An advertising device is any sign and support structure that provides information or is designed to attract public attention. Council regulates the installation of signs to ensure public safety and that they are also complementing to the surrounding environment.
Except for election signs, local law approval may be required for the installation of:
- a temporary advertising device on public land
- a temporary advertising device on private land
- a permanent advertising device on public land.
If you are displaying a new sign, taking over or making changes to an existing sign, you may also need to consider planning approvals and building approvals.
In addition, if the installation of the sign involves building works or operational works such as a road openings, alterations to the footpath or the fixing of structures to the footpath additional approvals may also be required from local or state government agencies.
You will need to submit an application and all supporting documentation at least 30 days before you need to display your sign. This allows time to review your submission, request any further information, conduct a final assessment and make a decision.
Is my sign temporary or permanent?
What is a temporary sign?
A sign or advertising device that is not permanent and may be irregular or infrequent and does not require the construction of any permanent building or structure.
What is a permanent sign?
A sign or advertising device that is intended to be long-lasting and attached to a permanent building or structure.
What if my sign is permanent and on private land?
The local government’s Planning Scheme regulates the installation of permanent advertising devices on private land. Signs regulated by the MBRC Planning Scheme will not require approval provided they meet the relevant requirements for accepted development as outlined in the Advertising devices code (section 9.4.4) for size, design and location.
Where the advertising device does not meet the requirements for accepted development, approval will be required.
Review Councils website MBRC Planning Scheme - Advertising devices for more information.
Is my sign self-assessable or licensable under local law?
Advertising devices are either self-assessable or will require a licence.
Self-assessable signs can be displayed without Council approval, general self-assessable criteria can be found within the MBRC Subordinate Local Law 1 (Administration) 2011 Schedule 9 Table 2.
If the sign meets the general self-assessable requirements and the specific requirements outlined for the type of advertising device to be installed, then the sign is considered self-assessable and does not require approval.
If the sign does not meet requirements, the sign would be licensable and would require approval from Council.
General criteria can be found within the MBRC Subordinate Local Law 1 (Administration) 2011 Schedule 9 Table 3.
If you are unsure whether you need a permit or what type of permit to apply for, contact Council.
Will I need building approval?
Building approval may be required for advertising signs that are:
- free stand and are over 2m in height from ground level
- free stand and are greater than 1.2m in width
- form a separate structure when attached to an existing building or structure.
All building work is assessed against the building assessment provisions (including, but not limited to, the National Construction Code and the Queensland Development Code) which set the minimum requirements for building structures, fire safety, access and egress, health and amenity, and energy efficiency.
You can self-assess the proposed work against Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 of the Building Regulation 2006. Otherwise to find out if you will require building approval or to obtain a building permit, you will need to engage a building certifier who will determine whether the proposed building work complies with the Building Act 1975 and associated standards.