What Permit Applicants Need to Know about Signage

Whether it forms part of a new development scheme, retrofitting of an existing building or constitutes a major roadside advertising billboard signage is controlled by Victorian planning schemes and needs to be considered carefully as part of any planning permit application.

Amongst the Victorian Planning Provisions, signage is referred to within Zone controls, Particular Provisions and even provided with its own category of Definitions at Clause 73. Consequently, the referencing which is required across a planning scheme to determine signage permit requirements for any particular proposal may prove confusing for first time users. This “Tit Bit” attempts to provide some clarification.

The last clause contained within each zoning provision is entitled “Advertising signs” and identifies that land covered by that zone is placed in one of four categories:

• Category 1:          Business areas
• Category 2:          Office and industrial
• Category 3:          High amenity areas
• Category 4:          Sensitive areas

The reader in turn is referred to Clause 52.05 (advertising signs) of the Particular Provisions which provides clarification as to what form of signage is permitted (or prohibited) within each category.

Similar to any land use table contained within a zone, each category identifies the form, of signage as either Section 1 (no permit required), Section 2 (planning permit required) or Section 3 (prohibited). Conditions, that must be met, are also imposed upon certain forms of signage. If in doubt, an applicant should refer to Clause 73 of the definitions which provides clarification as to how their sign is categorised. This will assist in understanding the tables contained at Clause 52.05 and any additional requirements contained within overlays affecting the site.

Clause 52.05 also includes a detailed list of decision guidelines against which a Responsible Authority is required to assess any signage application. The Schedule to Clause 52.05 may also contain exemptions or special requirement that will need to be reviewed. These should be  understood and incorporated into the design response by all applicants prior to lodgment.

We provide the following general guidelines for common signage types for your reference and encourage all readers to review the above provisions carefully for each job:

All other signs require a permit and no type of signage is outright prohibited within Category 1 (office and industrial areas).

All other signs require a permit and no type of signage is outright prohibited within Category 2 (office and industrial areas).

All other signs are either require a permit or are prohibited within Category 3 (high amenity areas).

A planning permit is required for a floodlit sign and a business identification sign (which cannot exceed 3sq metres). All other signs are prohibited within the Farming Zone and other Category 4 (sensitive areas).

As a final comment we note that some overlays can trigger a permit for Section 1 signs, so be sure to verify that no additional requirements are contained within any overlay affecting your land.

Seek Professional Advice: Information contained in this publication should be considered as a reference only and is not a substitute for professiional advice. No liability will be accepted for any loss incurred as a result of relying on the information contained in this publication. Seek professional advice in specific circumstances.

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Clause1 Pty Ltd
Phone: 03 9370 9599 
Fax: 03 9370 9499 
Email: enquiries@clause1.com.au 
Web: www.clause1.com.au

Last updated 241109