A great sign can still get delayed for weeks if signage approvals in Australia aren’t planned early. Most signage projects involve stakeholders outside your business, especially landlords, shopping centre management, and local council signage permits.
If you’re planning a rebrand, a new site, or a multi-site rollout, understanding the signage approval process upfront helps you avoid redesigns, resubmissions, and missed opening dates.
Why signage approvals get delayed
Most delays in signage approvals in Australia happen when signage is designed first and compliance is checked later. Common causes include:
- Signage designed outside permitted sizes, locations, or illumination rules
- Missing documentation such as drawings, materials, fixings, insurance, and safety paperwork
- Unclear responsibility for submitting and tracking approvals
- Underestimating lead times for shopping centre signage approvals and council signage permits
Landlords: protecting the building and the facade
Landlords focus on protecting the asset and maintaining consistent presentation. They commonly want:
- Details on fixings, penetrations, and loadings
- Restrictions on sign placement, size, and facade appearance
- Clarity on removals, make-good, and reinstatement
- Confirmation of insurance and qualified installers
Delays often come from missing fixing details or an unclear make-good scope, especially where existing signage needs to be removed.
Councils: permits, planning rules, and public impact
Council signage approval requirements vary across Australia, which is why council involvement is a key part of signage approvals in Australia. Depending on sign type, size, location, and local planning controls, you may need a council signage permit (and in some areas, a planning approval or development application).
Councils may assess:
- Sign size, height, and placement
- Illumination type and brightness
- Heritage and streetscape considerations
- Public safety and visibility impacts
A common issue is discovering late that an application is required, then needing redesigns or additional documentation.
Shopping centre management: signage manuals and site access rules
Shopping centres often have detailed signage manuals that control:
- Permitted sign types and locations
- Size limits, clearances, and finishes
- Illumination rules
- Install windows, inductions, and access routes
- Required submission packs such as shop drawings, SWMS, and insurances
One of the biggest time-savers is reviewing the signage manual before design is finalised.
A simple signage approval process that reduces delays
For most sites, this sequence keeps projects moving:
- Confirm site constraints and existing conditions
- Prepare drawings and specifications
- Submit for landlord and/or shopping centre signage approval
- Submit council signage permit applications if required
- Manufacture only after approvals are confirmed
- Install within the approved access window
How CV Media & Signage can help
At CV Media & Signage, we do more than manufacture and install. We can manage the signage approvals process end to end, including:
- Reviewing landlord and shopping centre requirements early
- Producing drawings and documentation needed for submission
- Liaising with centre management and property stakeholders
- Managing council applications where required
- Coordinating timelines so approvals, manufacturing, and installation stay aligned
Talk to us before design is locked in
If you’re planning a new site, rebrand, or national rollout, involve CV Media & Signage early. We’ll help you map the approval pathway, reduce rework, and keep your project on track, including council signage approvals where needed.
Download our free Signage Brief Checklist to get started.
