Advertising involves the use of any temporary or permanent signage for the sale or exposing for sale, or for the purpose of publicising any matter. If you would like to display an advertising sign on the Gold Coast you may need to apply for an advertising sign licence.
If your sign is not visible from a public place you don’t need an advertising sign licence.
Do you need an advertising sign licence?
You can apply for an advertising sign licence if the sign is visible from a public place and involves:
Types of advertising signs
Signs attached to buildings
Signs attached to or incorporated into a building structure.
Examples
- Building name sign
- Roof sign
- Projected image sign
- Created awning fascia sign
- Under awning sign
Freestanding signs
Signs installed independently of a building structure.
Examples
- Pylon sign
- Billboard sign
Development and directional signs
Signs used to promote developments or direct people to a location.
Examples
- Real estate development sign
- Real estate directional development sign
- Tourism directional sign
Other advertising signs
Other signs that may require assessment and approval.
Example
Signs that don't require a licence
We do not licence advertising signs that are displayed on a parked vehicle or trailer or are attached to City assets such as street poles.
Advertising signs that comply with the local law exemption criteria don’t typically require an advertising sign licence.
Examples of advertising signs that may not need an advertising sign licence include:
- footpath sign (A-frame)
- real estate vendor sign (for sale/ lease sign)
- real estate directional sign (open house sign)
- garage sale sign.
Before you apply
Licences are granted following an assessment process. We cannot guarantee your application will be approved.
To avoid processing delays please provide:
- a site plan showing the location of the sign and nearby buildings, footpaths, driveways etc
- public liability insurance certificate of currency for a minimum $20 million (if your sign is on or over a public place).
- sign design and construction details including:
- either images or drawings showing the design, dimensions and how the sign will appear on the building / on-premises
- details on how the sign will be attached / fixed or supported
- sign materials
- associated illumination.
Depending on the sign and its location, you may also be requested to provide Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) certification for any awnings or other structure to which the sign is attached and / or Building Approval.
Additionally, if the sign has potential to adversely impact safety or amenity, specialist consultant reporting may be requested.
Licence fees
There is no fee for on-premise advertising sign applications, however, fees associated with third-party advertising signs are outlined in our current Register of Fees and Charges(PDF, 2MB).
How to apply
Submit your application and all supporting documentation at least 30 business days before you want to display your advertising sign.
Manage an existing licence
Advertising sign licences are renewed annually and are valid until 31 August each year. For more information visit Permits & licensing renewals.
Amend a permit
To change your business or contact information or request a change to your approval use the Amend Licence/Permit form.
Cancel a permit
To transfer an existing licence/permit to different licence holder use the Cancel Licence/Permit form.
Replace approval documents
To apply for replacement approval documentation for your permit or licence (no fees apply) submit our Replace Approval Documentation form.