Do You Need Council Approval for Business Signage in Melbourne?

Business signage is a fantastic way to capture the attention of potential customers. Once installed, it helps to create a certain level of recognition, familiarity, and trust within the local community. 

A common question we hear is ‘will I need prior council approval for business signage in Melbourne? 

In most cases, the answer is yes, and approval may be subject to both council and state-based policies in some areas. In this article, we’re going to give a brief overview of the current policies in place, as well as what types of business signage need formal approval.

Do You Need a Permit for Signage in Victoria?

In Victoria, businesses generally need to obtain a ‘permit to place signs’. While this might not apply to every single type of signage, many signs will require you to adhere to specific regulations. 

Certain types of signs require pre-approval from the relevant authorities, including their local council. These include:

• Advertising signs, banners, or flags on a building, road, or footpath
• A-frame sandwich boards
• Business signage on a building
• Temporary, movable, or mobile signs
• Commercial signage mounted on vehicles and/or trailers

It is important to note that placing movable signs, such as A-frame boards, on a footpath may fall under a footpath trading application. It is highly recommended to contact your local council to discuss specific eligibility requirements and guidelines mandated under the Local Government Act 2020 Victoria.

The City of Yarra: A Practical Example

The best way to illustrate the council approval process is to use a real-life example. In order to apply for a planning permit in the City of Yarra, you will need to submit:

• A completed online application form and the required fee.
• A recent (less than three months old) certificate of title, including any relevant agreements or covenants.
• Detailed floor and elevation plans, clearly showing site boundaries, existing structures, and dimensions/setbacks of all proposed signage.
• Comprehensive details about the signs themselves, including signage type, materials, imagery, dimensions, illumination specs, and supporting structures.

(Source: City of Yarra)

Which Business Signs Don’t Need Council Approval?

Not every sign automatically requires a planning permit. Depending on the property and applicable planning controls, some smaller or straightforward signs may be exempt.

Examples can include:

• Certain business identification signs
• Some small signs attached to a shopfront
• Certain internal signs that aren’t visible from outside the premises
• Some temporary signs that meet specific requirements
• Certain signs covered by planning scheme exemptions
• Some signs that fall below specified size or display limits

It’s important to remember that exemptions come with conditions. A sign that doesn’t require approval at one property may require a permit at another.

If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking before the sign goes into production.

What Factors Affect Signage Approval in Melbourne?

There are several factors that can influence whether your proposed signage needs approval.

The size and position of the sign: Larger signs and signs that project from a building can be subject to additional controls.

Illumination: Illuminated signs may have specific requirements relating to brightness, operating hours and their impact on surrounding properties or roads.

The building: Heritage buildings and properties affected by planning overlays can have additional restrictions on external signage.

The location: Signs facing major roads, occupying footpaths or positioned close to residential areas may be subject to additional considerations.

Existing signage: Councils may consider how the proposed sign fits with other advertising and business identification signage already on the property.

The type of sign: A fixed building sign, pylon, projecting sign, banner and A-frame can all be treated differently under local planning controls.

These are some of the reasons we recommend dealing with approvals early in the signage process rather than leaving them until the last minute.

Getting Signage Approval Before Installation

The last thing you want is to manufacture and install a sign only to discover that it doesn’t comply with the relevant requirements.

Getting the approval process sorted early can help prevent unnecessary redesigns, delays and additional costs.

It can also give you a clearer understanding of what is possible before you commit to a particular signage concept.

We’ve been handling signage projects across Melbourne since the 1950s, so we’re familiar with the practical considerations that can arise during a project. We’ve provided signage for councils, major brands, stores, dealerships and sports teams across the city, giving us experience with a wide range of commercial environments and signage requirements.

Arrange a Site Survey

As we’ve noted above, there are certain codes, laws, and regulations that apply to size, graphics, and location of display. Signs will need to be up to date, compliant, and appropriate.

What property types need to comply with these laws? Apartment complexes, shopping centres, restaurants, hospitals, and hotels need to obtain the correct permits, or a business can be held liable.

At Swift Signs, we can perform a site survey, conduct a walkthrough, learn what your space is used for, work out the permits you may need, and take care of these details to keep your company protected. This way, you can focus on running your corporate business.

Business & Corporate Signage Solutions in Melbourne

At Swift Signs, we provide end-to-end assistance with business and corporate signage in Melbourne.

Our services include:

• Corporate signage
• Shopfront signage
• Building signage
• Pylon signs
• Illuminated signage
• Vehicle signage and graphics
• Fleet signage
• Digital printing
• Custom fabricated signage
• Corporate rebranding
• Signwriting
• Building painting

We work with you from the initial concept through to design, production and installation. For larger corporate projects, we can also help maintain consistent branding across multiple locations.

We understand that good signage needs to do more than display a logo. It needs to work with the building, suit the surrounding environment and represent the business properly.

Get Your Business Signage Project Started

If you’re planning new business signage, a shopfront upgrade or a larger corporate signage project, talk to us before you start manufacturing.

We’ve specialised in signage since way back in the 1950s. Since then, we’ve provided signage for councils, brands, stores, dealerships and sports teams across Melbourne. With decades of experience behind us, we know what goes into delivering signage that works for businesses across the city.

Our team can also help you navigate the permit approval process, so you have a clearer understanding of the requirements before your signage is produced and installed.

Need business or corporate signage in Melbourne? Get in touch with Swift Signs to discuss your project and find out how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need council approval for business signage in Melbourne?

In most cases, yes. The requirements depend on the type of signage, its size and position, where it will be installed, and the planning controls that apply to the property. If you’re not sure, always defer to the advice of our team.

What types of business signage may require a permit?

Advertising signs, banners, flags, A-frame sandwich boards, business signage on buildings, temporary or movable signs, and commercial signage mounted on vehicles or trailers may require pre-approval from the relevant authorities.

Are there any business signs that don’t need council approval?

Some business identification signs, small shopfront signs, internal signs, certain temporary signs and signs covered by planning scheme exemptions may not require a planning permit. The exemptions come with conditions, so the requirements can vary between properties.

What factors might affect signage approval?

The size and position of the sign, illumination, the type of building, its location, existing signage and the type of sign can all affect the approval requirements. Heritage buildings and properties affected by planning overlays may also have additional restrictions.

Can Swift Signs help with signage permits?

Yes. We can perform a site survey and walkthrough, assess how the space is used, work out which permits you may need and help take care of the relevant details. This can help you avoid unnecessary delays, redesigns and additional costs.

What business and corporate signage does Swift Signs provide?

We provide corporate signage, shopfront signage, building signage, pylon signs, illuminated signage, vehicle signage and graphics, fleet signage, digital printing, custom fabricated signage, corporate rebranding, signwriting and building painting. We can assist with your project from the initial concept through to design, production and installation.