Commercial property signage & fit-outs: What planning permits do my clients need?

Welcome to Planning 101 for Commercial Real Estate Agents, a blog series designed to equip you with essential knowledge about how town planning impacts commercial properties in Victoria. Understanding planning isn’t just a technicality; it’s a strategic tool that helps you identify opportunities, manage risks, and close deals smoothly for your clients.

Further reading in this series:

Beyond securing the ideal location, incoming commercial real estate tenants and buyers in Victoria need to make the space their own. This almost always involves fitting out the interior and installing visible signage. However, even these seemingly straightforward steps can require planning permits, adding unexpected time and complexity if not anticipated.

Understanding the common triggers for planning permits related to commercial property fit-outs and signage is essential for managing client expectations and ensuring a smooth transition into their new premises.

The problem: planning permit surprises for signage and works

Clients often assume that once they’ve leased or bought a commercial space, they can immediately install their branding and undertake interior fit-out works. They may not realise that specific planning rules apply, potentially triggering the need for permits that cause delays to their opening timeline.

The solution: identifying planning triggers early

Key planning permit triggers for commercial properties relate to changes that are externally visible, impact the building’s structure (in a way defined by planning), or relate to advertising.

Common planning permit triggers for commercial properties:

  1. Business Identification Signage: This is one of the most frequent triggers. Most Planning Schemes have specific rules (Clause 52.05) about the size, type (e.g., fascia signs, projecting signs, sky signs, electronic signs), location, and illumination of business signage. A planning permit is often required, particularly for:
    • New illuminated or large format signs.
    • Signs on heritage buildings or in heritage areas (Heritage Overlay).
    • Signs that exceed specific size or location limits set by the zone or an overlay.
    • Multiple signs on one building.
    • Changing signs on properties with existing signage permits where the permit specifies details of the signs.
  2. External Works or Building Alterations: While minor internal cosmetic fit-outs usually don’t need planning permits. However, planning permits are often required for:
    • Changes to the building’s façade (windows, doors, cladding).
    • Adding new external features (awnings, balconies, plant equipment visible externally).
    • Structural alterations that impact the building’s exterior form.
    • Works on heritage buildings or in areas with specific design controls (Design and Development Overlay).
  3. Intensification of Use: Sometimes, a fit-out indicates an intensification of the approved use (e.g., adding significantly more seating to a café). While the use itself might be permitted, the intensification might trigger new planning considerations like increased car parking demand.

Why permits are often needed for commercial properties

Planning permits for signage and works ensure that changes are appropriate for the building’s context, don’t negatively impact streetscape or neighbouring properties, comply with design guidelines, and respect any heritage significance.

Advising your clients upfront about potential permit requirements for their planned signage and fit-out prevents surprises and helps them factor in the necessary time for the application process.

How AS Planning can assist with signage and fit-out related permits for commercial properties

AS Planning specialises in identifying planning permit triggers for commercial property signage and fit-outs in Victoria. We can advise your clients on likely requirements, prepare the necessary planning reports, and manage the planning permit application process with Council to help them get operational smoothly.

Contact AS Planning for planning permit support for commercial signage and fit-outs in Victoria. Get a quote.