Do I need resource consent for a sign?

Each District Plan contains rules that regulate signage, or outdoor advertising.   Each District Plan treats signage in a slightly different way, therefore the rules that you need to meet will differ depending on which District you are located in.

The rules relating to signage usually require a resource consent, if your sign is over a certain size, a certain height, above the façade of a building, or has lettering that is larger than a certain standard. Rules can also apply if you wish to apply signage to a listed heritage building, or on the site of a listed building, or sometimes within certain inner city precincts where special rules can apply.    Billboards and digital signs may also need consent, and in some cases, effects on traffic safety may need to be assessed.

Should you need to obtain resource consent for your signage, either in advance of installing the signage, or retrospectively (ie when the sign already exists), then you will need to submit a resource consent application to your local Council and provide an assessment of effects that your proposed sign may have on the environment.

We are able to prepare your signage applications for you, and provide detailed assessments of effects that meet the assessment requirements of the relevant District Plan.   We have the expertise to provide expert advice regarding effects of signage on traffic safety, as well as visual effects, heritage effects and effects on character. 

Please contact us with your initial signage plans, and we can advise you on the best steps to take through the resource consent process.