Most businesses naturally need some signage – how else will your customers find you?
Permanent signs attached to a structure or building must be approved by the City of Melbourne. The first step is to apply for a Planning permit. Depending on the circumstances, you'll also need a Building permit, either for new works or for alterations.
Portable advertising boards placed on the footpath need a permit and attract a monthly fee – see below.
Another opportunity for signage is the City of Melbourne banner program.
Portable advertising boards
The City of Melbourne issues permits to businesses for portable advertising boards on footpaths. This ensures that the advertising boards are placed in the correct location to maintain the safety, access and appeal of the local area.
You are eligible to apply for an advertising board permit if your business is located within the municipality. Multiple businesses located within a single building will only be issued with one permit for the building, regardless of whether the business is at or below ground level, or in an arcade.
Advertising board permits will not be issued to businesses located on:
- Swanston Street between Flinders and Victoria streets
- Collins Street between Spring and Spencer streets
- Elizabeth Street between Flinders and Victoria streets
- Bourke Street between Spring and Spencer streets
- Lygon Street between Queensberry and Faraday streets
- Southbank Promenade
- roadways with a shared use by pedestrians and vehicles or with intermittent closures e.g. Hardware Lane.
Fees for advertising boards
The fee for the placement of advertising boards is $50 per month, to be paid in quarterly instalments. Applicants must have public liability insurance for greater than $10 million that specifically includes the placement of the advertising board and lists the City of Melbourne as an interested party.
Applying for a permit
Before an advertising board permit is approved, the business must have a site inspection. Once your application form has been submitted we will arrange for a Street Compliance Officer to inspect your premises.
The advertising board is to be placed on the footpath in front of the premises to which it relates.
Application for a Portable Advertising Board Permit (PDF, 447kb) 
Application for a Portable Advertising Board Permit (text only, 42kb – please only use this version if you are unable to access the PDF)