The main purpose of regulating advertising signs is to ensure public safety and that they complement the surrounding environment. Advertising signs may be temporary, mobile or permanent.
Please refer to the following information which outlines authorities for various waste types. Information for:
Advertising Signs Info: Advertising Signs – Somerset Regional Council
If you are displaying a new advertising sign, taking over or making changes to an existing advertising sign, you will need to consider planning approvals and building approvals.
Planning approval
Your first step when displaying an advertising sign is to check if you need a planning approval.
Council’s planning scheme guides how land can be used and developed.
Advertising signs may need planning approval for these activities:
- displaying a new advertising sign
- changing the type of sign (e.g. from static to electronic)
- changing the intensity of the activity (e.g. adding extra signs to an existing sign)
- carrying out building work (e.g. installing a freestanding sign over 2m in height from the ground).
To find out if you need to submit a development application, you can:
- lodge an enquiry with Council
- arrange a pre-lodgement meeting with Council
- engage a town planning consultant registered with the Planning Institute of Australia
- self-assess your property details against Council’s planning scheme.
You can access Council’s planning scheme using PD Online.
Building approval
Building work for advertising signs may include signs that:
- 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 structure, fire safety, access and egress, health and amenity, and energy efficiency.
To find out if you need building approval, you can:
Any advertisement which does not comply with the minimum standards of Local Law No.1 (Administration) 2011 and Subordinate Local Law No. 1.4 (Installation of Advertising Devices) 2011 requires an approval under Council's local laws.
Advertisements which comply with the minimum standards of Local Law No.1 (Administration) 2011 and Subordinate Local Law No. 1.4 (Installation of Advertising Devices) 2011 do not require an approval under Council's local laws.
For more information, see Local Law No.1 (Administration) 2011(PDF, 1MB) and Subordinate Local Law No. 1.4 (Installation of Advertising Devices) 2011(PDF, 20MB), or contact Council for further information.
The applicant for an approval must be a legal entity (e.g. person/s or a company. Note - a trust name, business name or shop name is not a legal entity and cannot be the licence holder).
A new application is not required for minor changes (e.g. a change in contact details). Contact Council for these changes. Find out how to make changes to an existing licence in this section.
Use this information to assist you in ensuring your application is complete and to consider other applications that may be required for your business.
Plans
A location plan showing all property boundaries, existing and proposed signage and distance to property boundaries, building footprints, roads and landscaping is required.
Other information may be requested including:
- type of sign
- mounting of the sign including size of fastenings
- dimensions of the sign
- material used in the construction of the sign
- content of the sign
- associated lighting (illumination)
- effect it will have on the natural or built environment
- details of concrete foundations.
Application process - new
This process is for a new advertising sign that requires a licence with Council.
You must obtain relevant planning approval and building approval before you submit an advertising sign approval.
Submit your advertising signs application and plans to Council using the approved form.
You are responsible for ensuring the application is complete.
Council will process your application and plans within the legislative or agreed timeframe. Council will contact you should additional information be required to process your application.
Council may inspect the location before making a decision.
When Council approves your application, you can then display your sign in accordance with the approved conditions.
Application process - taking over
This process is for taking over an existing advertising sign. You may apply for a search of Council records for information on the current advertising sign and the conditions of approval. This process may require written permission from the vendor.
Submit your advertising signs application using the approved form. You are responsible for ensuring the application is complete.
Council will process your application within the legislative or agreed timeframe. Council will contact you should additional information be required to process the application.
Council may inspect the location before making a decision.
When Council approves your application, you can then operate in accordance with the approved conditions.
Application process - making changes
This process is for making changes to an existing advertising signs licence. Adding extra signs, changing the size of the sign or upgrading your sign from static to LED, could change current planning, building and plumbing approvals. Contact Council to discuss any changes to your advertising sign prior to the commencement of work.
Submit your advertising signs application and plans using the approved form. You are responsible for ensuring the application is complete.
Council will process your application and plans within the legislative or agreed timeframe. Council will contact you should additional information be required to process the application.
Council may inspect the location before making a decision.
When Council approves your application, you can then display your sign in accordance with the approved conditions.
Public liability insurance
If the sign is located on or over public land you must take out public liability insurance to a minimum value of $20 million dollars and name Council as an interested party. A copy of this document must be submitted before your application can be approved.
If the sign is located on private land, Council may not require you to have public liability insurance, however you should research all options regarding your business insurance requirements.
State controlled roads
Signs on or over a State controlled road or motorway may need a Road corridor permit from the State Government. Find out if your property is on a state controlled road.