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In Queensland, sign permits are called development approvals and are lodged through the state's MyDAS2 online portal. Fees are set by individual councils using the Queensland Planning Act 2016 framework.…

In Queensland, sign permits are called development approvals and are lodged through the state’s MyDAS2 online portal. Fees are set by individual councils using the Queensland Planning Act 2016 framework. This guide covers 2026 costs for the major QLD councils.

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QLD Sign Permit Fee Structure

Queensland councils charge development application fees based on the estimated cost of the sign work:

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Estimated Cost of WorksTypical DA Fee (QLD)
Up to $5,000$240 – $600
$5,001 – $50,000$600 – $2,000
$50,001 – $250,000$2,000 – $5,000
Over $250,000$5,000 – $10,000+

Accepted Development in Queensland

Queensland’s planning framework includes accepted development — the QLD equivalent of exempt development. Signs that qualify as accepted development require no development approval. Typical accepted development criteria for signs:

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  • Non-illuminated business identification sign
  • Under 2m² in area
  • In a commercial or mixed-use zone
  • Not in a heritage area or under a character overlay
  • Below 8m in height

Brisbane City Council Sign Permit Fees 2026

Sign CostBrisbane DA Fee
Under $5,000$280
$5,001 – $10,000$530
$10,001 – $50,000$1,450
$50,001 – $100,000$2,700

Gold Coast City Council Sign Permit Fees 2026

Sign CostGold Coast DA Fee
Under $5,000$260
$5,001 – $50,000$740 – $1,850
$50,001 – $250,000$1,850 – $4,200

How to Lodge a Sign DA in Queensland

  1. Check if your sign is accepted development using your council’s planning scheme
  2. If DA required, register on MyDAS2 (state government online portal)
  3. Prepare required documents (site plan, sign drawings, photomontage, owner consent)
  4. Estimate the cost of your sign work to calculate the application fee
  5. Lodge online — most QLD councils accept MyDAS2 applications
  6. Standard DA decision within 20 business days for code-assessable development

QLD Council Sign Permit Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a sign permit cost in Queensland?
QLD sign permit (development application) fees depend on the estimated cost of the sign. For a typical small business sign costing under $5,000, expect to pay $240u2013$600 in DA fees. Brisbane charges $280 for sub-$5,000 sign applications. Larger signs with higher construction costs attract proportionally higher fees.
Not always. Signs that qualify as accepted development under your council's planning scheme don't need a DA. Typical accepted development: small non-illuminated business identification signs under 2mu00b2 in commercial zones. Illuminated, LED, animated, or large signs require a development approval.
Code-assessable development applications in Queensland must be decided within 20 business days. Impact-assessable applications (larger or more complex signs requiring public notification) take 25u201345 business days plus a minimum 15-day public notification period.
MyDAS2 (My Development Application System 2) is the Queensland state government's online portal for lodging and tracking development applications, including sign permits. Most Queensland councils accept applications through MyDAS2. You register once and can lodge applications for any QLD council.