Auctioneers Signs
Litter Pollution Act, 1997-2003 (Planning & Development Regulations 2001)
The following information refers to the display of signs advertising the sale or letting of a property or land. Such advertising signs are classified in the Planning & Development Regulations as "exempted development" thereby do not requiring planning permission. They are specifically addressed under "Class 9" (Part 2) of that Act.
Class 9 sets out the manner, and conditions under which such signs must be displayed.
- Only one sign can be displayed on the structure or land to which it refers,
- The sign must not exceed specified measurements,
- The sign must be removed within seven days after the sale, or letting.
Any sign therefore (directional or other) cannot be displayed at a distance away from the property to which it refers. If you wish to erect such signs, you are required to make an application to the Planning Authority prior to the display of a sign.
Signs, which are not classified as "exempted development" and without relevant planning permission, contravene sections 19 or 20 of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997. If a sign is erected which contravenes section 19 (1), a "spot-fine" notice will be issued to the auctioneering firm.
Please note that the "spot-fine" penalty is now €125. The Council may initiate legal proceedings for non-payment of a spot-fine. The maximum penalty of €3,000 applies on summary conviction for an offence under the Act. Section 19 (4) of the Act allows employees of a local authority to remove illegally displayed signs.