2.14 Signage and Advertising

All signs are to be integrated into the site's context without compromising the safety or character of the surrounding area.

Signs are to relate specifically to an existing/approved use or tenancy on the site.

Design is to be visually appealing, complementing the building's architectural features and the broader streetscape.

Proposals are to avoid visual clutter. All redundant or defunct signs are to be removed prior to the installation of new signage.

Signage is not to obstruct significant views or outlooks from public or private land, nor interfere with the integrity of rooflines.

Signs are not to emit sound, vibration, or odours that negatively impact the surrounding area.

The projection of images or words via light onto public spaces or neighbouring properties is not supported.

Signs are not to display explicit, offensive, or inappropriate content.

Signs are to be positioned so they do not obstruct sightlines for motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians.

Installation is not to interfere with the visibility or effectiveness of traffic lights, signals, or regulatory signs.

Signage is not to be located in a position, or at a height, that interferes with safe pedestrian or vehicle movement.

Advertisements on classified roads and transport corridors are to be consistent with NSW Transport Corridor Outdoor Advertisement and Signage Guidelines and Inner West Assessment of Proposals for Outdoor Advertising and Signage in Transport Corridors Policy.

The following are not allowed (except when replicating original heritage signs):

• a)Above awning signs
• b)Parapet signs
• c)Signs above the parapet or gutter line

These controls apply to all heritage items and properties within a Heritage Conservation Area:

• Integration and Placement
• a)Signs are to be integrated into the existing architectural elements of the facade (such as traditional sign panels) and are not to obscure windows, doors, or decorative openings.
• b)Signage is not to protrude above the parapet line, eaves, or gutter line of the building.
• Physical Impact and Fabric
• c)Signs are to be attached with minimal impact to the building's fabric. Mounting methods are to be reversible, allowing the building to be restored to its original state upon removal.
• d)Painting over unpainted face brick, stone, or other original heritage features on heritage items or on buildings and places within heritage conservation areas is not supported.
• e)Where evidence of original historic signage exists, the reinstatement of those signs is encouraged.
• Visual Compatibility
• f)Materials, colours, and typography are to be compatible with the heritage significance and period of the building.
• g)For signage on glazed shopfronts, cut-out letters or images are to be used to ensure the background remains transparent and internal architectural features remain visible.

Under awning signs are to:

• a)Have a lower edge at least 2.6m above existing ground level
• b)Be set back a minimum of 600mm from the kerb and not extend beyond the awning
• c)Be spaced at least 3m apart

One under awning sign is permitted for every six metres of frontage that relates to a shop, provided there is a minimum separation of three metres between signs, including those on adjoining premises.

Under awning signs are allowed for basement and upper-level tenancies where they have a ground floor entrance.

The combined area of all window signage is not to exceed 30% of the window surface.

One top hamper sign is permitted per entry to a premises. This sign is not to project more than 15cm from the surface it is attached to.

Only one flush wall sign is permitted per building.

Flush wall signs are to:

• a)Not face a residential property or residential street
• b)Be floodlit only (internal illumination is not permitted)
• c)Occupy no more than 20% of the associated wall area, with a maximum signage area of 8m2
• d)Not project beyond the wall to which they are attached

Directory board signs are to:

• a)Be no higher than five metres above natural ground level
• b)Have a maximum area of 10m2 per face
• c)Have a combined advertising area across all faces of no more than 25m2

Directory board signs may be freestanding or integrated into the building facade.

Pylon signs are only permitted on sites with a primary street frontage greater than 25 metres.

Only one pylon sign is permitted per eligible site.

Pylon signs are to:

• a)Be fully contained within the property boundary
• b)Have a maximum height of six metres above existing ground level
• c)Have a maximum area of 3.5 m2

The advertising area is to be of a simple, regular shape and dimension.

Replacement of an existing, lawfully approved and erected advertising structure with a digital advertising screen is permitted if:

• a)It is located within zones E1, E2, E3, or E4
• b)It is not attached to a heritage item or within a heritage conservation area
• c)It does not cause light spill that adversely impacts nearby residential dwellings

The size of the structure, including support components and the screen face, remains unchanged.

The total depth of a digital sign (including the screen, housing, and mounting brackets) is not to exceed 200mm.

Digital screens are to be contained within a high-quality, purpose-designed frame or shroud that conceals all internal components, cooling vents, and wiring.

The finish and colour of the housing is to be non-reflective and colour-matched to the building's primary facade materials.

The digital sign is to be scaled to fit within the existing architectural bays or lines of the building (e.g. between windows or within a parapet line).

It is not to overlap or obscure architectural mouldings, cornices, or significant decorative features.

Each advertisement is to be displayed for a minimum of 90 seconds before transitioning. Transitions are to be instantaneous (no fading or animation).

All signs are to be fitted with a light sensor that automatically adjusts brightness to the following maximum levels:

• a)Daylight: 6,000 cd/m2 (or 600 cd/m2 on cloudy days)
• b)Twilight: 600 cd/m2
• c)Night-time: 200 cd/m2

Screens are to be programmed to default to a black screen in the event of a software or hardware malfunction.

Under awning signs and projecting signs in non-residential zones may be illuminated.

Signs located within E3 or E4 zones may be illuminated.

Illuminated signs are not to directly face a residential dwelling, except when located under an awning in a commercial zone.

Internally illuminated signs are not to exceed a maximum night-time luminance of 300 cd/m2.

Illumination is to be turned off between 10 pm and 7 am if the sign is visible from a residential dwelling within 50 metres of the site.

Illuminated signs are not to flash, pulsate, flicker, or be animated.

All cabling and conduits for illuminated signs are to be completely concealed.

Externally lit signs are to use downward-pointing lights focused directly on the sign and designed to prevent or minimise light spill beyond the sign.

To preserve the character and amenity of residential areas, signage is restricted to high-quality, low-impact business identification.

A maximum of one business identification sign is permitted per property, with a total advertising area not exceeding 1.5m2.

Signs are to be designed as a professional nameplate, avoiding bulky structures or heavy framing.

The sign is to be discreetly integrated into the site, ideally mounted on a fence, gate post, or near the primary entrance, ensuring the style, materials, and colours respect the surrounding residential setting.

Controls C51-C55 apply to all signage within the following zones: E1, E2, E3, E4, MU1, and W4.

The total advertising area permitted for any tenancy is governed by the maximum total signage area in Table 2.14.1.

When calculating the total advertising area for the purposes of Table 2.14.1, all permitted under-awning signs (as defined in Section 3.9.2) are excluded from the total tally.

Percentages are calculated based on the horizontal length of the tenancy's glass or wall frontage facing the public domain.

Where a tenancy adjoins a residential area or is visible from a predominantly residential street, the following Protective Limits apply to preserve local character:

• a)Any individual sign visible from a residential development is not to exceed 1.2m x 0.6m
• b)Signage is not to utilise high-intensity illumination or flashing elements if it is directly oriented toward residential windows

The size and area limits for residential interfaces may only be varied if the applicant provides a Visual Impact Assessment demonstrating that the signage:

• a)Is compatible with the scale of the residential streetscape
• b)Does not result in light spill or visual bulk when viewed from private open spaces