Advertising devices

There are many types of advertising devices that can be installed without the need to obtain a permit from Council, provided the advertising device complies with certain requirements.

If the advertising device meets all of the relevant criteria within Part 4 of the Local Law No. 4 (Advertising Devices) 2019, you do not need to obtain a permit from Council.

If it falls within the definition of multiple types of advertising devices, your sign must comply with ALL of the requirements for each type of device.

If your sign is not listed in column 1 of Table 2 or it does not comply with all of the relevant requirements, you will need to obtain a permit before you can install your sign.

Advertising devices that are not prohibited or do not comply with Part 4 of Local law No. 4 (Advertising Devices) 2019 will require a permit before they can be installed.  Applications are assessed against the criteria outlined in Part 2 of the Local Law.

To apply for an Advertising Device permit, you must:

• Complete the Advertising Device permit application form ( PDF, 0.9 MB ) and return to one of Council’s Customer Service Centers;
• If the advertising device is located on or over a Local Government footpath or road, provide a copy of current Public Liability Insurance to the value of $20 million noting Cairns Regional Council as an interested party;
• Provide all additional supporting documentation as per the directions on the application form related to your specific type of advertising device/s; and
• Pay the permit application fee.

If your advertising device is located within the Places of significance overlay under Council’s CairnsPlan 2016 Planning Scheme, you will also need to obtain a Development Permit for Operational Works before you can make an application for a Local law permit. Refer to Council’s Development Application webpage for information on how to make an application for an Operational works permit.

A permit will specify conditions that determine how and when the advertising device can be used. Conditions may include the hours of the day that the advertising can operate, the period of time that the permit is valid and the maximum illuminance output (brightness).

An advertising device may be prohibited due to its type, location or another attribute of the device.

Prohibited advertising devices are identified in Part 3 of Local Law No. 4 (Advertising Devices) 2019.  If the advertising device is listed in this section, it cannot be installed and you cannot apply for a permit.

To apply for an Advertising Device permit, you must:

• Complete the Advertising Device permit application form ( PDF, 0.9 MB ) and return to one of Council’s Customer Service Centers;
• If the advertising device is located on or over a Local Government footpath or road, provide a copy of current Public Liability Insurance to the value of $20 million noting Cairns Regional Council as an interested party;
• Provide all additional supporting documentation as per the directions on the application form related to your specific type of advertising device/s; and
• Pay the permit application fee.