Advice and Answers

Straight answers to your signage questions.

Explore our signage advice and answers across everything from vehicle wraps and building signage to approvals, installation, costs and sustainable solutions.

Council Approvals, Engineering and Sign Permits

Do pylon signs need engineering?

Often they can because they are freestanding structures exposed to wind loads. Size, height and footing conditions all matter. We identify engineering requirements before manufacture.

Do large building signs need engineering?

Some do. Weight, size, mounting height, structure and wind exposure determine whether engineering is appropriate. It is much easier to resolve this during design than at installation.

Who organises the engineer for a sign?

We can coordinate signage-related engineering where required, or work with the project’s nominated engineer. On construction projects, we are happy to provide the sign information needed for structural coordination.

What is wind loading and why does it matter for signage?

External signs act like sails. The larger and more exposed they are, the more force wind can put through the sign, fixings and supporting structure. Engineering makes sure the construction and mounting are appropriate for those loads.

Can a sign be redesigned if council rejects it?

Yes. If the issue is size, position, illumination or another design element, we can revise the concept and supporting drawings. It is frustrating, but changes on screen are still far cheaper than changes after manufacture.

Do window graphics need council approval?

Sometimes, particularly where large areas of shopfront glazing are covered or heritage/planning controls apply. Small internal promotional graphics may be treated differently. Check the site-specific requirements if coverage is significant.

Do A-frames and footpath signs need permits?

Many councils regulate temporary signs placed on footpaths or public land. Requirements can include size, location and pedestrian clearance. Check the relevant local council before putting a sign into the public realm.

Do temporary event signs need approval?

They can, depending on where they are installed, their size and how long they remain. Event organisers should also consider venue rules and structural safety, not just council planning.

Can Signs SA help with heritage-area signage?

We can help develop and document signage concepts, but heritage controls can be more restrictive and may require planning input. The best approach is to identify those constraints before the design is locked in.

Do I need council approval for a business sign in Australia?

Sometimes. Approval depends on the local council, sign type, size, location, illumination, building and planning controls. We don’t give a blanket yes or no without looking at the actual site.

What happens if I install a sign without approval?

Potential consequences depend on the authority and circumstances, but you may be required to modify or remove it. From a project point of view, checking first is much cheaper than manufacturing twice.

Do illuminated signs need council approval?

They can. Illumination, brightness, position and size may all be relevant to planning requirements. If you are proposing a new illuminated building sign, it is worth checking before manufacture.

Got more questions?

Feel free to call us or click the button to clarify anything. Our team of experts are more than willing to answer all your queries!