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ADVERT & SIGNS.
ADVERT & SIGNS.
Outdoor Display Signage Regulations in Singapore
If you’re planning to put up an outdoor sign or advertisement, there are a few rules you should know about. In Singapore, outdoor signage is regulated by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
Depending on your sign’s type, size, and location, you may need to apply for a permit or license before you can install it. For larger or more complex signs, you might also need approval from a Professional Engineer (PE) or other relevant authorities.
To help you better understand the process, we’ve included a summary of the official BCA Signage Licensing Guidelines for your easy reference.
Types of Outdoor Display Signage
According to BCA, there are seven main types of outdoor display signs in Singapore:
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Advertisement
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Signboard
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Directional sign
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Animated billboard
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Balloon sign
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Skysign
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Banner
Each category comes with its own set of rules and approval requirements — from permit applications and size limits to restrictions on where certain signs can be placed.
It’s always best to double-check before proceeding to make sure your signage fully complies with regulations. This helps you avoid unnecessary penalties or removal notices later on.
Need Help with Licensing?
Don’t worry — we can help!
Our team is familiar with the local Singapore requirements and can assist with the entire submission and approval process to ensure your signage meets all official guidelines.
Check out some of the outdoor signs we’ve created for our clients in our Portfolio, or contact us today to discuss your project.
Why Outdoor Signage Matters
Outdoor signage grounds brand presence in cluttered marketplaces, engaging consumers where they live and shop. It creates street presence, hitting foot and auto traffic 24/7. It doubles as a super efficient ad channel compared to continuous digital spend, with hard-wearing materials that last for years and continue to return without recurring charges.
1. Brand Identity
Unique symbols, colors, and fonts on signs assist individuals in identifying a business quickly and remembering it. Bold contrast, clean spacing, and vector logo files ensure details stay sharp from 5 to 50 meters. A great sign says something about the quality of the product and the level of service before you even walk in.
Signage needs to follow brand guidelines for voice, design, and visuals. Employ consistent ratios, approved colors (CMYK and Pantone codes), and readable fonts across sites to prevent sending mixed signals. Custom sign board printing allows a company to express personality, substance, and ethics.
Imagine recycled aluminum panels for green manufacturers or cozy wood for hospitality. Long-term recognition depends on repeating visual cues everywhere: fascia signs, pylons, window decals, and parking markers. Outdoor signage is on the route of daily life, subliminally strengthening the brand month after month, year after year.
2. Customer Attraction
Illuminated channel letters, lightbox signage, and crisp banners break through visual clutter at dusk or in the rain. Professional build and quality materials make a great first impression and point to solid goods or services.
Put signs along desire lines, crowded sidewalks, transit stops and sightlines off major roads to increase exposure. Some retailers experience a 20 percent increase in walk-in traffic with street-visible signage.
Promotional messages work best when they are short, timely, and specific. For example, “Lunch set $15.90, 11:00–14:00” or “New phones in stock.” Switch up creative by season or event to prevent wear out.
3. Directional Aid
Signage that’s easy to understand minimizes frustration and prevents you from wasting time. Arrows, icons, and simple labels direct visitors from curb to door. Place signs at decision points: street corners, car park entries, elevators, and lobbies.
Identify entrances, exits, delivery bays, and pick-up areas to optimize flow. Adhere to size and placement guidelines so text is readable from the intended distance. Enhanced wayfinding improves the experience and reduces staff disruptions.
4. Promotional Tool
Utilize them as outdoor signage, like banners, A-frames, or window posters to advertise launches, events, or pop-ups. Switch up with seasonal displays to keep things new. Targeted placements near campuses, business parks or venues reach groups of defined people with no waste.
Wall graphics and bold posters accentuate special offers and provoke rapid response. Outdoor signage is a durable part of the marketing mix because it works 24/7 without recurring media expenses.
5. Credibility Boost
Good signage, high-quality, well-lit and well-maintained, communicates legitimacy and helps people sense that they’re in the right place. Compliance marks, permits, and address numbers build trust at a glance. Include awards, certifications, or trusted seals where applicable, but maintain clean layouts.
Regular cleaning, quick bulb replacement, and updated hours keep the brand reliable. With little maintenance, signs operate 365 days a year and frequently outlive online campaigns on return on investment and effectiveness.
We, at Advert & Signs, know that a outdoor signage is not just a sign; it is about having an energy-saving, long-lasting, and incredibly bright sign. Whether you opt for acrylic, fabric or custom lightbox sign varieties, there are endless ways to make your brand pop with a professional finish that’s modern and chic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does outdoor signage still matter in a digital-first world?
It attracts attention at the point of decision. They direct pedestrian flow, create brand awareness, and encourage spur-of-the-moment visits. Unlike ads, signage works all day, every day, and there’s no ongoing expense for it. Done right, it increases awareness, confidence, and conversions.
What are the key elements of an effective signboard design?
Apply obvious hierarchy, strong contrast, and readable fonts. Keep copy to a minimum. Have a good call to action. Make sure your logo and brand colors match. Test legibility from a distance. Design for changing illumination and climate.
How do I choose the best location for my outdoor sign?
Position it where your eyes normally fall. Think about sightlines, traffic speed, and obstacles. Try to put it at eye level when you can. Make sure you’re following local regulations. Try to see signs by day and by night. Pick high-traffic paths.
Which materials are best for long-lasting outdoor signs?
Go with durable substrates such as aluminum, steel, or ACM. Utilize UV-resistant inks and laminates. Apply weatherproof finishes. For extreme climates, think powder coating and anticorrosion. Good hardware doesn’t let you down.
How can I measure the ROI of my outdoor signage?
Monitor foot traffic lifts, promo code redemptions, and local search surges. Look at sales pre and post installation. Use unique URLs or QR codes. Ask customers how they found you. Track cost per impression over time.
What maintenance extends the life of outdoor signage?
Clean often with non-abrasive cleaners. Check mounts and seals. Recoat protective coatings as required. Swap out sun-bleached graphics as soon as you can. Inspect lights and wires for lighted signs. Mark seasonal checks after harsh weather.
What trends define the future of outdoor signage?
Think energy-efficient LEDs, dynamic content, and smart sensors. Modular designs waste less. Sustainable materials gain momentum. Mobile integration via QR and NFC increases. Data-driven location and copy.