Pre-sign: installation rules
Verified 01 July 2026 - Entreprendre Service Public / (Prime Minister), Ministry for urban planning
A pre-sign corresponds to any inscription, shape or image indicating proximity to an establishment where an activity is carried out. Pre-signs shall be subject to the provisions governing advertising. However, the pre-signs derogations and pre-signs temporary benefit from a special scheme.
General scenario
What is it?
One pre-sign is an inscription, shape or image enabling report the proximity of a company and to specify its purpose (restaurant, tobacco, hotel, clothing, optics, etc.).
The pre-sign may be bright or non-bright. It can be installed on the ground or affixed to a wall, a tarpaulin or even an advertising vehicle.
As a rule, the pre-sign takes the form of an advertising panel installed at the entrance of cities or before major crossroads. For example, it can indicate the proximity of a shopping center, a gas station or a campsite.
FYI
Any pre-sign must mention address, name of the natural person or the corporate name of the legal person who affixed it or caused it to be affixed.
Failure to do so shall be punishable by administrative fine from €1500 and a criminal fine from €7,500 (natural persons) and €37,500 (legal persons). In addition, the mayor may decide to have the advertising removed immediately.
The criminal liability of legal persons and that of their directors may be cumulated for the same acts. For example, a company as a natural person may be subject to personal criminal liability, even if he or she has already been convicted of the same acts.
A legal person may only be fined. The amount of the fine shall be multiplied by 5 compared to that provided for natural persons.
One individual business (EI) since it does not have a legal personality, only the manager is liable to criminal sanctions.
What's the difference with a sign and an advertisement?
The pre-sign should not be confused with the following devices:
- One sign is an inscription, form or image affixed to an immovable relating to an activity carried on there. In other words, the sign is a visible exterior sign indicating the presence of an establishment (e.g. company name, logo or both, etc.). Unlike the sign, the pre-sign is not affixed to the building where the activity is carried out. It is positioned before the sign.
- One advertising is an inscription, form or image intended to inform the public or to attract its attention. The distinction between pre-sign and advertising lies in a symbol (e.g. an arrow) or a distance which indicates the geographical location of a company. The pre-sign must contain this symbol or this distance so as not to be assimilated to advertising.
Definition of advertising (1°) and pre-sign (3°)
Mandatory notices on advertisements
Administrative penalty in the absence of mandatory information on advertisements
Deletion of advertising in the absence of mandatory particulars
Criminal penalty in the absence of mandatory information on advertisements
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1)
A pre-sign cannot be installed anywhere. The regulations vary depending on whether the installation of the pre-sign is envisaged in conurbation or outside of this one.
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In agglomeration
Within agglomerations, advertising is allowed.
By exception, the installation of a pre-sign is forbidden at the following locations:
- On the trees
- In national parks and nature reserves
- On buildings classified or registered under historical monuments
- On natural monuments and in the classified or registered sites
- On plantations, transport and electrical distribution poles, telecommunication poles, public lighting installations
- Public equipment concerning road, rail, inland waterway, maritime or air traffic
- On the fences that are not blind
- On cemetery and public garden walls
- On the walls of buildings, except where these walls are blind or have at least one opening with a unit area of less than 0,50 m².
The local advertising regulations may also prohibit install of a pre-sign in the following locations:
- In the vicinity of historical monuments
- Within the scope of remarkable heritage sites
- In the regional natural parks
- In the registered sites
- Within 100 meters and in the field of visibility of buildings with an aesthetic, historical or picturesque character
- In thearea of adhesion national parks
- In the special areas of conservation and special protection areas.
In addition, the luminous pre-sign is forbidden :
- In agglomerations of less than 10,000 inhabitants not part of a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants
Finally, when it is non-luminous and sealed on the ground or installed directly on the ground, the pre-sign is also forbidden in the following places:
- In agglomerations of less than 10,000 inhabitants that are not part of a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants
- In wooded areas (woods, forests, parks) classified by a local urban planning plan located in agglomeration.
- In areas to be protected because of the quality of sites, natural environments, landscapes and their aesthetic or ecological interest located in agglomeration.
Outside built-up areas
Outside the agglomerations, the installation of a pre-sign is, in principle, forbidden.
By exception, it is allowed inside the following places:
- Airports
- Stations rail and road
- Sports facilities having a seating capacity of at least 15 000
- In the immediate vicinity of shopping mall establishments exclusive of any dwelling, if local advertising regulations (RLP) authorizes him to do so.
