If you want to install signage or advertising in the North Sydney area, please check the restrictions listed below to see what signage is permitted and if you need to submit a Development Application (DA).
Rules for signage on buildings and business premises:
- no more than one large building and/or business identification sign per building is permitted
- one directory board is permitted for multiple occupancy buildings
- signs must not be located where drivers require a higher level of concentration, such as at major intersections
- illuminated signs must not be positioned on properties fronting laneways between residential and commercial areas
- only one wall sign per building.
Advertisements not allowed in the North Sydney local government area include:
- above awning signs
- flagpole signs (except when applying through Council's banner pole program)
- inflatable signs
- moving and flashing signs
- sandwich boards
- video or variable message signs
- roof or sky advertisements, but there may be site-specific circumstances where Council would consider such signage
- signs larger than 20 square metres or higher than 8 metres, including billboards
- advertising messages, designs, or bright lighting that may distract motorists
- signs that obscure a road hazard, oncoming vehicles or pedestrians
- messages that do not meet the Australian Association of National Advertisers’ Code of Ethics and the Outdoor Media Association’s Code of Ethics
- advertising of tobacco products in accordance with the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act 1992 (amended 1995)
- advertising of alcohol products is limited to places that sell such products.
Signage is also not permitted in the following areas (apart from development and building identification signs):
- residential zones R2, R3 and R4
- conservation zone E2
- open space and recreational areas RE1 and RE2
- heritage conservation areas.
To check if you need to submit a Development Application for your signage, refer to:
- the North Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2013
- parts 1 and 2 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008.
- part b, section 9: advertising and signage - North Sydney Development Control Plan
If you need further guidance, contact Council and ask to speak to a member of the Planning Team or submit a planning enquiry via our online form below.