You might need a licence or development approval to display a permanent, temporary or mobile advertising sign on the Gold Coast. If you do need approval, the sign must be approved before it is displayed.
All signs must meet our safety and amenity standards.
Examples of advertising signs that may not need a licence are:
- footpath sign
- real estate vendor sign
- real estate directional sign
- garage sale sign.
For more information on the rules for advertising signs, see Subordinate Local Law No. 16.8 (Advertising Devices) 2016(PDF, 596KB)
Licences are valid until the 31 August each year (except for temporary licences) and are renewed annually. There are no fees for a new licence or for licence renewal. Renew your licence using one of the methods described on our Permits & licensing renewals page.
Contact our City Standards team on 07 5667 5987 if you need clarification about whether your advertising sign needs a licence.
Advertising on State–controlled roads
If your advertising sign will be on or over a State–controlled road, please refer to Management of advertising devices on State–controlled roads(PDF, 119KB) before displaying the sign.
Advertising on heritage–listed properties
If your advertising sign will be on or over a heritage–listed property, specific development rules apply. Advertising signs at a state heritage or adjoining a state heritage site may need approval from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.
Find out if your property is on the Queensland Heritage Register. For more information, contact the Heritage team on 07 5667 3717.
Election signage
For information relating to the placement of election signage please refer to the summary of requirements for the placement of election signage(PDF, 144KB)
Other advertising signs
How to apply
Use this application to apply for an advertising device. No fees apply.
Before submitting your application, make sure your business has the appropriate development approval to prevent your application being delayed. Depending on the size and location of the sign building approval or certification might be required.
If you have any questions about the application process please call us on 07 5667 5987.