Calgary Overpass Banner Permits: Sizes, Materials and Requirements

Jun 30

Planning to promote a community event with an overpass banner in Calgary?

City-owned overpasses have specific eligibility, design, material, application and installation requirements. Getting those details right before production can prevent permit delays, redesign costs or a banner that cannot be installed.

This guide summarizes the City of Calgary requirements available at the time of publication. Always confirm the latest information directly with the City before printing or installation.

Who Can Apply for a Calgary Overpass Banner Permit?

The City of Calgary only grants overpass banner permits for banners promoting non-profit, charitable or public events.

Commercial promotions do not qualify for the City-owned overpass program.

Applicants must provide documentation that includes:

- A certificate of insurance with at least $2 million in liability coverage

- A current Government of Alberta non-profit corporation search

- A scaled PDF drawing showing the banner design and specifications

The insurance must name the City of Calgary as an additional insured during the banner display period.

How Far in Advance Should You Apply?

Applications must currently be submitted no more than four months and no less than four weeks before the requested installation date.

The City advises allowing at least four weeks for scheduling and processing. Availability is not guaranteed, so organizations should apply before finalizing production deadlines.

Banners may normally be displayed for a maximum of two weeks. Permits run from Sunday to Saturday, and banners must be removed by 5 p.m. on the final Saturday.

Calgary Overpass Banner Size Requirements

The City’s published specifications currently state:

- Minimum banner length: 6 metres

- Maximum banner length: 10 metres

- Maximum banner height: 1 metre

The primary message must use lettering at least 12 inches high. Website addresses and telephone numbers must use lettering at least 8 inches high.

A maximum of 15% of the front of the banner may be used for a third-party sponsor.

These requirements reflect how quickly drivers need to understand a message while travelling below the banner.

Material and Finishing Requirements

Calgary requires overpass banners to be made from a recognized sign-industry banner material.

The banner must have:

- Hemmed edges

- Grommets

- Wind slits or perforations

- A fastening method shown on the submitted drawing

Grommet spacing depends on the installation method:

- Maximum 24-inch spacing when plastic-coated steel cable is used

- Maximum 12-inch spacing when approved cable ties are used

The permit number must be placed on the lower-right portion of the back of each banner.

Because these banners are installed above high-speed roadways, standard promotional banner finishing may not be sufficient. The banner should be produced specifically for the City’s overpass requirements.

Calgary Overpass Banner Design Rules

The City recommends a simple, high-contrast design.

The guidelines call for:

- A bold, highly readable typeface

- Strong contrast between the lettering and background

- Minimal decorative design

- No shadows or font enhancements

- Limited reliance on photography

- Simple wording that can be understood quickly

Decorative and script fonts are not recommended.

The strongest overpass banners generally communicate one main idea: the event name, the essential date and one clear website or call to action.

Installation Requirements

Installation and removal must be completed by at least two adults.

Installers cannot stop or park vehicles on the overpass structure while hanging the banner, and tools must be secured to the installer with safety cords.

The City’s preferred fastening method uses plastic-coated steel cable wrapped around the railing between each grommet along the top and bottom of the banner.

Under certain circumstances, approved cold-weather cable ties may be permitted. Regular household cable ties may not provide the required strength for this application.

How Much Does a Calgary Overpass Banner Permit Cost?

The City’s online permit page currently lists a fee of $66.20 plus GST for each approved banner location, with a maximum of eight locations per permit.

Municipal fees can change. Confirm the amount shown in the City’s ePermit system before applying.

Calgary Overpass Banner Checklist

Before ordering your banner, confirm:

- Your organization and event are eligible

- Your preferred location and dates are available

- The application is being submitted at least four weeks in advance

- The dimensions meet City requirements

- Lettering meets the minimum sizes

- Sponsor recognition does not exceed the allowable space

- The edges are hemmed

- Grommets match the proposed installation method

- Wind slits or approved perforations are included