Getting Sign Permits in Nairobi: What You Need to Know
Sign permits are official documents which you as a business owner needs to get from the region’s authority, usually the county government, so that you can set up a sign for your business.
According to the Nairobi City County Outdoor Advertising and Signage Control and regulation Bill,2017, “No person may erect any advertising sign or use or continue to use any advertising sign or any structure or device as an advertising sign without the prior written approval of the county government.”
In this article I shall help you understand more on signage permits, why you need them and how to get them.
What are Signage Permits ?
Before you go and put up that neatly designed signage to advertise your business, you need to visit the county offices and get approval from them. Getting the approval means getting the signage permit which is an official document that will grant you the rights to put up your business signage.
As a business owner in Nairobi you will get your signage permit from the Nairobi county government who will grant you the rights to set up your signage in accordance to their policy.
You’re probably wondering why do you need a permit? Well permits are needed to ensure that each signage abides to the policies put in place for advertising. The policies ensure that the signages put up are well displayed and do not compromise the authentic look of the city.
This means that your signage should comply to the below policies:
- Be environmentally friendly.
- Not become a hazard to a person or property.
- Not obstruct emergency escape paths.
- Comply with the minimum clearance with regard to overhead powerlines.
- Not obstruct previously installed signage.
For more requirements on policies check out page 19 of this Outdoor-Advertising-And-Signage-Control-And-Regulation document.
Types of Signs That Need Permits
Commercial Signage
These are the most common signs in Kenya’s urban areas. These include any graphics displayed to identify a brand, advertise its products and services and/or promote sales, offers and events.
Commercial signs include signs mounted on a building’s rooftop and facades of retail shops, freestanding signs like pylons and monument signs placed near a business, billboards, hoardings and other large signs meant to attract traffic and pedestrians, window graphics and decals, flags, banners and temporary signage as well as illuminated and digital signage.
You need an annual permit for these, which usually lasts for one year before renewal is required.
Directional signs
These are non-commercial signs designed to guide or inform people about the direction or location of places, services, or events. They guide people to places like parking areas, schools, hospitals, churches or mosques, Public transport stations, Residential estates or buildings and government offices.
They can also be used to guide to tourist attractions or temporally events and venues.
Typically placed on public roads, junctions, or entryways. Should not obstruct or be confused with traffic signage.
Requires prior approval from the County and, if along a road, possibly the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) or Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA)
Construction site signs
This kind of sign is often seen on building sites. They give you contacts and details about the construction that is still going on. Once the work is done, the permit is no longer valid.
How to Get a Signage Permit
Where to go
As a business owner operating in Nairobi you should visit the county offices at City hall to submit a request to get your signage permit.
What Documents to bring when applying for a signage permit.
As you apply for the permit while at the relevant offices, you shall be requested to submit the following documents:
- The filled signage permit prescribed form and should include the prescribed fee.
- Your details as the applicant (name, contacts, business registration).
- Location plan showing the exact location of the sign on the property where the signage shall be erected.
- Technical drawings with specifics like the size of sign, design of sign, materials used on the signage and the signage illumination method if any.
- Artistic impression or visuals/renders of the proposed signage superimposed on photos of the building where the proposed signage is to be installed.
- Proof of property ownership if installing sign on your building or the written consent from the property owner where the signage is to be set up.
- For large and elevated signage, a structural integrity report is also required.
- Depending on the size and location of your signage, an environment and safety impact report is required.
- Include all compliance certificates if the signage is subject to other laws like heritage site guidelines.
How much it might cost
For signage permits in Nairobi, you may have to pay from as low as 1,000/- ksh annually for window or wall branding signages to 100,000/- ksh for signages which are multi-directional. This means that charges differ according to the type and size of signage being put on display.
For more details on cost of signage permits check page 56 of this Outdoor-Advertising-And-Signage-Control-And-Regulation document.
How long it takes to get approved
After applying and submitting the required papers, the county executive member shall respond to the applicant within 21 days through writing, by stating the decision which may be approval or rejection of the signage request. The county executive member shall also state in writing reasons for the decision that has been made.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Permit
Fines you might have to pay
If you fail to comply with the rules and regulations stated by the Nairobi City County Outdoor Advertising and Signage Control and regulation Bill,2017, you shall:
- Be held liable to a fine not exceeding 200,000/- ksh or be imprisoned for a period not exceeding 12 months or both.
- If you continue with the offence, you shall be liable to a fine not exceeding 500,000/- for every day during the continuance of such offence after a written noticed has been given to you.
For more details check page 49 of Outdoor-Advertising-And-Signage-Control-And-Regulation document.
Conclusion
Obtaining a signage permit in Nairobi County is more than just following guidelines; it’s about maintaining the beauty of our city and ensuring that signs are safe for everybody.
Do you Need a sign permit?
Obtaining signage permits can be a time consuming process,
this is why you should contact signage professionals to do it for you.
If you need help with signage permits, please contact us
