Does an advertising device need approval
Follow our steps to find out the zone of your proposed advertising device location, browse the type of advertising devices and then find out if your proposed sign is self-assessable, not generally supported or requires an express or full assessment application.
Step 1 – Find the zone of the property
Do a property enquiry in City Plan to find out the zoning of the property where you want to display the advertising device.
The zoning and overlays will be displayed on the left-hand side under the property address. This information is also available in PDF format by viewing the property lot or holding report.
Make note of the zone of the property, and also check if the property has a Heritage or a Commercial character overlay.
If the property has a Heritage or Commercial character overlay, or is in the Queen Street Mall or Valley Malls, you will need to make an application for any advertising device, so you can skip the steps below as a full assessment application is required.
Definition of Heritage and Commercial character overlays
Commercial character building overlay means the Commercial character building overlay map in the City Plan.
heritage place means a local heritage place or a Queensland heritage place as defined in the Queensland Heritage Act 1992, which are identified as an overlay in City Plan.
Note: Local heritage places and Queensland heritage places are also identified in the Heritage overlay map in the City Plan.
Step 2 – Find the advertising devices ‘environment’
Select the zone you identified in Step 1 in the drop down below and the advertising devices ‘environment’ for your zone will display.
Step 3 – What advertising device are you considering?
Check the type of advertising devices to find the name of the advertising device you are proposing for your property.
Type of advertising devices (PDF - 1.9Mb)
Step 4 – Find out the application type required
Select the name of the advertising device from the drop down below, to see the type of assessment required in the ‘environment’ you identified in Step 2.
Application types
Self-assessable
The advertising device type is permitted (i.e. allowed), so you can proceed with the advertising device without applying to Council, as long as you make sure it meets:
- the requirements that are set out for the specific advertising device in Part 3 and the rules for all advertising devices in Part 4 of the permitted advertising devices designation (PDF - 3.5Mb)
- the compliance requirements for advertising devices technical standards (PDF - 948kb) if the advertising device will have Illumination and/or electronic display components.
Express assessment
Find out how to apply for express assessment.
Full assessment
Find out how to apply for full assessment.
Prohibited
You can’t apply for these signs, and it is an offence to display them. Find out more.
Generally inappropriate (i.e. generally not supported)
- You can still apply for a full assessment for these types of devices, however if the sign is not generally supported, that provides an initial guide of the prospects for approval and does incur additional assessment fees.
- You may like to consider other advertising devices that are more likely to be approved.
- If you cannot find another option, and would like to further discuss your proposal it is a good idea to organise a pre-lodgement meeting.
- If you proceed with application for a generally inappropriate sign, you must be able to demonstrate special circumstances exist that justify the approval of the advertising device on the site.
Pre-lodgement meetings for advertising device applications
For complex device proposals, or the identification of potential issues associated with a planned advertising device application, you can arrange a pre-lodgement meeting. Pre-lodgement meetings are also recommended if you are considering applying for a sign type that is generally not supported (generally inappropriate).
Pre-lodgement advice is given before an application is lodged, and can assist in determining whether an advertising device will be supported (but does not serve as or guarantee approval). Advice will be provided on what is required.
You can request a pre-lodgement meeting using the application for advertising sign approvals online form and pay the fee with a Mastercard or Visa.
You can specify for the meeting to be on-site or in Council offices. You will need to attach the following support documents to your application:
- site plans with location of all existing structures and proposed device
- device/s design and construction details (either photos or drawings showing size, shape etc.)
- site photos for each frontage inwards facing, outwards facing from proposed device location/s and existing signage.
Further assistance
For further advice, contact Council's Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263).