Stonnington Planning Scheme Advertising Policy

Overview

This policy relates to the key focus area of settlement and the environment, and applies to the consideration of all applications for advertising signs. It is to be applied in conjunction with Clause 52.05.

Policy basis

The Municipal Strategic Statement (Clause 21.06-4) and the particular provision on Advertising signs (Clause 52.05) encourage advertising signs that are compatible with the particular building and area, including the conflicts of competing signage, and preserve the character of existing vistas and views.

Objectives

  • To limit advertising on commercial buildings consistent with the character of the area.
  • To generally have commercial signage located below verandah line.
  • To minimise signage in residential areas and ensure it is consistent with the character of the area.  

Commercial areas

Above verandah, sky, promotional and moving message signs are generally discouraged unless:

  • The applicant can demonstrate that the sign will not create visual clutter.
  • There is a maximum of one sign per premises.
  • There is at least five metres between signs where more than one business occupies the premises.

A maximum sign area of 1.5 square metres for above verandah signs are preferred.

It is policy that the sign:

  • displays the name of the associated building or development
  • identifies an upper floor use of the building
  • replaces an existing sign
  • is designed to complement the buildings on the site, particularly on land in a Heritage Overlay (e.g. attached to the building and not erected on a framework on the verandah)
  • maintains the character of the area and the streetscape
  • does not interfere with the function of an adjoining road (e.g. colour and location does not interfere with traffic signals)
  • is innovative and enhances the vitality of the area.

Festoon lighting (other than temporary lighting over December and January), and flashing and intermittent lights are generally discouraged unless the lighting is ‘bud’ or ‘fairy’ or ‘flood’ lights. The applicant can demonstrate that the lighting:

  • will not create visual clutter.
  • is designed to complement the buildings on the site, particularly on land in a Heritage Overlay
  • maintains the character of the area and the streetscape
  • does not interfere with the function of an adjoining road.

Residential areas

Signs other than those displaying the name and address of a building and its use, or managing agents, are discouraged unless the applicant can demonstrate that the sign:

  • is designed to complement the buildings on the site, particularly on land in a Heritage Overlay (e.g. the materials used, colours and the style matches the building)
  • maintains the character of the residential area and the streetscape
  • is fixed to the fence or facade and not freestanding
  • is not more than 0.1 of a square metre in area, if in a residential street
  • is not more than 0.5 of a square metre in area, if on land with a frontage to a Road Zone (category 1).   

Download policy

Stonnington Planning Scheme Advertising Policy(PDF, 836KB)

For help with your application, contact our Business Concierge at businessconcierge@stonnington.vic.gov.au or on 03 8290 1685.