Signs are everywhere and all around us. They are crucial in providing us with information and instruction regarding specific matters and directions, and help to keep communities safe and healthy. Signs tell us when to stop, which direction to move in, where to go, and whether we are allowed to enter. They keep us safe from hazardous situations or poisonous materials, they warn us of dangers, and they even tell us where the toilet is! We all know far more about signs than we think we do, and we understand how to read them and what they mean without ever seeming to have learned about them. But there is more to signs than we think, and that’s why there is a permit process for certain types of signage in Melbourne.
Before erecting, fixing or placing any type of sign, you must contact your local council to check if you need prior permission to do so. There are different types of applications depending on the types of signage you wish to use. For example, if you want to place a movable advertising sign like an A-frame sandwich on a footpath, you may need to apply for permission under a footpath trading application. If you wish to mount commercial signs on vehicles or trailers, you may require approval to do so. Your local council will be able to provide you with more information regarding eligibility requirements for your signage in Melbourne.
The Planning and Environment Act 1987
Every municipality in Australia has a sign planning scheme that sets out the policies and requirements for the use, development and protection of land, and these schemes are underpinned by the Planning and Environmental Act 1987. Rules regarding the need for permits for signs can vary slightly and it is best to contact your local council for up-to-date information, or find a reputable sign company who can organise everything for you.
In most cases, a planning permit is required if you wish to place an advertising sign that is over 8 square metres in size on a commercial site or building, or any external illuminated signs. If you are replacing an existing sign with a different type of sign, a sign where the area will be increased, or if the sign was non-illuminated and you want to replace it with an illuminated version, you will need to seek permission first. If you want to place a sign in a residential area that is larger than 0.7 square meters in size, you will also probably need a planning permit. Rules and regulations regarding these permits and their fees will vary between councils, but most planning permits last for up to 15 years.
Create a Standard Site Plan
You will need to accurately describe the proposed site for your sign by stating the location of the site or building, and where exactly the sign will be placed, including the distance from other property boundaries. You may also be required to give the location and form of any existing signage on neighbouring properties or in the locality, and outline any view lines or vistas that may be affected by the proposed sign. You will need to provide a precise measurement of the sign structure, including its height, width and depth, and the method of support that will be used, including any associated structures like safety platforms and service devices. The dimensions of the proposed sign need to state its height from the ground and the extent of its projection, and if it is to be illuminated, then you need to include the times it would be lit up, and any baffles that you propose to use to reduce glare. It is also necessary to include the colour, lettering style and materials that will be used for the proposed sign.
When you submit your proposed plan report, considerations that will be taken into account include such things as the surrounding natural environment; including waterways and any open spaces, the impact on any views or vistas, what the residential character of the area is like and whether or not there are any heritage values to be taken into account, the relationship to the streetscape and whether the sign will have any impact on road safety or the possibility that the sign may obscure driver’s sight, or if the sign could be mistaken for a traffic signal.
Different Types of Permit
- Building Permits – your local council will be able to advise you if your sign requires a building permit. This type of permit is generally required if your sign is a stand-alone structure, if it is more than 1 meter in height and within 3 metres of a street boundary, or if it is more than 8 meters above ground level, or 8 meters in display area.
- Exemption Permits – this is a type of permit you may be required to obtain if your sign is to be mounted on a listed heritage building. You will be able to find out what is required by getting in contact with Heritage Victoria.
- Fire Engineers Performance Certificate – may be required depending on the location of your sign on certain external buildings.
- Report and Consent or Out of Hours Permit – you may need to apply for this type of permit in order to be able to install your sign.
- Engineering Certificate – many large, free-standing signs require this certificate to ensure the sign is designed to top industry standards and specifications.
Trying to obtain the correct permits for your signage in Melbourne can often be a complex and time-consuming process that may take between 3–6 months to complete. If you want to avoid disappointment, then make sure to plan ahead, or smooth the process along even further by employing the services of a reputable signage company like LF Signs to help you to navigate the process.
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