Privacy Policy

Sign permit costs vary by council and sign type. Exempt signs cost $0, Complying Development Certificates (CDC) range from $400–$1,500, and full Development Applications (DA) range from $200–$2,500. Heritage areas and illuminated signs attract higher fees. Always check with your local council for exact pricing.

Approval timelines depend on the pathway: exempt development requires no wait, a CDC via private certifier typically takes 10–20 days, and a standard DA takes 4–12 weeks. Heritage applications and complex signs can take 12–20 weeks. Pre-application meetings with council can speed up the process.

Some small business identification signs are exempt from approval if they meet strict size, placement, and zone criteria. However, installing a sign without required approval can result in fines from $1,500, compliance notices, and orders to remove the sign. Always confirm with your council before proceeding.

Standard sign permit applications require: a site plan showing sign location, scaled sign design drawings, photos of the existing site, a photo montage showing the proposed sign in situ, a completed DA application form, and owner consent if the applicant is a tenant. Heritage areas require a Heritage Impact Statement. Illuminated signs need lighting details and luminance specifications.