Opening a new business is exciting — but before you order your signage, it is worth knowing that Melbourne councils have rules about what you can and cannot display on your shop front. Getting this wrong can mean costly alterations or, in some cases, having to remove a sign you have already paid for.

This guide covers the key rules, what to check with your local council, and how to get compliant signage made quickly and affordably.

Do You Need a Permit for Business Signage in Melbourne?

In most cases, yes — or at minimum you need to check. Whether a permit is required depends on:

The size of the sign
The type of sign (illuminated, projecting, above a certain height, etc.)
Whether your property is in a heritage overlay or special character zone
The zoning of your street or shopping strip

Small, non-illuminated fascia signs on commercial properties generally do not require a planning permit under the Victorian Planning Provisions. However, anything illuminated, animated, projecting from a building, or placed in a heritage precinct will almost certainly require council approval.

Which Council Covers Your Suburb?

Melbourne’s suburbs fall under different local government areas. Here are some of the most common ones for our clients:

Wyndham City Council — Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Truganina, Point Cook
Hume City Council — Craigieburn, Campbellfield, Tullamarine, Broadmeadows
Whittlesea City Council — Epping, Thomastown
Moonee Valley City Council — Moonee Ponds, Ascot Vale, Essendon
City of Melbourne — CBD, North Melbourne, Parkville
Maribyrnong City Council — Footscray, Sunshine

Always contact your specific council before ordering large or illuminated signs. Most councils have a planning team that can advise you quickly via phone or email.

Key Rules That Apply Across Most Melbourne Councils

Size limits

Most councils allow a fascia sign of up to 0.5 square metres per metre of shopfront width without a permit. Signs larger than this, or signs on a building above ground floor level, generally require planning approval.

Illuminated signs

Any illuminated sign — including LED, backlit or neon — will require a permit in most areas. You will need to submit plans and specifications with your application.

Heritage overlays

If your business is in a heritage precinct (common in inner Melbourne suburbs like Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood and South Yarra), additional restrictions apply to sign materials, colours, mounting methods and illumination. A heritage advisor at council can guide you through this.

A-frame signs on footpaths

Footpath trading permits are typically required for A-frames and sandwich boards placed on the public footpath. These are usually straightforward to obtain from your council.

What Types of Signage Can You Use?

Once you have confirmed what is permitted, here are the most popular options for Melbourne shop fronts:

Fascia signs — The horizontal sign above your shopfront, typically using aluminium composite panel or acrylic.
Window graphics — Vinyl decals, frosted film or full-colour prints applied directly to glass. These do not usually require permits.
Foam lettering and dimensional signs — Cut-out letters mounted to a wall for a premium 3D look.
LED lightbox signs — Internally illuminated signs. Permits required in most cases.
Corflute and banner signs — Temporary or event-based signage. Often exempt from permits but check with your council.

How Long Does It Take to Get Signage Made?

Once your design is approved and you have any required permits in hand, production typically takes 3–7 business days depending on the type of sign. Installation is usually completed within 1–2 days after production.

For new businesses opening in growth suburbs like Tarneit, Craigieburn, and Epping, we recommend allowing 2–3 weeks from order to installation to account for council processing times if a permit is needed.

We Handle the Hard Part

At A1 Printing & Signs, we work with business owners across Melbourne every day and understand the local council requirements. We can advise you on what signage is likely to be permit-exempt, help with design, and produce and install your signs efficiently so you can focus on opening your doors.

Ready to get started?

Get in touch with A1 Printing & Signs Melbourne today. Email: a1printingsigns@gmail.com | Call: 0478 477 345