When do you need a planning permit for a sign?

You need a planning permit for a sign when the local planning scheme says that you do. Planning permits requirements for signs are at Clause 52.05 and this breaks down signs into four categories, from minimal limitations to most restrictive.

The planning zone that applies to a specific address specifies what category of sign applies. These categories determine when a permit is required and under what conditions unless a schedule to the zone or overlay specifies otherwise.

There is an additional permit requirements to construct or display a sign or externally paint a building if the painting constitutes an advertisement in a Heritage Overlay at Clause 43.01-1.

The sign categories at Clause 52.05 vary in how restrictive the controls are. The areas with minimal sign limitations are Category 1 – Commercial area signs at Clause 52.05-11. The Activity Centre zone and all commercial zones are Category 1 signs, as these areas are expected to provide for business identification and advertising signs that add vitality and colour to commercial areas.

The most restrictive category of signs are Category 4 – Sensitive area signs at Clause 52.05-14 which applies to the Rural Conservation zone, Farm zone and Public Park and Recreation Zone.

Where a sign can be interpreted in more than one way, the most restrictive of the planning controls applies.

What are the different sign types?

There are almost 20 types of sign defined under Clause 73.02 of the Victoria Planning Provisions to which permits apply. Here is a list of planning scheme sign categories and sign types.

What types of signs need permits?

This depends on the type of sign proposed and what the category of sign applies. Each category or sign has a number of sign types that require a planning permit provided certain conditions are met.

In a Commercial zone, for example, which is in Category 1, business identification, promotion signs or illuminated signage require a planning permit if they don’t meet certain requirements. The same sign in Category 4 does require a permit and must meet different conditions or is otherwise prohibited.

What types of signs are prohibited?

The sections applied to uses in zones is also applied to each signage category: Section 1 (no permit required), Section 2 (Permit required) and Section 3 (Prohibited). Proposed signs that do not come under a Section 1 or 2, or are specifically listed as a Section 3 use in any of the four signage categories are prohibited. Further probitions may occur in the scheudule to the zones or overlays.