Please note
It is also possible to implant derogating pre-signs outside the agglomerations.
Prohibition of advertising in certain places
Prohibition of advertising outside built-up areas and derogations
Authorization of advertising in built-up areas
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1) and derogations from the establishment of pre-signs outside built-up areas (paragraphs 3 to 6)
Prohibition of advertising in certain places
Prohibition of non-luminous advertising and sealed on the ground or installed directly on the ground in certain protected places
Prohibition of non-luminous advertising and sealed on the ground or installed directly on the ground (al1)
Prohibition of light advertising in agglomerations of less than 10 000 inhabitants and not forming part of an urban unit of more than 100 000 inhabitants
The installation of a pre-sign must abide by rules in terms of location, dimensions and density.
Location and dimensions
Permitted location and dimensions vary depending on type of pre-sign and the number of inhabitants ofconurbation in which the pre-sign is installed.
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Wall-mounted non-luminous sign
The wall-mounted presign includes all the pre-signs installed on a support built prior to this installation and intended for a use other than supporting a pre-sign: wall of any building, fence wall, fence or palisade of any type, arch, column. It differs from the pre-sign sealed on the ground or installed directly on the ground.
The pre-sign non-luminous must be installed respecting all following implant rules :
- The pre-sign cannot be affixed to a roof, roof terrace and cannot exceed the limits of the wall supporting it and the limits of the roof sewer.
- The pre-sign must not constitute, with respect to the wall which supports it, a protrusion greater than 0.25 m.
- The pre-sign may not be affixed to a wall unless the old pre-signs existing in the same place have been removed, unless they are painted pre-signs of artistic, historical or picturesque interest.
Depending on the number of inhabitants in a built-up area, wall-mounted non-luminous pre-signs must comply with a specific size.
Place of installation | Maximum Area | Maximum height | Minimum height |
|---|---|---|---|
Agglomeration of less than 10,000 inhabitants not belonging to a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants | 4.70 m2 | 6 m above ground level | 0.50 m above ground level |
Agglomeration of less than 10,000 inhabitants located in a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants | 10.5 m2 | 7.5 m above ground level | |
Agglomeration of more than 10,000 inhabitants | |||
Outside urban areas (airport, railway station and bus station) | |||
Sporting equipment with a capacity of at least 15,000 seats | Limited to 20% of the total surface area of the wall | 10 m with the possibility of derogation | |
Curb of highways with heavy traffic passing through agglomerations of less than 10 000 inhabitants not belonging to an urban unit of more than 100 000 inhabitants | 4.70 m2 see 8 m2 | 6 m above ground level |
Please note
The maximum surfaces of 4.70 m2 and 10.5 m2 apply only to pre-signs set up from 2 november 2023. Pre-signs installed before this date must be brought into compliance to comply with these new dimensions before November 2, 2027.
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1)
Dimensions of wall-mounted non-luminous advertising
Rules for the implementation of wall-mounted non-luminous advertising
Rules for the implementation of wall-mounted non-luminous advertising
Rules for the implementation of wall-mounted non-luminous advertising
Advertising surface on vehicles
Non-luminous sign placed or sealed on the ground
The pre-sign sealed on the ground or installed directly on the ground differs from the wall sign in that it does not rely on any pre-existing support. It usually rests on one or more feet specially designed for this purpose and anchored in the ground using poles. It can be installed directly on the ground, as is the case with easels.
Depending on the number of inhabitants in a built-up area, pre-signs sealed on the ground or installed directly on the ground must comply with a specific size.
Place of installation | Maximum Area | Maximum height |
|---|---|---|
Agglomeration of less than 10,000 inhabitants not belonging to a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants | Forbidden | Forbidden |
Agglomeration of more than 10 000 inhabitants or agglomeration of less than 10 000 inhabitants belonging to an urban unit of more than 100 000 inhabitants | 10.5 m2 | 6 m above ground level |
Right-of-way airports and railway and bus stations outside urban areas | ||
Right-of-way airports with an annual flow of more than 3 million people | 50 m2 | 10 m above ground level |
Right-of-way sports facilities with a capacity of at least 15 000 places and located in or outside a built-up area |
Please note
The maximum surface of 10.5 m2 applies only to pre-signs set up from 2 november 2023. Pre-signs installed before this date must be brought into conformity to respect this new dimension before the November 2, 2027.
