It’s a great moment when you finally get to see your business’ name above the shop window or out front, guiding people towards your office. But it might not be there for long if you don’t have the planning permission to put it there. So we’re here with a few things you need to be aware of.
What is classed as a sign?
A business sign is typically any signage that is displayed by a business, there are 6 different types of business signage that each take different forms and have different functions, and not all of them require planning permission.
- Outdoor Signs: These are typically placed outside the business premises to attract attention and indicate the location such as storefront signs and banners.
- Indoor Signs: These signs are displayed inside the business premises and can include directional signs, promotional signs, and menu board, etc.
- Vehicle Signs: Businesses often use vehicle signage for advertising purposes. This can include vehicle wrapping and vinyl text or logos.
- Digital Signs: Digital signs have become increasingly popular as technology is advancing. They include LED displays and digital menu boards.
- Regulatory Signs: Certain signs may be required by law or regulations, such as safety signs.
- Promotional Signs: Promotional signs are typically in the form of posters, flyers and temporary signage such as those you find on scaffoldings.
How important is business signage?
It goes without saying, Business signage is important for making a good impression with your customers, your signage could even be the reason they’ve entered your store!
Most shops, factories and commercial properties will have some sort of signage to identify the business that abodes there, as well as signs for functional reasons, like identifying where customers can park.
People need to know where to find you and signage is the obvious way to do this, but what signs require planning permission and what else do you need to think about?
Do you need planning permission for your signage?
Firstly, any illuminated or business sign that is bigger than 0.3 square metres may need planning permission. So, unless you’re happy to just have a little plaque next to your front door to identify you, this is important for you.
Planning regulations can vary depending on location, so it’s always worthwhile checking with your local authority when planning your businesses signage.
What are the legal requirements for business signage?
The Department for Communities and Local Government state these five ‘standard conditions’ that your signage must adhere to.
The 5 standard conditions for your signage:
- They must be kept clean
- They must be safe
- You must have permission from the land owner on which the sign is located
- The sign cannot obscure transport signage or routes, or make them hazardous. So don’t block road signs and stop motorists from being able to see oncoming traffic.
- If the authorities do ask you to remove a sign, you must do it safely.
Are there any signage types that don’t require planning permission?
Some signs don’t require planning permission such as any internal signage within your business premises, however some internal signage is a legal requirement, safety signage for example.
Temporary signs like banners or large posters for events (under 0.6 sq meters) don’t normally require any sort of planning permission but they do need to be taken down. Any signage meant for short term use may be met with fines if not taken down.
Advertisements in forecourts of a business such as car dealerships don’t require planning permission.
Another is vehicle signage, this signage type requires no planning permission and can be a cheaper solution to getting your brand noticed.
As we mentioned above, depending on location planning regulations can change so always check with your local authority or the latest government advice on planning permission.
Is there any other kind of permission for signs required?
If you lease your business premises you may ed to consult with your landlord to see if they allow for signage to be fitted, information regarding this could also be found in your lease agreement.
If you own the premises, you may still need to get permission from the estate owner as there may be other constraints such as how big your sign can be and the type of sign you can put up within your boundary.
How do I get signage planning permission?
Give your local city council or borough planning office a call or visit their website to get your signage planning permission. All they will do is check that your business signage is safe and professional.
What happens if I don’t get planning permission for signage?
Local councils have the authority to decide on these matters and to even take down impermissible signs, so don’t go putting anything up without permission or you may be punished with fines or legal action.
Having an identifiable premises is important and can be a terrific way to signpost your business within the community but sticking to the regulations shouldn’t be forgotten.
NB: This is only a summary of possible issues and should not be considered an official guide. See the official government guidelines here.