You may need to apply for advertisement consent to display an advertisement bigger than 0.3 square metres (or any size if illuminated) on the front of, or outside, your property (be it a house or business premises).
Therefore, you are unlikely to need consent for a small sign with your house/building 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.
The planning regime for larger, professional adverts, signs for businesses and so on is complex though all outdoor advertisements must comply with five 'standard conditions'.
They must:
Outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers
This guide aims to explain to those wanting to display an outdoor advertisement how the system of advertisement control works in England.
The booklet is arranged in separate sections and there are numerous illustrations which may show you how the system affects the type of advertisement you want to display.
View 'Outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers' (PDF 1169Kb).
You can also always contact your local planning authority for further advice.
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.
This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information. Read the full disclaimer here.
This guidance relates to the planning regime for England. Policy in Wales may differ. If in doubt contact your Local Planning Authority.
