The erection and display of many types of signs will often require planning approval.
The most common sign type is
business identification signage. Business identification signage is defined as a sign that provides business identification information about a business or industry on the land where it is displayed. The information may include the name of the business or building, the street number of the business premises, the nature of the business, a business logo or other business identification information.
If your sign does not match the above description, it may fit into another category where different requirements may apply
The planning controls relating to advertising signage varies between zones depending on the sensitivity and amenity of the area.
For example, in a Business 1 Zone, a business can erect up to 8 m2 of business identification signage without requiring a planning permit whilst in a more sensitive area, such as a Residential Zone, stricter limitations apply in regards to the amount of signage able to be erected without requiring a planning permit.
In an area is subject to a Heritage Overlay, a planning permit is required to display a sign, this applies to
all types of signage including updating or changing the content of a sign.
The Capital City Zone also provides specific guidance on advertising and business identification signage in the Central City. In the Capital City Zone a retail premises, cafe, restaurant or shop can erect some types of signs without a planning permit, provided the premises is not located within a Heritage Overlay.
Signage requirements and policies are found at Clause 22.07 and Clause 52.05 of the Melbourne Planning Scheme.
If you are unsure whether a planning permit is required for the signage you are proposing, please
contact us.