Liverpool Sign Permit Fees and Bylaw Charges

Signs and Advertising England 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

Introduction

In Liverpool, England, advertising signs, A-boards and other street-facing displays are controlled by planning and highways rules enforced by Liverpool City Council and national advertisement regulations. This guide explains when you need advertisement consent or a pavement/A-board licence, how fees and forms are handled, the enforcement process, and practical steps for businesses and residents. Follow the official guidance and submit applications through the council or the Planning Portal to reduce the risk of enforcement action.

Planning & Permit Overview

Many signs require advertisement consent under planning rules; temporary pavement licences or highway licences may also be required for A-boards and displays on the public highway. Local rules, application routes and guidance are published by Liverpool City Council and the national Planning Portal for advertisement consent. Liverpool guidance[1] and the national Planning Portal explain consent types and the application process. Planning Portal guidance[2]

Check both council and Planning Portal guidance before installing a sign.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of unauthorised advertisements and breaches of licence conditions is carried out by Liverpool City Council planning enforcement and highways officers. The council may require removal, service discontinuance or enforcement notices and may pursue prosecution where permitted. Specific fine amounts and daily penalties are not specified on the council pages cited; see the official enforcement/report channels for details. Report planning problems[3]

  • Enforcer: Liverpool City Council Planning Enforcement and Highways Licensing teams.
  • Possible orders: removal notices, enforcement notices, discontinuance notices; prosecution may follow where authorised.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
If you receive a notice, act quickly to avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

The formal application for advertisement consent is submitted via the national Planning Portal or directly to Liverpool City Council where indicated; the Planning Portal provides the standard application form and guidance but local fees and submission specifics are set by the council. See application details on the Planning Portal[2]

  • Form: Application for consent to display an advertisement (Planning Portal standard form).
  • Fees: set by Liverpool City Council; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Submission: via the Planning Portal or to Liverpool City Council planning, as instructed on council pages.
Fees and exact fee codes are listed or confirmed by the local planning authority.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Unauthorised fixed signs attached to buildings — likely removal notice or enforcement action.
  • Illegal A-boards on the public highway without a pavement/highways licence — licence removal and/or removal of the board.
  • Illuminated advertisements breaching conditions — requirement to switch off or alter; possible prosecution where applicable.

Action Steps

  • Determine whether advertisement consent or a pavement/highways licence is needed by checking council and Planning Portal guidance.
  • Complete the Planning Portal application form and supply required drawings and photos.
  • Pay the council-set fee when prompted; if unclear, contact Liverpool City Council planning for the exact fee code.
  • If served with a notice or to report an unauthorised sign, contact Liverpool City Council planning enforcement or highways licensing immediately.
Keep application records and photos of installed signs to support any appeal or review.

FAQ

Do I need permission to put up a shop sign in Liverpool?
Often yes — many shop signs require advertisement consent; check Liverpool City Council guidance and the Planning Portal for details.
What happens if I install an A-board on the pavement without permission?
The council may require removal or seek compliance through licence enforcement; consequences depend on whether a pavement/highways licence was required and issued.
How do I report an illegal or unsafe sign?
Report it to Liverpool City Council planning enforcement or highways team using the council reporting page linked in Resources.

How-To

  1. Check the Liverpool City Council advertisements page and the Planning Portal to confirm whether your sign requires advertisement consent or a highways/pavement licence.
  2. Gather supporting documents: photos, site plan, elevations, and method of fixings.
  3. Complete the Planning Portal advertisement application form or follow the council's application route; upload documents and pay the council fee when requested.
  4. Wait for decision from Liverpool City Council; if consent or licence is granted, keep a copy of the approval on site and follow any conditions.
  5. If you receive an enforcement notice, follow the notice instructions and contact planning enforcement promptly to discuss compliance or appeal options.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check advertisement consent requirements before installing signage.
  • Submit applications via the Planning Portal or the council and retain approval documents.
  • If in doubt, contact Liverpool City Council planning enforcement or highways licensing for guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Liverpool City Council - Advertisements guidance
  2. [2] Planning Portal - Advertisements guidance and application
  3. [3] Liverpool City Council - Report planning problem / enforcement

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data