Erecting Signs

Erecting signs and adverts

Adverts and signs are a great way to attract customers to your business. However, if you wish to erect an advertisement or sign, there are limitations and guidelines you need to follow.

Business adverts and signs

Businesses are free to put up any sign so long as it is no larger than 0.3 square metres on the front of, or outside of, their property. If the property is in a conservation area a sign can not be fronted toward a public highway without consent.

Temporary signs

For temporary signs, such as those that advertise a party, concert or local event, the limitations differ to business adverts and signs:

1. Temporary notices, signs and adverts may be no larger than 0.6 metres squared.
2. Temporary notices, signs and adverts may not be illuminated.
3. Temporary estate agent boards may be no larger than 0.5 square metres.

All outdoor advertisements must comply with five standard conditions, which are:

1. Adverts and signs must be kept clean.
2. Adverts and signs must be placed in a safe position.
3. Adverts and signs must have permission from the land owner to whose land they are placed on.
4. Adverts and signs must not obscure any official road, railway, waterway, or aircraft signs.
5. Adverts and signs must be removed when required by the planning authority.

Homeowners erecting signs

Homeowners who wish to put up a sign with their house name, number, or other information, are free to do so without permission so long as the sign is no bigger than 0.3 square metres. Illuminated signs are not allowed and will require consent from your Local Planning Authority. This means that you are welcome to put up a ‘La Casa’ sign or ‘Beware of the Dog’ sign without any lengthy permission paperwork.

Listed buildings

If you wish to erect a sign on listed property, we recommend you consult with your Local Planning Authority, because dependent on your project, you may require listed building consent.

For more information on adverts, signs and planning permission, please visit the Planning Portal.

The information contained within this article is strictly for guidance only.  Cost2Build recommends that you always check current sources of information in case regulations have changed. Cost2Build cannot accept any liability for miscommunication of the law in the case of a change in regulation or any action done to a property based on the information held in this article.