The following advice is provided in relation to whether or not proposals for murals, for example an artwork painted onto the wall of a building or onto a structure of some sort, require planning approval.
The planning scheme considers murals in two different ways. If a mural has a defined advertising message (for example if it is intended to draw attention to or sell a product or service), the planning scheme treats it as a sign. If the mural has no defined advertising message, then it is considered as an alteration, like the painting or repainting of a building or structure.
You are strongly encouraged to contact the City of Hobart Duty Planner on 03 6238 2711 to confirm whether or not a mural of either type requires planning approval or not.
For murals that are signage
If the mural can't be seen from off the site it doesn't require planning approval (for example in an internal courtyard).
For a mural to be exempt it must:
- be on a public building/structure
- not be in a heritage precinct or on a heritage listed place
- only be in commercial and industrial zones (Urban Mixed Use Zone, Commercial Zone, General business Zone, Local Business Zone, Central Business Zone, Port & Marine Zone, Light Industrial Zone, General Industrial Zone)
- be on the land to which it (the advertising message) relates
- for businesses, be the only mural per frontage, and there must be no more than 3 or 6 signs total per frontage, depending on if the frontage is less or more than 20m long respectively
- not obscure/prevent/delay a driver from seeing a statutory sign, or a tourist info sign
- not imitate/resemble a statutory sign.
If any of the above are not met, the mural will need planning approval.
Please consult with Duty Planner on 03 6238 2711 for confirmation.
For murals that are alterations
If the mural is considered to be repainting for repair and maintenance purposes, for example where existing painting is in state of disrepair, or if there is a demonstrable graffiti problem, then the it could be exempt. But this doesn't apply if painting an existing unpainted surface.
If painting something for the first time, a mural will need planning approval if the property is in a heritage precinct or it is heritage listed.
If painting something for the first time, and the property is not in a heritage precinct or heritage listed, then whether planning approval is required or not will depend on the existing use of the site and the site's zoning. For example a mural on the side of a single dwelling on a property in a residential zone will not need planning approval, but a mural on the side of a shop in a residential zone will require planning approval.
Please consult with Duty Planner on 03 6238 2711 for confirmation.
Important notes
The above advice doesn't apply in Sullivans Cove, where all public art will require planning approval.
In addition to meeting the above, if a property is heritage listed with the Heritage Tasmania Council, any sort of mural cannot be planning exempt unless the Heritage Tasmania Council provides a certificate of exemption for it.
If public art is proposed by (or on behalf of) local government, state government, or a state authority, then it will be exempt from planning approval and will not need a planning permit.
For public art that isn't a mural, like a sculpture, the need for planning approval will be on a case-by-case basis.
You are strongly encouraged to contact the City's Duty Planner on 03 6238 2711 to confirm whether or not a mural of either type, or any other type of public art, requires planning approval or not.