In South Australia, sign permits are called planning consents and are lodged through the PlanSA portal under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016. SA’s planning system was modernised in 2021 with the introduction of the Planning and Design Code (PDC), which replaced all individual council development plans.
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SA Planning Consent Fees for Signs — 2026
| Development Cost | SA Planning Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 – $5,000 | $71 |
| $5,001 – $10,000 | $145 |
| $10,001 – $50,000 | $145 + $7 per $1,000 over $10,000 |
| $50,001 – $100,000 | $425 + $6 per $1,000 over $50,000 |
| $100,001 – $250,000 | $725 + $5 per $1,000 over $100,000 |
Accepted Development in SA (No Permit Required)
Under SA’s Planning and Design Code, many small signs qualify as accepted development (no planning consent required). Typical criteria:
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- Non-illuminated flat sign on building facade
- Up to 1.5m² in commercial zones
- Not in a heritage area or character zone
- Below 8m above ground level
- No animated or changeable content
City of Adelaide Sign Permit Costs
| Application Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Small sign (under $10,000) | $145 |
| Standard sign DA | $145 – $600 |
| Regulated tree / heritage sign | Standard fee + additional assessment |
SA Heritage Areas — Special Rules
Adelaide has extensive State Heritage Areas (SHA) and Local Heritage listings. Signs in these areas are classified as restricted development and require consent with additional heritage assessment. Key rules:
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- Heritage Impact Statement required from a qualified heritage consultant
- Sign materials and colours must be heritage-compatible (typically no illumination)
- Referral to State Heritage Council may be required for State Heritage items
- Budget an extra $1,500–$3,500 for heritage advice