Non-luminous pre-signs on the ground are forbidden in some places:
- in wooded areas classified as MORE
- in areas to be protected because of the quality of the sites, natural environments, landscapes and their interest, particularly from an aesthetic or ecological point of view, and appearing on a local urban planning plan
- in the agglomerations of less than 10 000 inhabitants not belonging to a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants
- in other built-up areas, if the signs on the devices are visible from a motorway or a connecting ramp to a motorway and from an express road, diversion or public road outside built-up areas
- on theright-of-way airports and railway stations and sports equipment where the signs on the devices:
- are visible only from a motorway or a connecting ramp to a motorway and from an express road
- are visible only from a bypass or public road outside built-up areas and outside the right-of-way of the airports, railway and bus stations and the sports facilities concerned.
One pre-sign sealed on the ground or installed directly on the ground must be installed in accordance with following implant rules :
- less than 10 meters from a bay of a residential building located on a neighboring fund when it is in front of the plane of the wall containing this array
- and at a distance of less than half its height from a property boundary
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1)
Implantations prohibited to advertising sealed on the ground or installed directly on the ground
Implantations prohibited to advertising sealed on the ground or installed directly on the ground
Advertising dimensions sealed on the floor or installed directly on the floor
Rules for the installation of advertising sealed on the ground or installed directly on the ground
Advertising surface on vehicles
Luminous sign
The luminous pre-sign is a pre-sign illuminated by a light source specially provided for this purpose. The light source may be based on neon, LEDs, light-emitting diodes, etc.
The luminous pre-sign is divided into 3 categories:
- the pre-sign supporting posters illuminated by projection or transparency. These devices must comply with the rules of the non-luminous pre-sign.
- the luminous placard other than that supporting posters illuminated by projection or transparency.
- the digital pre-sign broadcast on screens that can display still images, moving images and videos. This is a sub-category of the previous one, specific rules apply to this case.
Luminous placard other than that supporting posters illuminated by projection or transparency
Depending on the number of inhabitants in a built-up area, the luminous pre-signs must respect a specific size.
Nature of the devices | Place of installation | Maximum Area | Maximum height |
|---|---|---|---|
Wall and floor-sealed devices | Agglomeration of less than 10 000 inhabitants not belonging to a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants | Forbidden | Forbidden |
Agglomeration of less than 10,000 inhabitants located in a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants | 8 m2 | 6 m above ground level | |
Agglomeration of more than 10,000 inhabitants | |||
Outside urban areas (airport, railway station and bus station) | |||
Wall devices in theright-of-way | Sports equipment with a seating capacity of at least 15 000 in built-up areas or 15 000 outside built-up areas | 50 m2 | 10 m above ground level with possibility of derogation |
Ground-sealed devices in theright-of-way | Sports equipment with a seating capacity of at least 15 000 in built-up areas or 15 000 outside built-up areas | 50 m2 | 10 m above ground level |
The luminous pre-sign is forbidden in agglomerations of less than 10,000 inhabitants not part of a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants.
Furthermore, the luminous pre-sign must comply with the following rules :
- The pre-sign must not exceed the limits of the wall that supports it.
- The pre-sign right be parallel to the wall that supports it.
- The pre-sign must not be affixed to a fence, unless it is installed on the right-of-way of sports equipment with a capacity of at least 15,000 seats.
- The pre-sign must not be affixed to a balcony or balcony railing.
- The pre-sign must not cover all or part of a bay, unless it is installed on the right-of-way of sports equipment with a capacity of at least 15,000 seats.
- The pre-sign right comply with technical standards set by ministerial decree, in particular concerning the average luminance thresholds not to be exceeded. This order is currently being prepared.
In addition, a pre-sign located on a roof or roof terrace must be carried out using cut letters or signs concealing their attachment to the support. The height of these panels is at most 0.50 m. In this case, the pre-sign must not exceed the following height:
- 1/6 the height of the facade of the building and maximum 2 m when this height is less than or equal to 20 m
- 1/10 the height of the facade of the building and maximum 6 m when this height is greater than 20 m.
