The issue of real estate signs has again been raised as a concern to the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB), both to the Board of Directors and on an ongoing basis to Professional Standards. Members are frustrated and embarrassed by peers who blatantly ignore signage rules and bylaws. When Members don’t comply with signage rules, it reflects poorly on REALTORS®, the industry, and is disrespectful to the communities in which they work. This behaviour is also inconsistent with the FVREB Vision Statement that “REALTORS® are valued for their skill, professionalism, and contribution to their community.”
It is imperative that all REALTORS® comply with real estate industry requirements, municipal bylaws, and applicable strata bylaws. Please refer to the Advertising Standards published by the FVREB and available on FVREB Connect.
In general, real estate industry requirements mandate that REALTORS® be truthful and accurate in all advertising, and that they comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including municipal signage bylaws.
Signage is important enough that each municipality has its own specific signage bylaws, especially with respect to real estate signs. REALTORS® need to be aware of the applicable bylaws in the area in which they work. Generally, signage bylaws set out requirements in respect of:
- Directional and open house signs – can only be displayed on the day of the open house and for a limited time period on that day – therefore, if holding an open house on Saturday and Sunday, the open house signs must be removed on Saturday after the open house and put up again on Sunday;
- For sale, rent or lease signs;
- Time limits for signs;
- Size of signs;
- Illumination of signs; and
- Placement and location of signs.
If working on a strata property, be sure that any signage placed on strata property is compliant with the bylaws of the applicable strata corporation.
For more information on what is set out in the REALTOR® Code (Code), the FVREB Bylaws, the Rules of Cooperation (RoC) and specific municipal requirements, click here.
Source: FVREB Professional Standards