Advertising and signage overview
Types of advertising and signage
Broadly speaking, outdoor advertising is split into two categories: General, first and third party, and temporary signage.
If you want to display a new sign; alter or add to an existing approved sign; or submit a signage plan in terms of a Site Development Plan proposal, you must apply for permission from the City. The application process and approval criteria for each type of sign varies.
If you are a property marketing agent, private seller, developer or auctioneer wanting to display directional boards on City-owned land, you need to apply for a permit. This is an annual permit so you will need to renew it every year.
Tourism signage is not used to promote businesses, but rather to direct and guide visitors to tourist facilities while on self-drive excursions around the city. Applications for tourism signage can only be approved by the Regional Tourism Liaison Committee and the City's Transport Authority.
Why outdoor advertising and signage is controlled
It’s important for us to find a balance between a healthy economy and a healthy environment. Ill-placed and poorly designed signs can destroy the look and feel of the environment, while smart, creative and interactive signs can benefit the environment and the public by creating interest for passers-by and sometimes even providing a service.
Our policy and legislation
Our
Outdoor Advertising and Signage Policy and our current
Outdoor Advertising By-law both uphold the balance between a healthy economy and a healthy environment.
Fast fact
The Constitutional Court has challenged our by-law and it has been proven legally and constitutionally sound.
If you want to erect a sign or advertising outdoors in Cape Town, you need to comply with our legislation, however, not all signage is controlled and treated in the same way.
The type of application and criteria for approval depends on the sign and the
area of control it falls into according to the By-law. For example, a poster at a church fete is treated differently from a billboard, and the rules governing a sign on a non-profit organisation might be more relaxed than those on a commercial business.
Some areas, such as scenic drives, are more controlled than an industrial area where the signage rules are far less restrictive.
If the signage could affect the functioning and safety of traffic, or the character of an area due to appearance, size or illumination the sign will not be approved. Advertising on bridges, towers, telecommunication masts or pylons is not permitted.
pamphlet distribution
In accordance with our
Public Parks By-law (2010), you may not display or distribute any pamphlet, placard, painting, book, handbill, sign, advertisement board or any other printed (written or painted) work without written permission from
Recreation and Parks.
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