The luminous pre-signs sealed to the ground are forbidden in the following places:
- in wooded areas classified as MORE
- in areas to be protected on account of the quality of the sites, natural environments, landscapes and their interest, particularly from an aesthetic or ecological point of view, and appearing on a local urban planning plan
- agglomerations of less than 10 000 inhabitants not belonging to a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants
- in other built-up areas, if the signs on the devices are visible from a motorway or a connecting ramp to a motorway and from an express road, diversion or public road outside built-up areas
- on theright-of-way airports and railway stations and sports equipment where the signs on the devices:
- are visible only from a motorway or a connecting ramp to a motorway and from an express road;
- are visible only from a bypass or public road outside built-up areas and outside the right-of-way of the airports, railway and bus stations and the sports facilities concerned.
The luminous pre-signs sealed to the ground must be installed in accordance with following implant rules :
- be placed at more than 10 meters from a bay of a residential building located on a neighboring fund when it is in front of the plane of the wall containing this array
- at a distance of less than half its height from a property boundary.
Please note
The luminous pre-sign must comply with rules for nighttime extinction.
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1)
Dimensions of light advertising
Rules for the implementation of outdoor advertising
Rules for the implementation of light advertising
Dimensions of light advertising located on a roof or roof terrace
Rules for the installation of light advertising located on a roof or roof terrace
Rules for the installation of luminous advertising devices sealed to the ground
Prohibition of digital advertising on vehicles
Digital Pre-sign
The pre-sign is said digital when it is broadcast on screens can present still images, moving images, or videos.
Depending on the number of inhabitants in a built-up area, digital pre-signs must respect a specific size.
Place of installation | Maximum Area | Maximum height |
|---|---|---|
Agglomeration of less than 10 000 inhabitants not belonging to a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants | Forbidden | Forbidden |
Agglomeration more than 10 000 inhabitants or in an agglomeration of less than 10 000 inhabitants belonging to an urban unit of more than 100 000 inhabitants | 8 m2 | 6 m above ground level |
Right-of-way airports with an annual passenger flow of less than or equal to 3 million people and railway and bus stations outside urban areas | ||
Right-of-way airports with an annual flow of more than 3 million people | 50 m2 | 10 m above ground level with possibility of derogation for wall devices |
Right-of-way sports facilities with a capacity of at least 15 000 places and located in or outside a built-up area |
Digital advertising is forbidden when it is affixed to a land vehicle. It is also prohibited when it is affixed to street furniture (bus shelters, newsstands, poster columns...) in an urban area of less than 10,000 inhabitants and in regional nature parks in thearea of accession national parks and in the special areas of conservation and special protection areas.
In addition, the digital pre-sign must comply with the following rules :
- The pre-sign must not exceed the limits of the wall that supports it.
- The pre-sign right be parallel to the wall that supports it.
- The pre-sign must not be affixed to a fence, unless it is installed on the right-of-way of sports equipment with a capacity of at least 15,000 seats.
- The pre-sign must not be affixed to a balcony or balcony railing.
- The pre-sign must not cover all or part of a bay, unless it is installed on the right-of-way of sports equipment with a capacity of at least 15,000 seats.
- The pre-sign right comply with technical standards set by ministerial decree, in particular concerning the average luminance thresholds not to be exceeded. This order is currently being prepared.
In addition, a digital pre-sign located on a roof or roof terrace must be carried out using cut letters or signs concealing their attachment to the support. The height of these panels is at most 0.50 m. In this case, the pre-sign must not exceed the following height:
- 1/6 the height of the facade of the building and maximum 2 m when this height is less than or equal to 20 m
- 1/10 the height of the facade of the building and maximum 6 m when this height is greater than 20 m.
The digital pre-signs sealed on the ground are forbidden the following locations:
- in wooded areas classified as MORE
- in areas to be protected on account of the quality of the sites, natural environments, landscapes and their interest, particularly from an aesthetic or ecological point of view, and appearing on a local urban planning plan
- agglomerations of less than 10 000 inhabitants not belonging to a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants
- in other built-up areas, if the signs on the devices are visible from a motorway or a connecting ramp to a motorway and from an express road, diversion or public road outside built-up areas
- on theright-of-way airports and railway stations and sports equipment where the signs on the devices:
- are visible only from a motorway or a connecting ramp to a motorway and from an express road;
- are visible only from a bypass or public road outside built-up areas and outside the right-of-way of the airports, railway and bus stations and the sports facilities concerned.
