Clear, visible address numbers help ensure properties are easy to identify across the community.
In an emergency, police, fire, or EMS may approach a property from the front street or a back lane. If numbers are missing or hard to see, response times can be affected. Clear addressing also supports deliveries, service providers, utilities, visitors, and overall wayfinding throughout town.
To create consistent standards and improve safety, Council has passed a new Addressing Bylaw. The bylaw sets clear requirements for property numbering across Taber.
Who Does This Apply To?
The new requirements apply to all properties within the Town of Taber, including residential and commercial properties.
What Is Required? What is New?
Most homes and businesses already have address numbers visible from the front street. Property owners are encouraged to check their existing numbers to ensure they meet the updated standards.
NEW: Properties with rear lane or alley access must now also have reflective address numbers clearly visible from the back lane or alley.
Only rear address numbers are required to be reflective. This ensures they can be seen at night when light is shone on them, which is important because most lanes do not have street lighting.
The goal of these requirements is simple: when emergency crews arrive, they must be able to identify the correct property quickly and confidently, whether approaching from the front or the back.
See all the requirements and check if your property numbers meet the rules by checking out the Guide & Checklist the Town has created.
Address Number Requirements
Front of Property (Street-Facing)
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Numbers must face the street or road.
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Numbers must be plainly visible from the road.
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Numbers must be attached to the building or placed on a sign near the entrance.
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Numbers must be at least 6 inches (6") tall.
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Numbers must contrast with the background and not blend in.
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Numbers must be numerical (for example, 4900, not written out in words like "Four Thousand Nine Hundred").
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For multi-unit buildings, each unit’s assigned address number must be displayed on or beside the front door of each unit (for example, Apartment 7 or Unit A).
NEW: Back of Property (Lane-Facing, If Your Property Abuts a Lane/Alley)
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Numbers must face the lane or alley.
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Numbers must be clearly visible from the alley.
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Numbers must not be blocked by trees, landscaping, fences, or other obstructions.
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Back numbers must be reflective so they can be seen at night when light is shone on them.
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Back numbers must be at least 4 inches (4") tall.
How Long Do I Have?
Property owners have two years from the date the bylaw came into effect to install or update required address numbers.
The installation deadline is January 12, 2028.
If your property numbers already meet the requirements, no further action is needed.
This timeline allows property owners time to review their property, make any necessary updates, and plan for associated costs if required.
Why This Matters
Clear addressing does more than support emergency response. It also helps with deliveries, service calls, utilities, and general navigation throughout the community.
Consistent numbering across town reduces confusion and supports public safety.
Concerns about Costs
The Town recognizes that this is an added responsibility for property owners. The following tips may help:
- Local hardware and dollar stores often sell affordable house numbers that meet the size and reflectivity requirements.
- Address numbers do not need to be decorative. They simply need to meet the size, visibility, and placement requirements.
We Have a Guide & Checklist to Help!
The Town has created a Guide of FAQs and a Checklist to help property owners meet the new requirements.
The Guide answers common questions about different property types, why the rules have changed, and what types of numbers are allowed. The Checklist can be used to confirm that both front and rear numbers meet the standards.
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Paper copies are also available at the Town of Taber Administration Office at the Front Desk or Planning Counter.
Still have questions? Contact the Planning Department at 403-223-6009 or by email. Staff are happy to assist.
