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.
You don't need an advertising sign licence if your sign is not visible from a public place.
Do you need an advertising sign licence?
You need an advertising sign licence if the sign is visible from a public place and involves:
Signs that need a licence
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 need a licence
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 a licence include:
- footpath sign (A-frame)
- real estate vendor sign (for sale/ lease sign)
- real estate directional sign (open house sign)
- garage sale sign.
Advertising signs that are displayed on a parked vehicle or trailer or are attached to City assets such as street poles are not permitted.
Before you apply
Submit your application and all supporting documents at least 30 business days before you want to display your advertising sign.
Licences are granted following an assessment process. We cannot guarantee your application will be approved.
Required documents
Provide the following documents with your application to avoid processing delays.
- 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.
If the sign has potential to adversely impact safety or amenity, specialist consultant reporting may be requested.
We may contact you for additional information during the assessment process.
Fees and licence period
There is no fee for on-premise advertising sign applications, however, fees associated with third-party advertising signs are outlined in our Register of Fees and Charges(PDF, 4MB).
Advertising sign licences are renewable annually and are valid until 31 August each year. For more information visit Permits and licensing renewals.
How to apply
Apply for a licence online. If you cannot apply online or need assistance, call us on 07 5667 5987.
apply online
Manage an existing licence or permit
To change your business details or contact information or request a change to your approval, use the Amend licence/permit form.
To transfer an existing licence/permit to different licence holder, use the Transfer of a licence/permit form.
To cancel an existing licence/permit, use the Cancel licence/permit form.
To apply for replacement approval documentation for your permit or licence use the Replace approval documentation form.