The digital pre-signs sealed on the ground must be installed in accordance with following implant rules :
- be placed at more than 10 meters from a bay of a residential building located on a neighboring fund when it is in front of the plane of the wall containing this array
- at a distance of less than half its height from a property boundary.
Please note
The digital pre-sign must respect rules for nighttime extinction.
To avoid glare, digital pre-signs must be equipped with a dimming system that allows to adapt the lighting to the ambient brightness.
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1)
Calculate the surface of the advertisements
Dimensions of light advertising
Rules for the implementation of light advertising
Dimensions of light advertising located on a roof or roof terrace
Rules for the installation of light advertising located on a roof or roof terrace
Rules for the installation of luminous advertising devices sealed to the ground
Dimensions and conditions for the implementation of digital advertising
Prohibition of digital advertising on street furniture (paragraph 2)
Prohibition of digital advertising on vehicles
Urban furniture
The street furniture is an installation located on a public domain outbuilding for the convenience of users (garbage cans, public benches, public transport service shelters, street names, etc.)
There are 5 categories of street furniture:
- Shelters intended for the public (example: bus shelters)
- Newsstands and other kiosks for commercial use
- Poster columns (only announcements of shows or cultural events)
- Poster Mast
- Furniture intended to receive non-advertising information of a general or local nature, or artistic works.
It is forbidden to affix a digital pre-sign on street furniture in an agglomeration of less than 10,000 inhabitants and in regional nature parks, in thearea of accession national parks and in the special areas of conservation and special protection areas.
Depending on the number of inhabitants in a built-up area and the nature of the device, the maximum permissible area differs.
Nature of street furniture | Agglomeration of less than 10 000 inhabitants not belonging to a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants | Agglomeration more than 10 000 inhabitants or less than 10 000 inhabitants forming part of a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants | Right-of-way airports with an annual passenger flow of more than 3 million |
|---|---|---|---|
Shelters for the public | 2 sqm unitary and 2 sqm + 2 sqm per whole section of 4.5 sqm of sheltered area on the ground | ||
Kiosks | 2 m² unitary 6 m² total | ||
Poster Column | No maximum surface to respect | ||
Poster Masts | 2 m² front, 2 m² back | ||
Furniture intended to receive non-advertising information | Prohibited if the unit area of the pre-sign is greater than 2 m² and if the street furniture rises more than 3 m above the ground. In other cases, the total area of the pre-signs must not exceed that of the non-advertising information. | 10.5 m² | 50 m² |
Nature of street furniture | Agglomeration of less than 10 000 inhabitants not belonging to a urban unit more than 100,000 inhabitants | Agglomeration more than 10,000 inhabitants | Right-of-way airports with an annual passenger flow of more than 3 million and right-of-way sports facilities with at least 15,000 seats |
|---|---|---|---|
Shelters for the public | Forbidden | 2 sqm unit 2 sqm + 2 sqm per whole section of 4.5 sqm of sheltered area on the ground | Not concerned |
Kiosks | 2 m² unitary 6 m² total | Not concerned | |
Poster Column | 8 m² | Not concerned | |
Poster Masts | 2 m² front, 2 m² back | Not concerned | |
Furniture intended to receive non-advertising information | 8 m² | 50 m² |
The digital pre-sign on street furniture shall not exceed 6 meters above ground level.
Please note
The unit area calculation pre-signs affixed to street furniture take into account only the poster surface or thescreen.
Conditions for the use of street furniture as an advertising medium
Advertising density
The pre-sign is subject to a density based on the length ofland unit bordering the lane open to public traffic. Thus, as soon as the maximum number of pre-signs is reached, no other pre-sign can be installed on the land unit.
The regulations vary depending on the length of land unit (less than or greater than 80 meters).
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Land unit less than or equal to 80 m
The land unit may comprise onlyonly one pre-sign.
By exception, it is possible to install:
- Either 2 pre-signs aligned horizontally or vertically on a support wall
- Either 2 pre-signs sealed on the ground if the land unit is longer than 40 meters.
Land unit greater than 80 m
The land unit may comprise a additional pre-sign per 80 meters beyond the first slice.
FYI
The density rule does not apply signs on palisades, roofs, tarpaulins or street furniture (bus shelters, newsstands, etc.).
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1)
Rules on advertising density
Installation, replacement or modification of certain pre-signs exceeding 1 m in height or 1,50 m in width may be subject to a procedure of prior declaration to the mayor.
