Advertising and Signage

Specific development standards must be met when constructing, installing or displaying the types of signs identified in the State Policy.

The State Policy identifies specific development standards relating to:

• building identification signs
• wall signs
• fascia signs
• under awning signs
• top hamper signs
• window signs
• replacement of identification signs
• internal signs
• community notice and public information signs
• temporary event signs
• real estate signs
• election signs

General development standards for advertising and signage under exempt development

Generally to be considered exempt development, the sign must:

• have consent in writing from the owner of the land on which the sign is located; if the sign is located over adjoining land, the consent of the owner of the adjoining land is also required
• be approved under section 138 of the Roads Act 1993 if the sign or part of the sign projects over a public road (including a footpath)
• not be carried out on or in relation to a building being used as a restricted premise
• not cover any mechanical ventilation outlets located on any building in which the business is carried out not obstruct or interfere with any traffic sign
• all signage must be securely fixed to the building in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards.

Please refer to these provisions of the State Policy for general development standards relating to advertising and signage as exempt development.

Maximum number of business identification signs

There is a limit on the number of business identification signs that can be installed on any premises. There must not be more than:

• three signs if the building has just one commercial tenant
• six signs in total on any building
• one sign in relation to a home business, home industry or home occupation in a residential zone.

View more information about development standards for business identification signs

Other considerations

• If you propose to remove or prune any existing trees or vegetation, you should contact your council first to make sure you don’t need approval for this.
• Works must be structurally adequate, installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
• Any structures that would be located on public land, or on or over a public road (including temporary structures), must have separate approval from the relevant council, or Roads and Maritime Services under the Roads Act 1993  and the Local Government Act 1993 .
• Generally, exempt development cannot be carried out on:
  • land that is, or on which there is, an item that is listed on the State Heritage Register  under the Heritage Act 1977  or that is subject to an interim heritage order under that Act (unless an exemption has been granted under section 57 of the Heritage Act 1977);
  • a critical habitat of an endangered species, population or ecological community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995  or the Fisheries Management Act 1994 ;
  • a wilderness area under the Wilderness Act 1987 .