Signage rules in the Queenstown Lakes District are set to improve dramatically with a proposed change to the District Plan.

Rules governing where and how much signage is allowed in the Queenstown Lakes District are under review.

Tomorrow (Thursday) Councillors will consider a recommendation to simplify the rules around commercial signage as part of proposed Plan Change 48. “The goal is for less red tape and cost for property owners and tenants and a less complex process for gaining resource consents for new or replacement signs,” General Manager Planning and Development Marc Bretherton said.

At present, signs are considered non-complying activities under the District Plan. A report to be considered by the Council on Thursday recommends that erecting signs should become a permitted activity as long as they are within an approved “sign platform”, which would then enable existing signs to be altered or replaced without further approval.

“This is about recognising the commercial imperatives associated with signage and balancing these with a pleasant, uncluttered urban environment. Another change will see each tenant of multi-tenanted buildings able to erect signage covering 15% of the ground floor façade without needing separate resource consent. It’s a far more sensible approach,” Mr Bretherton said.

The rules around signage in ground floor windows are also included in the proposed changes, with a change recommended to allow up to 50% of window space to be used for signage.

ENDS

 

For further information please contact Marc Bretherton, 027 696 9550

By: QLDC