Signs (except election signs)

To keep everyone safe and maintain attractive public spaces, Council regulates how signs are installed and displayed. A sign is any object used to advertise, display information or attract attention, on public or private land.

Do you need Council approval?

You don't need Council approval for a self-assessable sign or an election sign.

A self-assessable sign must meet the type, location and conditions in the Signs Local Law 2023 - Schedule 1 – Table 1.

If your sign doesn't meet these requirements, it becomes a licensable sign and approval is required.

Temporary signs on public or private land

A temporary sign can be easily removed or relocated, for example, wheels, stakes, string, tape, zip ties, or freestanding, like A-frames.

Temporary signs are licensable and require Council approval unless they meet the requirements of a self-assessable sign.

Permanent signs on public land

Permanent signs are fixed and cannot be easily removed, for example, they are welded, concreted or mounted to a surface.

Permanent signs on public land are licensable and need Council approval.

Permanent signs on private land

The Planning Scheme regulates permanent signs on private land. You may not need planning approval if your sign can meet accepted development requirements.

For more information, refer to Planning scheme - advertising devices.

Applying for Council approval

You will need to submit an application and all supporting documentation at least 30 business days before you need to install your sign. This allows time to review your submission, request any further information, conduct a final assessment and make a decision.

How to apply

Step 1.Prepare a site plan

Prepare a site plan that includes dimensions, locations, materials and how the sign will be supported using the signs site plan template(DOCX, 173KB).

Step 2.Complete a risk management plan

Complete the Risk management plan template(DOCX, 927KB).

Step 3.Take out public liability insurance

Evidence of a current public liability insurance policy to the value of $20,000,000 in the same name as the applicant should be provided with your application.

Ensure the location listed on your policy includes public land, for example, Anywhere in Australia or Worldwide. This must be outlined either on your certificate of currency or the terms and conditions of your policy and provided to Council. If this is not listed, obtain written confirmation from your insurer.

Step 4.Collect supporting documents

The following supporting documents will need to be submitted with your application:

All signage

  • Details of any illumination, animation, moving parts, reflective material and third-party advertising that the proposed sign will contain.
  • If the proposed advertising device is to be located on land, structures or infrastructure that the applicant does not own (other than land, structures or infrastructure owned or controlled by Council), you must provide the owner’s written consent to the installation.
  • Any other relevant government licences, registrations or approvals.

Mobile signage

For mobile signage, you must provide registration details of any vehicle that will be used to display the sign.

Permanent signage

  • Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) plans from all asset owners (showing no conflict with nearby utilities).
  • Relevant licences, registrations or approvals, for example, a Development Approval or a Form 15 Compliance Certificate.
  • You may also need to provide a:
    • traffic management plan
    • completed road closure application form.

Step 5.Review the conditions

Make sure you review and understand the conditions relevant to the type of sign you're installing:

Specific conditions may be added after your application is assessed.

Step 6.Review the fees and charges

An application fee is payable at the time of submission per Council’s fees and charges. Council will contact you for payment.

The first column is the type of fee, the second column advises the fee amount, and the third column explains the fee's purpose.

Fee type  Amount Details
Application fee 201206 This is a one-time fee paid when submitting your application.  
Commercial use of public land - signs 5 square metres or less annual charge 201198

Charged monthly on a pro rata basis for the approval period, or if renewable, charged pro rata from the approval date to 30 September. Then annually, each September, for the approval term between 1 October to 30 September.
Commercial use of public land - signs over 5 square metres to under 10 square metres annual charge 201199 Charged monthly on a pro rata basis for the approval period, or if renewable, charged pro rata from the approval date to 30 September. Then annually, each September, for the approval term between 1 October to 30 September.
Commercial use of public land - signs 10 square metres to 18 square metres annual charge 201200 Charged monthly on a pro rata basis for the approval period, or if renewable, charged pro rata from the approval date to 30 September. Then annually, each September, for the approval term between 1 October to 30 September.
Commercial use of public land - signs over 18 square metres annual charge 201201 Charged monthly on a pro rata basis for the approval period, or if renewable, charged pro rata from the approval date to 30 September. Then annually, each September, for the approval term between 1 October to 30 September.
Renewal fee  201209 Charged annually in September to renew an approval for the approval term between 1 October to 30 September.
Amendment application fee 201207 Payable when an application to change an existing approval is submitted. There is no fee for minor changes, for example, trading name or contact details.
Transfer application fee 201208 Payable when an application to transfer an existing approval to another person or business is submitted. Note: Not all approvals are eligible for transfer. Check the approval conditions before applying.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from paying fees with evidence of eligibility.

Step 7.Submit an application form

Complete the Signs application form. Submit it along with supporting documentation:

The applicant for approval must be a legal entity, such as an individual, company, incorporated body, partnership, body corporate or trustee. 

Requirements for Variable Message Sign (VMS)

VMS are prohibited on public land except for use by government bodies for community safety and information purposes, or for traffic management.

You don't need Council approval to display a VMS on private land outside of a residential zone. VMS are not permitted on private land in residential zones.

If you wish to display a VMS sign on a State-controlled road, contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR).

Signs on State-controlled roads

Council regulates certain signs on State-controlled roads under an agreement with the DTMR, including:

  • footway signs
  • real estate signs
  • charity prize home devices
  • roadside vendor signs
  • community event directional signs
  • self-assessable signs.

If your sign type is not listed, contact the DTMR. A list of State‑controlled roads included in this agreement can be found in Schedule 3 of the Signs Local Law 2023.

When is building approval needed

Building approval may be required for signs that are:

  • free-standing and are over 2 metres in height from ground level
  • free-standing and are greater than 1.2 metres in width
  • form a separate structure when attached to an existing building or structure.

You can self-assess your proposed sign against the Building Regulation 2021.

To find out if you will require building approval or to obtain a building permit, you will need to contact a private building certifier.

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