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Planning Permission

You may need to apply for advertisement consent to display an advertisement bigger than 0.3 square metres on the front of, or outside, your property.

So you are unlikely to need consent for a sign with your house name or number on it, or even a sign saying 'Beware of the dog'. Temporary notices up to 0.6 square metres relating to local events, such as street parties and concerts, may also be displayed for a short period.

There are different rules for estate agents' boards, but, in general, these should not be bigger than 0.5 square metres. You can get further advice from the local planning authority.

The planning regime for larger, professional adverts, signs for businesses and so on is complex.

All outdoor advertisements must comply with five 'standard conditions'.

They must:

1. be kept clean and tidy
2. be kept in a safe condition
3. have the permission of the owner of the site on which they are displayed(this includes the Highway Authority if the sign is to be placed on highway land)
4. not obscure, or hinder the interpretation of, official road, rail, waterway or aircraft signs, or otherwise make hazardous the use of these types of transport
5. be removed carefully where so required by the planning authority.

Read 'Outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers' for a detailed explanation of the planning regime for adverts and signs.

Building Regulations

Domestic adverts and signs are not normally subject to building control.

However, they must 'be kept in a safe condition' as required by the conditions above

Disclaimer: this is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information. Read the full disclaimer here.

NOTE: This guidance relates to the planning regime for England. Policy in Wales may differ. If in doubt contact your Local Planning Authority.