What is a sign?
In a legal sense, a sign is any inscription, shape, or image attached to a building that relates directly to the business activities carried out there. This definition excludes third-party advertising, such as references to external brand names or products not specific to the premises.
Which rules must I follow?
There are two levels of regulations you must comply with:
- Regional Regulations: Set out by the RRU (Regional Planning Regulations), specifically Section VI: Signs and Adverts.
- Municipal Regulations: Local rules that apply to your specific commune (RCU, RCUZ, or PPAS).
Tip: Always check with your local municipality’s planning team before proceeding..
General requirements
To be approved, your sign must generally:
- Be proportionate to the size of the building.
- Be well-maintained and kept in good repair.
- Be constructed from durable, sustainable materials.
- Harmonise with the architecture of the building it is attached to.
- Be removed immediately if the business activities it refers to cease.
Understanding the different zones
Requirements vary depending on where your business is located. The RRU divides the region into four zones, ranging from the most restrictive to the most flexible:
- Prohibited Zone (most strict)
- Restricted Zone
- General Zone
- Extended Zone (most flexible)
For example, you are permitted to install a larger sign if your business is located in the Extended Zone.
To find your zone, consult the Brugis website. Click on the world map icon (top left) and select Bruxelles Urbanisme et Patrimoine.
Is a planning permission required?
YES, you will need a permit if the sign:
- Is located in a Prohibited Zone under the RRU.
- Is attached to or near a listed or protected building.
- Does not comply with current local plans or planning regulations.
Note: If permission is granted, it is valid for a maximum of nine years. You must ensure you apply for a renewal before it expires.
Preparing your planning application for a sign
The following steps will help you submit a professional, "ready-to-approve" application for your shop sign.
Stage one: research
Visit the planning section of your local municipality's website. Look for information on how to access their helpdesk, how to book an appointment, and how to view previous permissions granted for your address.
Stage two: consult the planning department
Always visit the municipal planning office in person to:
- Review existing permits for the property and request a copy of the most recent elevation plans (the technical drawings of the shop front). Note: You will often need the property owner’s written consent to access these.
- Confirm the specific local planning regulations.
- Inquire about application fees and payment methods.
- Confirm exactly how many copies of each document are required.
Stage three: get an initial opinion
Recommendation: book an appointment with the municipality to show them a "mock-up" (a colour photo montage) of your proposed sign. Getting an informal first opinion can save you a significant amount of time and money.
Stage four: complete the documentation
You can prepare your application via two methods (documents below only available in french)
- Paper Application: Use Annex 1. Print and complete Sections I, II, III, IV, V, X, XI, and XIV only. Here is an example of a completed form to put up a sign.
- MyPermit Urbanisme Platform: This is the online portal. While the order of questions differs from the paper form, the information required is identical. Submitting online usually results in faster processing times.
Required documents:
- Explanatory statement: a separate document written by you describing the project. You must include details on colours, dimensions, materials, fixings, and lighting. Here is an example of a completed explanatory statement for a sign.
- Implementation plans: You must provide four specific plans :
- Existing elevation (the shop front as it is now).
- Proposed elevation (the shop front with the new sign).
- Existing section (a side-view "cut-through").
- Proposed section (the side-view with the sign's depth/fixings).
Please note that the scale of 1:50 must be respected and the shape of the sign, the graphics, the dimensions (length/width/height), the materials, the colours, the fixing systems and, if applicable, the lighting system must be indicated.
See an example of an elevation plan : before and after
See an example of a plan : before and after.
- Four colour photographs:
- The entire façade, including the pavement and sky.
- The ground floor viewed from the street outside.
- A photo montage (mock-up) showing the future sign on the building.
- A photo of your choice showing relevant context.
- Location map: a map at 1:2000 scale (available via Brugis). Mark your address clearly and include the date and your signature. Use the example as a guide
- Proof of ownership: you can obtain this from FPS Finance (Finance Tower, Boulevard du Jardin Botanique 50, 1000 Brussels). You can visit in person (09:00–11:45) or email the relevant department based on your area (see contact list below).
On site: open Monday to Friday from 9am to 11:45am.
By email to the right area:- rzsj.bureau.bruxelles1@minfin.fed.be (Etterbeek, St-Josse-Ten-Noode, 1000 Bxl Pentagone)
- rzsj.bureau.bruxelles2@minfin.fed.be (Anderlecht, Forest, Uccle, St. Gilles, Watermael-Boitsfort)
- rzsj.bureau.bruxelles3@minfin.fed.be (1000 Bxl-13e division (zone du canal), Laeken, Neder-Over-Heembeek, Haren, Evere, Koekelberg, Ganshoren, Berchem, St. Agathe, Jette, Schaerbeek)
- rzsj.bureau.bruxelles5@minfin.fed.be ) (Auderghem, Ixelles, Molenbeek, Woluwe St. Pierre, Woluwe St. Lambert)
For aesthetic advice about your sign and the image of your business, contact Mr. Thibaut Surin, an expert in retail development of hub.brussels : tsurin@hub.brussels.