Do small shopfront signs need this permit?

Small signs flat against a shopfront often fall into an exempt or simplified class. Check your city's signage by-law — the thresholds differ per municipality.

Can I put a billboard on my own farm next to the N1?

Not without approval. Signs visible from national roads need SANRAL consent in addition to municipal approval.

What about digital or LED billboards?

Digital signs face extra conditions on brightness, dwell time and transitions, and are banned outright in some zones.

Who is liable if a billboard falls?

The owner of the structure. That is why an engineer's certificate is a standing requirement.

Municipal Permits

Billboard Permit

In plain English

Billboards, wall wraps, gantry signs and large outdoor advertising need municipal approval under the city's Outdoor Advertising and Signage By-law, plus structural sign-off. Provincial roads authorities and SANRAL must approve signs visible from their roads.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Advertising companies, property owners renting out wall space, and businesses erecting large signage on or near a public road.

When is it required

Before the structure is erected or the advertising face is installed. Illegal billboards are removed at the owner's cost.

Eligibility

You own the site or have the owner's written consent
The site is in an area where that sign class is permitted under the by-law
The structure can be certified by a registered engineer

Documents you need before applying

Completed outdoor advertising application
Site plan, elevations and dimensions of the sign
Photomontage showing the sign in its actual setting
Landowner's written consent
Structural engineer's certificate for the support structure
Building plan approval where the by-law requires it
Consent from the provincial roads authority or SANRAL for signs visible from those roads
Heritage approval if the building or area is protected

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Check the signage zone for the site
City by-laws divide areas into signage districts — what is allowed in an industrial corridor is usually banned in a residential or scenic area.
2
Prepare drawings and the photomontage
Municipalities assess visual impact, so a realistic montage from the main viewpoint is normally compulsory.
3
Submit to the municipal signage unit
Applications go to the outdoor advertising or urban design unit, often with a circulation to roads, planning and heritage.
4
Obtain roads authority consent where applicable
Signs visible from a national or provincial road need separate approval to confirm they don't distract drivers.
5
Erect the sign and keep the annual approval current
Most billboard approvals carry an annual renewal and fee. Missing the renewal makes an approved sign illegal.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

The outdoor advertising / signage unit of your municipality, plus the provincial roads department or SANRAL where relevant.

Fees

An application fee plus an annual display fee based on the sign's size and class, set in the municipal tariff list. Ask for the current tariff before signing a site lease.

Processing time

Commonly 1–3 months because applications are circulated to several departments; heritage or roads referrals add time.

Validity

Usually renewable annually, subject to the by-law and the approval conditions.

Renewal

Renew before the anniversary date and keep the structural certificate up to date.

Common mistakes to avoid

Erecting first and applying later
Forgetting SANRAL or provincial roads consent for roadside signs
Ignoring illumination limits, which are strictly enforced near residential areas
Letting the annual renewal lapse