A general guide to municipal permits for business signs, advertising tax, and what to prepare before applying.
When you open a new business or change your sign, the sign must be put up with a permit from the municipality. Since the rules vary from one municipality to another, this article explains the general framework. Before applying, be sure to ask the municipality your business falls under about the current requirements.
Which authority issues the permit?
Sign permits are issued by the municipality where the business is located. In Ankara, this is usually a district municipality such as Yenimahalle, Çankaya or Keçiören. On some main streets and in areas with special regulations, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality rules may also apply. You can find out which department to apply to from the municipality's municipal police or advertising department.
What is usually required for the application?
The required documents vary by municipality, but the following are most commonly requested:
- A petition or the municipality's application form
- A colour visual or drawing showing the sign's dimensions and appearance
- A photo showing where the sign will be placed on the building
- Business licence or tax certificate
- Lease agreement or title deed
- A letter of consent from the building or complex management, if located in an apartment building or complex
Size and location rules
Municipalities may regulate how much of the facade a sign can cover, how far it can project from the building, its height and whether it can be illuminated. Rules are stricter especially in historic areas, on apartment facades and for projecting signs that overhang the pavement. So finding out the permit requirements before having the sign made eliminates the risk of having to remove and remake it later.
Advertising tax
An annual advertising tax is paid to the municipality for business signs. The amount depends on the sign's size, whether it is illuminated and its location. Municipalities usually calculate it based on the sign's area in square metres.
How do we help in this process?
During the design stage, we prepare the dimensioned sign visual required for the application and a 3D view of the sign on the facade. During the site survey, we plan the sign's size and position together with you, taking municipal rules into account.
