quoted per job, because the length, height, material, number of panels and installation access all change the cost. A photo of the fence and the size gives us what we need.
How to get a quote
- Send a photo of the hoarding or fence and the approximate length and height.
- Send the artwork or renderings you want printed (vector PDF is preferred; send what you have and we will tell you if it will hold up at size).
- Tell us your install date and the site address.
We will come back with a quote for the printing and installation.
Other cities
This guide covers Toronto. Mississauga, Markham, Vaughan and the other GTA cities have their own fence, street and sign rules. Tell us the site address and we will point you to the right local rules before quoting. For permits on permanent signs, see our Toronto sign permit guide.
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