Do I need planning permission for a sign?
Sometimes.
Here’s how to tell.
In England, signs need “advertisement consent” from the council, but many signs on your own premises already have it, within limits. Here is a plain guide. Your council has the final say.
Signs that usually don’t need an application
Most signs on your own shop, office or unit have what’s called deemed consent. That covers most fascia and projecting signs that aren’t too big or too high, and isn’t in a conservation area or on a listed building. Window graphics inside the glass, and small signs on the door, are usually fine too.
Signs that usually do
- Most illuminated signs. Some lit fascia and projecting signs are allowed without an application, within limits on size and brightness, but not in a conservation area.
- Signs above first-floor window level, or larger than the usual limits
- Signs in a conservation area
- Any sign on a listed building, which also needs listed building consent
- Hoardings and freestanding signs away from your premises
How the application works
You apply to the council for advertisement consent, with drawings showing the sign’s size, position, materials and lighting. Councils aim to decide within eight weeks, and consent is normally granted for five years. In Harrogate that’s North Yorkshire Council, and in Leeds it’s Leeds City Council.
How we help
When we quote, we’ll tell you if your sign is likely to need consent. We draw every sign with its sizes, colours, fixings and lighting before it’s made, and those drawings can go straight into the application.