Updated on March 07, 2025 12:19:58 PM
Tamil Nadu is one of the most industrialized and urbanized states in India, and businesses of all sizes share a presence. Whether it's retail stores, manufacturing units, or service providers, advertising plays an important role in reaching potential customers. Among various modes of advertising, one popular method is signage.
Outdoor signage, including billboards, hoardings, and shop signboards, helps businesses establish their presence. This, however, is regulated by law when installing signage in Tamil Nadu - to keep in line with safety standards, aesthetics, and even urban planning regulations.
License The last few years have witnessed intense efforts towards modernizing the system of issuing licenses for signs in Tamil Nadu. Many municipalities provide online application systems that enhance effectiveness and transparency. They are active in the area of environmental issues too, as they compel people to make use of environment-friendly materials and energy-saving devices in outdoor advertisements.
The enforcement of sign regulation in Tamil Nadu is very tough.
A Signage License is an official authorization by the local authority such as the municipalities, urban local bodies (ULBs), or panchayats to the business or individual to display an outdoor advertisement, which includes signage boards, banners, hoardings, and so on, out in the open. Thus, it ensures that it meets the local regulations for issues of safety, the environment, and aesthetics.
The regulatory framework for signage licensing in Tamil Nadu is generally based on the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Licensing of Hoardings and Levy and Collection of Advertisement Tax Rules, 2003, and successive amendments. The rules go on to provide a basic framework for regulating outdoor advertisements, hoardings, and other public signage.
In larger cities like Chennai, these policies are implemented by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). The Corporation has prepared detailed regulations that define the dimensions, location criteria, and content standards for outdoor advertisements.
There exist various types of Signage Licenses in Tamil Nadu, categorized based on the category, size, and nature of signage. Below are some common types of Signage Licenses in Tamil Nadu:
Required documents are Signage Licenses in Tamil Nadu given below:
Generally, the process of applying for a Signage License in Tamil Nadu 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 Tamil Nadu 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 ₹100,000 |
| 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 ₹15,000 |
| Rooftop signage | Any size | ₹30,000 to ₹1,20,000 |
Professional fee for a Signage License in Tamil Nadu starts from ₹15,000.
Note: The aforementioned fees are exclusive of GST.
Thus, a license in Tamil Nadu to erect signage becomes necessary for outdoor advertisement of products or services, but once the documentation is done and the regulations of the policy from the local council have been satisfied, there is nothing wrong with having some signage erected to increase visibility for the business while at the same time keeping true to the concepts of safety, environment, and zoning.
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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The Signage License is a permit issued by local authorities in Tamil Nadu, which allows business people or individuals to display advertisements, signboards, hoardings, or any other form of public signage.
A license for signage is issued by local municipal bodies like Greater Chennai Corporation in Chennai or other local municipalities, town panchayats, and gram panchayats elsewhere in Tamil Nadu.
In conclusion, any outdoor advertisement or signage in public places needs a license. Lack of permission from the law can mean fines and removal of your outdoor signage.
Varies on the type, size, and location of signage, but generally between ₹500 to ₹50,000 for a year.
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