Temporary signs cover a wide range of sign types — event banners, real estate for-sale signs, construction hoardings, promotional flags, and short-term advertising. Whether you need council approval depends on the sign type, its size, how long it will be displayed, and where it is located.
Common Temporary Sign Types and Permit Status
| Sign Type | Permit Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate for-sale sign | Usually exempt | Subject to size and timing limits; removed after sale |
| Construction site hoarding sign | Hoarding permit required | Separate to sign permit — from council/RMS |
| Event banner (on building) | Usually exempt or short-form approval | Time limit applies — typically 28 days max |
| Promotional flag/bunting | Usually exempt on private land | Not exempt on public land without permit |
| Election sign | Exempt during election period | Must be removed within 3 days of election |
| Development site sign | Exempt if related to the development | Must be removed when development complete |
| Banner on council land / road reserve | Council consent required | Applications through council events team |
Real Estate Sign Rules by State
Real estate for-sale and for-lease signs are among the most commonly permitted temporary signs. Typical rules across Australian states:
- One sign per property — only one for-sale sign at any time
- Size limits: Residential — up to 2.5m² per sign face; Rural — up to 10m²
- Must be removed within 14 days of settlement (varies by state — 7–28 days)
- No illumination permitted on residential real estate signs
- Not permitted on nature strips in most councils — must be on private property
Event and Promotional Banners
Temporary event banners on buildings are generally treated as exempt development if they meet these criteria:
- Displayed for no more than 28 consecutive days
- No more than 2 banners per premises
- Relate to an event at or associated with the premises
- Not illuminated
- Total area under 3m² (varies by state)
Banners advertising third-party events (not held at the premises) are generally not exempt and require a DA.
Construction Hoarding Signs
Construction site hoardings require a hoarding permit from your council (and in some cases from Roads and Maritime Services in NSW). Signs displayed on construction hoardings that relate to the development underway are generally exempt from a separate sign permit. However:
- Third-party advertising on hoardings always requires a separate sign DA
- Illuminated hoarding signs require a sign DA in addition to the hoarding permit
- Hoarding permits are typically renewable annually for long-term projects
Temporary Sign Display Periods by State
| State | Max Display Period (exempt temp sign) |
|---|---|
| NSW | 28 days per sign, max 2 times per year |
| VIC | 28 days per event |
| QLD | 14 days (event signs); 28 days in some zones |
| WA | 14 days (event signs) |
| SA | 21 days per event |
Related guides: Signs that do not need council approval | How to apply for a sign permit