Council has rules in place for signs (referred to as advertising devices) to ensure they are safe and well-designed.

Some advertising devices require Council approval. Penalties may apply for displaying signs or advertisements that have no approval or do not meet relevant standards.

What is an advertising device and what requirements does Council have?

An advertising device (a sign) means a structure or device, which is visible from a road or other public place, providing information or directions.

Who needs approval for signage?

Permanent signage, including that on private property (visible from the road) requires approval from Council. This includes illuminated signage and billboard signs.

If it is a temporary sign, it will not require approval from Council if it aligns with the definitions and prescribed criteria outlined in Schedule 3, Subordinate Local Law No. 1.4 (Installation of advertising Devices) 2011. This covers the following signs:

• Banner sign
• Directional community organisation sign
• Mobile sign
• Real estate sign
• Vertical banner sign
• Roadside directional sign
• Motor vehicle sign
• Variable message sign
• Business signs
• Sporting field fence sign
• Bunting sign
• Inflatable sign.

Signage that falls outside of the criteria outlined in the local law must apply for approval.

Refer to Council’s fees and charges for the fee amount.

Will I need other approval?

Depending on the type of signage, you may require other Council approvals. The Building Act and Regulations prescribes requirements for signs based on size and relativity to buildings. 

Contact Council on (07) 4970 0700 or info@gladstone.qld.gov.au to determine if your sign requires building approval.

How long will my signage application take to process?

Approvals generally take up to four weeks to process. However, this may be longer if input is required from other divisions or agencies, or if your application does not provide enough information. 

What is the criteria for temporary event sign?

A temporary, non-illuminated sign to direct the public to a non-profit short term event such as a fete or other similar event, has the following criteria under the Advertising Devices Local Law:

Signage along a road frontage/footpath:

• A maximum of 10 signs alongside a footpath or road in the vicinity of the event, where not causing a pedestrian or traffic hazard
• each sign having a maximum face area of 0.6m2
• displayed on the day of the event, and for not more than 3 days before the event.

Signage on private land:

• a maximum face area of 2.4m2
• displayed for not more than 14 days before the event and removed within 1 day after.

The advertiser must take out and maintain public liability insurance cover of a minimum $10,000,000.00 against claims for personal injury and property damage from the display.

What is the criteria for a permanent business sign?

A sign advertising a business, is painted or affixed to a building, wall, fence or structure at the business, or is freestanding on the property, and has the following criteria under the planning scheme:

• 8.5m in height from natural ground level in an urban zone* and no greater than the allowed building height in a non-urban zone*.
• does not exceed more than 30% of the total building façade where in an urban zone* and 10% where in a non-urban zone*.
• is only illuminated where located within an urban zone* (other than residential zones) or associated with a business that operates at night.
• where the advertising device is illuminated, it has a maximum luminance of 350 candelas per m2, does not incorporate flashing lights or digital displays, and is switched off between 11:00pm and 5am and at any time the business is not operating.
• does not revolve, contain moving parts or have a moving border.
• does not cause a pedestrian or vehicular hazard (if free standing).
• does not impact, damage or cause consequential damage to public utilities or services (if free standing).
• does not obscure views to or detrimentally impact on the values or setting of a place of local heritage significance.

* Note: For the purposes of the Advertising devices code, the “urban zone” includes land within the following zones: Community facilities; Sport and recreation; Low impact industry; Medium impact industry; Special industry; Major tourism; Minor tourism; Mixed use; Specialised centre; Township; all residential zones and all centre zones. All other zones are classified as non-urban.

Contact Council on (07) 4970 0700 or info@gladstone.qld.gov.au for further assistance.

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