Proposed changes to building signage rules a bad idea

The City of Sydney released the Draft Sydney Development Control Plan – Signs and Advertisements 2015 (Draft DCP) on 17 March 2015. The Draft DCP includes new controls for electronic billboards and electronic, digital-business and special-promotion signs. It also includes revised controls for building and business identification signs, including top-of-building signs, wall signs, under-awning signs and window signs.

The Property Council are deeply concerned with a number of the provisions in the Draft DCP. Of particular concern is clause 3.16.5.2 (4) of the Draft DCP which requires occupation of a minimum of percent of the total floor area of a building before a top of building sign will be allowed.

The current regulation allows for building name signs for a tenant or owner who occupies the largest amount of floor space within the building relative to other tenants or occupants.

There is no clear rationale behind the proposed changes and the Property Council has lodged its opposition to the proposed clause 3.16.5.2 (4) of the Draft DCP.

Submissions closed on 30 April 2015. The Property Council’s submission is attached below.