Updated on March 07, 2025 12:19:57 PM
In the richly cultural and landscaped north-eastern state of Meghalaya, signage licensing has come to assume importance in urban management and regulation of outdoor advertising. The municipal bodies and departments of urban affairs govern this process for keeping cities and towns as visually presentable while letting businesses promote their goods effectively.
The overall framing of the Meghalaya signage licensing regulatory framework is mainly constituted by the Meghalaya Municipal Act, 1973, and amendments to it, together with special by-laws specific to each of the urban local bodies. These regulations outline rules for controlling outdoor advertisements, hoardings, and other forms of public signage throughout the urban regions of Meghalaya, including the capital city of Shillong and other key towns of Tura and Jowai.
License fees for Meghalaya vary with the size of the sign, location, and duration for which a license is acquired. Those areas in cities like Shillong that have prime locations will likely cost more since they are more lucrative and in demand commercially.
In recent years, Meghalaya has been very proactive in attempting modernization of its urban governance systems, including those related to sign licensing. Although digitized systems are yet to be developed in the state, process improvement initiatives continue in application and approval procedures and are generally making them more efficient and transparent.
A license in Meghalaya, or any other state, to be installed and mounted outside, applies to billboards, shop signs, hoardings, banners, and digital signs. The license shall regulate the placement and the size of signage for public safety, aesthetic value, and prevention of disturbance to traffic and the environment.
Authorities to Issue a Signage License in Meghalaya The Urban Affairs Department of Meghalaya and the local municipal bodies Shillong Municipal Board, for example, Signage Licenses. In villages, the local village councils or Gram Panchayats may regulate signage.
The signage licensing process works as an important tool for the visual landscape of the city and the town even as Meghalaya develops and urbanizes. It is not only a regulatory mechanism but also a way of enriching the aesthetics of the urban setting, promoting public safety, raising revenue for local bodies, and more importantly, conserving the special flavor that makes Meghalaya a jewel of Northeast India.
There exist various types of Signage Licenses in Meghalaya, categorized based on the category, size, and nature of signage. Below are some common types of Signage Licenses in Meghalaya:
Required documents are Signage Licenses in Meghalaya given below:
Generally, the process of applying for a Signage License in Meghalaya follows some steps. Here's a simplified overview of the procedure:
Normally, the authority issuing the license for signage is the local municipal corporation or the urban development authority in the area where the signage is proposed to be erected.
Each local authority has certain rules in terms of the size, design, placement, and illumination of signs. Ensure that you get the rulebook or guidelines from the authority to be guided by local rules.
Some documents will be required to accompany your application. Prepare the Required Documents
Applications have to be filled out duly and submitted, along with other required supporting documents, to the concerned municipal office. Some of these are also available to be applied online through the portals of some municipalities for the issuance of Signage Licenses.
However, after the lodging of the application, the local body or municipal authority can conduct a site visit to see if the proposed sign adheres to the rules related to safety, size, and placement.
The relevant authority will assess your application, documents, and inspection report. In case the above requirements are in order, your application will be approved.
Some time is actually required to be approved, depending on the authority in that area and how complex the signage is.
After the application is approved by the authority, you can receive your license for the signage. This license will contain information about how long it lasts and how long it should be renewed.
Signage Licenses are usually set to have an expiration date. Before the license expires, you will need to submit renewal requests along with the required documentation and fees once more.
Note: It might take some weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the workflow of the authority.
The fee structure for a Signage License in Meghalaya depends on several factors, such as the size, type, and location of the signage.
| Types of signage | Size sq.ft | Government fee ₹ |
|---|---|---|
| Shop signboards | Up to 20 sq. ft. | ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 |
| Billboards | 50 - 200 sq. ft. | ₹25,000 to ₹75,000 |
| Digital LED displays | Any size | ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 |
| Illuminated signage | Any size | ₹5,000 to ₹35,000 |
| Temporary banners | Up to 30 sq. ft. | ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 |
| Rooftop signage | Any size | ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000 |
Professional fee for a Signage License in Meghalaya starts from ₹ 15,000.
Note: The aforementioned fees are exclusive of GST
Most businesses and individuals would require a Signage License in Meghalaya to advertise themselves through outdoor signage, but would at the same time be complying with local regulations. Whether it's an outside shop signboard or a huge digital billboard, giving the required service in maintaining the state's safety, aesthetics, and environmental sustainability does not matter.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
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A Signage License is a permission under law accorded to any owner who wants to erect outdoor advertisements like hoardings, shop signs, banners, and even video display screens. It enables the signage to comply with local regulations concerning issues of safety, aesthetics, and environment, among others.
Signage Licenses are issued by the local authorities, either the Shillong Municipal Board or the concerned municipal or local government. In rural areas, a village council or Gram Panchayat may issue these licenses.
Application To obtain a license, an applicant is asked to file his application in person, to the local municipal office, such as the Shillong Municipal Board. Such documents would include property proof, signage design, environmental clearance (for digital/illuminated signs), and a No Objection Certificate by the owner of the property.
Varies on the type, size, and location of signage, but generally between ₹500 to ₹50,000 for a year.
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