How to go through the approval process for outdoor advertising for the first time?

The billboards are all ready, but the urban management says they can't hang them without approval. What should we do

This is the scene that many beginners in outdoor advertising are most afraid of encountering. Outdoor advertising may seem simple, but without the "talisman" of approval, the advertisement can be withdrawn at the slightest, or face fines at the heaviest, and tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of investment may be in vain in an instant.

This article will start from scratch and provide a complete breakdown of the outdoor advertising approval process, covering who needs approval, what materials to prepare, what steps to take, and how long it will take, so that you can comply with regulations and land your first outdoor advertisement.

1、 Who needs approval? What advertisements must be done?

According to the Regulations on Urban Appearance and Environmental Sanitation Management, the installation of large-scale outdoor advertisements must obtain the consent of the administrative department in charge of urban appearance and environmental sanitation, and go through the approval procedures in accordance with relevant regulations.

The criteria for determining 'large' vary slightly in different regions, usually including:

Billboards with an area exceeding 5 square meters or 10 square meters

Large advertisements placed on the roofs and walls of buildings

Independent column advertisements, LED screens, etc

In addition, the following situations also require approval:

Hanging and posting promotional materials on urban buildings and facilities

Temporary outdoor advertising (such as banners, flags, rainbow doors, promotional vehicles, etc.)

Set up fence advertisements during store decoration

In cases where approval is not required, setting up self promotional advertisements (such as store signs) on one's own premises or facilities usually only requires filing. But different cities have different regulations, it is recommended to consult the local urban management department in advance.

2、 Legal basis and competent department for approval

Core regulations:

Article 41 and Article 42 of the Advertising Law of the People's Republic of China

Article 11 and Article 17 of the Regulations on Urban Appearance and Environmental Sanitation Management

Outdoor advertising facility setting plans and standards formulated by various regions

Supervisory department: The administrative department in charge of urban appearance, environment and sanitation of the local people's government at or above the county level (usually the Urban Management Bureau or the Comprehensive Administrative Law Enforcement Bureau). Some cities have transferred the approval authority to the administrative approval bureau and implemented one-stop processing.

3、 List of application materials: none of them can be omitted

According to the official websites of local governments, applying for outdoor advertising approval usually requires submitting the following materials:

Basic materials:

Application for Setting up Large Outdoor Advertisements (including name, address, specifications, location, facility form, time, etc.)

Applicant's identification documents (copy of ID card or business license)

Proof of ownership of advertising venues and facilities (property certificate or lease agreement+proof of consent from the property owner)

Design and Safety Materials:

4. Rendering: Outdoor billboard daytime rendering and nighttime lighting rendering

5. Location Plan: Schematic Diagram of Specific Advertising Locations

6. Construction Structure Diagram: Advertising Facility Design Documents and Construction Instructions

7. Safety Commitment Letter: Safety Commitment Letter for Construction and Operation of Outdoor Advertising Facilities

Others:

8. For those who entrust others to handle, a power of attorney and proof of identity of the trustee must be provided

9. For special industries (medical, pharmaceutical, etc.), relevant examination certificates must be provided

4、 Detailed explanation of approval process: Five steps to obtain certification

According to the approval procedures published on the official websites of multiple regional governments, outdoor advertising approval usually includes the following steps:

Step 1: Application and Acceptance

Applicants can submit materials at the urban management window of the government service center or through the government service network. If the form review is conducted at the window and the materials are complete and meet the requirements, it will be accepted and a "Notice of Acceptance of Administrative Licensing Application" will be issued; If the materials are incomplete, please inform the correction content in one go.

Step 2: On site investigation

The approval department shall organize staff to conduct on-site inspections to verify whether the advertising placement meets the planning requirements, whether it affects traffic safety, and whether it obstructs fire-fighting facilities. This is a crucial step in the approval process, and it is recommended to prepare on-site in advance.

Step 3: Review and Audit

The approval authority conducts substantive review of the application materials, focusing on whether the content is legal, whether the design meets safety standards, and whether the installation location is in a prohibited area. In some cases, it may be necessary to organize expert reviews or public announcements.

Step 4: Decision and Certification

After the review is approved, the approving authority makes a decision to grant the permit and issues the "Outdoor Advertising Setting Permit". If permission is not granted, provide written reasons.

Step 5: Payment and Delivery

Some areas require payment of a fee for the paid use of outdoor advertising resources before obtaining a permit. The approval result can be collected through the window or delivered by EMS mail.

5、 Approval deadline: How long can I obtain the certificate?

Statutory time limit: According to the Administrative Licensing Law, the statutory approval time limit is 20 working days.

Commitment deadline: In order to optimize the business environment, various regions have generally reduced the approval deadline

Most regions promise to complete within 5 working days

In some areas, it can be shortened to 3 working days

Special note: Hearings, tenders, expert reviews, and other processes conducted in accordance with the law are not included in the above time limit.

6、 Which locations are not allowed to display outdoor advertisements?

According to the Advertising Law and outdoor advertising placement plans in various regions, outdoor advertising is prohibited in the following locations:

Utilizing traffic safety facilities and traffic signs

Impact on the use of municipal public facilities, traffic safety facilities, and fire-fighting facilities

Obstructing production or people's lives, damaging the appearance of the city

In the architectural control zones of state organs, cultural relics protection units, scenic spots, primary and secondary schools, and kindergartens

Within the sight distance triangle range of road intersections

Using dangerous buildings for installation, or setting them up that may endanger the safety of the building

Dependent on roadside trees or set in separate green belts

Areas where outdoor advertising is prohibited by local people's governments at or above the county level

7、 The 4 easiest pitfalls for beginners to step into

Pit 1: Built without approval, billboards were dismantled. Many people think that 'building billboards before approval' is an illegal act, as it not only results in the removal of advertisements but also may face fines.

Pit 2: Insufficient materials and repeated running errands. Lack of property ownership certificate, incomplete rendering, and unsigned safety commitment letter will all result in returns. It is recommended to consult the window in advance and prepare all the materials at once.

Pit three: Neglecting site selection compliance. Selecting "gray" points in prohibited areas or not included in the plan will not receive approval at all. Before signing the contract, it is necessary to confirm whether the location is within the planned range.

Pit 4: Underestimating approval time and missing marketing milestones. I thought I could submit the materials today and hang them up tomorrow, but the approval process took two weeks and the event ended. Be sure to plan the approval cycle 1-2 months in advance.

8、 Conclusion: Let professionals help you with the approval process

The approval process for outdoor advertising may seem complicated, but as long as you master the essentials and follow the steps, it is not difficult. Core points: Clarify whether approval is required, prepare all application materials, ensure site compliance, and reserve approval time.

For beginners, if they find the process cumbersome or worried about falling into pitfalls, finding a professional advertising platform is a more efficient choice.

Tianci Media is a professional outdoor advertising platform that has been deeply involved in outdoor media for decades. It maintains good communication with urban management and property management in various regions and can assist clients in completing pre-approval and compliance reviews to ensure the smooth publication of advertisements. From point selection, material preparation, approval follow-up, and publication execution, we provide one-stop services to make your outdoor advertising placement worry free, compliant, and efficient. Consult now for your exclusive outdoor advertising placement plan!