What types of signs don’t require a permit?

This depends on the type of sign proposed and what the category of sign applies. Each category of sign has a number of sign types that do not require a planning permit provided certain conditions are met.

In Commercial zones, for example, which are Category 1 signs, business identification and promotion signs with a total display area of 8 square metres or less, including up to 1.5 metres of internally illuminated signage, do not require a permit.

In Industrial zones, which are Category 2 signs, business identification and promotion signs with a total display area of 8 square metres or less, including up to 1.5 metres of internally illuminated signage, do not require a permit, provided any internally illuminates signage is more than 30 metres from a residential zone or pedestrian or traffic lights.

Business identification signs in Category 4, which is for Sensitive Areas, with a total display area of 3 square metres or less, require a permit and are prohibited from being larger. Internally illuminated signage requires a permit and is only permissible on land used for a Freeway service centre or Service station.

Do you need a planning permit to update or replace existing signage?

You do not need a planning permit to update or replace existing signage provided:

• • • the original signage has a planning permit, and
    • the display area is not increased, and
    • the renewal or replacement does not result in a different type of sign
    • any reconstruction meets the relevant signage requirements

That is, updating existing signage is exempt from requiring a planning permit provided it meets the conditions above.

Signs that are exempt from requiring a planning permit

There are also types of signs that are specifically exempted from requiring a planning permit. This includes a sign inside a building that cannot generally be seen outside. Here is a full list of specific types of signs not requiring a permit.