Advertising device code

The regulation of signage is seen to have the potential for significant impact on the impulse and desire to purchase unhealthy food. In particular this can be achieved by regulating the:

  • location including on-site signage, billboards, identilights, bus shelters and street furniture
  • dimensions including height
  • level of illumination
  • construction materials
  • type of sign.

This code has been modified from the Noosa Plan Advertising Devices Code (click here). The Code demonstrates the principles behind regulating the location and size of advertising devices. However the actual detail within the code can be modified to suit the local situation.

Of particular note, councils may consider starting by simply restricting the advertising content of signs on council property — such as bus stops and street furniture — and council-run facilities — such as show grounds and swimming pools.

Definitions

The definition of an advertising device is contained in the Queensland Planning Provisions.

Purpose

The purpose of the advertising device code is to achieve advertising devices that:

  1. complement and do not detract from the desirable characteristics of the natural and built environment
  2. are designed and integrated so as to minimise visual clutter
  3. do not detract from the visual, rural or residential amenity enjoyed by residents and visitors
  4. are safely constructed and secured and do not create a hazard.

Code

Performance outcomes Acceptable outcomes
PO1 Advertising devices are consistent with the character and amenity of the local area. AO1.1 The following signage advertising devices are not located in the local area:

  1. balloons or other gas filled advertising devices;
  2. blind signs;
  3. billboard signs;
  4. attached flagpole signs;
  5. moving signs;
  6. roof signs;
  7. signs illuminated by, or incorporating, neon lighting;
  8. pylon signs;
  9. signs with a sign face area exceeding 4m2;
  10. sky signs;
  11. 3-dimensional sign;

any combination of signs on one premise with a combined sign face area of more than 10m2.
PO2 Signage and advertising devices:

  • respect the scale and nature of surrounding development; and
  • contribute positively to the visual amenity, streetscape, landscape setting and natural and built environment of where the advertising device is placed.
 AO2.1 Signage and advertising devices on premises in a community use or business use is limited to:

  1. a single freestanding sign not exceeding 4m in height, with a maximum 4m2 sign face area on any face, and located a distance equal to at least its height from side or rear boundaries and half its height from frontages; or
  2. one or more integrated building signs with a combined sign face area not exceeding 10m2 and a maximum single sign face area of 4m2;

AND

AO2.2 On premises with frontage to roads with a maximum speed limit of 80km/hr or higher, signs identified below are located at least 80m from any other sign identified below:

  1. entry statement signs;
  2. freestanding signs;
  3. non-building signs; and
  4. projected signs;

AND

AO2.3 Integrated building signs are aligned with and do not obscure architectural features of the building including cornices, parapets, window heads or sills and pediments;

AND

AO2.4 The maximum sign face area of a single sign does not exceed 4m2 on any face;

AND

AO2.5 The maximum combined sign face area of all signs on the premises is 10m2.
PO3 Signage and advertising devices:

  1. are of safe and durable construction;
  2. do not pose a risk to pedestrians, cyclists or motorists, by obstructing the passage or sightlines of pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles; and
  3. do not interfere with the visibility and effectiveness of traffic signals or hazard warnings.
 AO3.1 Signs incorporate internal support and do not rely on external stays or wires.
PO4 Illumination and lighting of advertising devices is appropriate to the location of the sign and does not create an environmental nuisance or detract visually from the amenity of the surrounding area. AO4.1 Illuminated signs–

  1. are not located in a residential zone, rural zone or open space conservation zone;
  2. have a maximum luminance of 350candelas/100m2;
  3. do not incorporate flashing lights;
  4. are switched off between 11:00pm and sunset of the following day; and
  5. are limited to one sign per frontage.
PO5 Signage and advertising devices:

  1. do not promote fast food or unhealthy eating options; and
  2. are located away from:
    1. public transport interchanges; and
    2. education establishments.
 PO5.1 Signage and advertising devices that promote food are located a minimum of 400m from**:

  1. child care centres, educational establishments (being a primary school or high school), playgrounds, sporting facilities; and
  2. a public transport interchange; and

PO5.2 Advertising of food is not located on bus stops and street furniture**.

** Due to the difficulties in defining fast food or unhealthy food, the acceptable measure for this performance criteria refers to all food and beverage advertising. Should an applicant want to place advertising within the identified locations, the applicant will be required to demonstrate that the signage meets the acceptable measure – which makes reference to fast food and unhealthy eating.

Noosa Plan Advertising Devices Code

The Noosa Plan Advertising Devices Code provides excellent descriptions and illustrations of the different types of signage that is regulated including:

  • low-impact signs — business name plate, home-business sign, property name or number sign, statutory sign and public entity sign
  • medium-impact signs — free standing sign, non-building sign and projected sign
  • high-impact signs — attached flagpole sign, blind sign, moving sign, projected sign, roof sign and 3-dimensional sign
  • general signs — entry statement sign, fascia sign, fence sign and integrated building sign.

Resources:

This code has been modified from the Noosa Plan Advertising Devices Code (click here).