Pre-signs requiring prior notification
The prior declaration relates to the installation, replacement or modification of next pre-signs :
- Pre-signs on walls, fences or buildings
- Sealed pre-signs on the ground or installed directly on the floor
- Small-format pre-signs integrated with commercial storefronts (micro-display)
- Pre-signs on theright-of-way of an airport.
Pre-signs shall be subject to declaration only where their dimensions exceed 1 m high or 1.50 m wide.
Warning
The installation of a luminous pre-sign (excluding pre-sign illuminated by projection or transparency) must be the subject of a prior authorizationand not a prior declaration.
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1)
Prior declaration pre-ensign
Documents to be provided for the declaration
The declaration shall be made by means of Cerfa form n° 14799, by the company planning to install the pre-sign for its operation.
Prior declaration of a device or material carrying advertising or a front sign
The information to be provided varies according to whether the pre-sign is installed on a private property or on the public domain.
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Private property
The declaration shall include the following items :
- Identity and address of the registrant
- Location and land area
- Nature of the device or material (pre-sign)
- Indication of the distance of the proposed installation from the boundary lines and bays of buildings located on the neighboring land
- Indication of the number and nature of devices already installed in the field (advertisements, signs, pre-signs)
- Field situation plan, a rated ground plan and the graphic representation of the rated device or material in three dimensions
Public Domain
The declaration shall include the following items :
- Identity and address of the registrant
- Location of the pre-sign
- Nature of the device or material and its graphic representation rated in 3 dimensions
- Indication of the distance of the planned installation from the bays of the buildings located on the neighboring bottoms.
Please note
The declaration of the installation of a pre-sign on the right of way of a airport shall be accompanied by the agreement of the airport manager and the documents establishing that it complies with the applicable safety rules.
Sending the declaration
is established in 2 copies and addressed at the town hall the place where the pre-sign is to be affixed.
The declaration may be made by one of the following ways :
- By electronic means with request for electronic acknowledgement of receipt, when the mayor is able to ensure secure and confidential transmission
- By registered mail with a request for a postal receipt
- Filed in town hall against landfill
Upon receipt of the declaration by the mayor, the declarant may proceed, under his responsibility, to the realization of the declared project.
Warning
Affixing or having a pre-sign affixed without prior declaration shall be punished by €1,500 of fine.
In some municipalities, the installation of a pre-sign can give rise to the payment of the tax on outdoor advertising (TPE). The rates are published by municipal decree and are generally available on the website of the town hall.
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1)
Administrative penalty in the absence of prior declaration
Procedure for prior declaration
Airport Right-of-Way Prior declarations
New procedure by electronic means - Prior declaration
The installation of a pre-sign may require obtaining a prior authorization issued by the mayor.
Please note
A pre-sign subject to the prior declaration procedure does not require prior authorization. The 2 procedures are separate and do not stack.
Pre-sign requiring prior authorization
Prior authorization shall be granted for the installation of the following devices:
- Pre-signs luminous (other than projection or transparency-illuminated posters)
- Pre-signs bright on street furniture (other than projection or transparency-illuminated posters)
- Pre-signs of exceptional dimensions related to temporary demonstrations
- Pre-signs implanted on sports facilities more than 15 000 seats (only in case of derogating dimensions).
Documents to be provided for the application for authorization
The application for authorization shall be made by means of cerfa form no. 16309, by the company planning to install the pre-sign for its operation.
The information to be provided varies according to whether the pre-sign is installed on a private property or on the public domain.
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Private property
The application for authorization shall include following items :
- Identity and address of the registrant
- Location and land area
- Nature of the device or material (advertising, sign, pre-sign)
- Indication of the distance of the proposed installation from the boundary lines and bays of buildings located on the neighboring land
- Indication of the number and nature of devices already installed in the field
- Field situation plan, a rated ground plan and the graphic representation of the device or equipment rated in 3 dimensions
Public Domain
The application for authorization shall include following items :
- Identity and address of the registrant
- Location of the pre-sign
- Nature of the device or material and its graphic representation rated in 3 dimensions
- Indication of the distance of the planned installation from the bays of the buildings located on the neighboring funds.
For certain types of pre-signs, it may be necessary to bring additional documents :
- For a luminous pre-sign : the life cycle analysis of the device, its visibility from the nearest public road and the indication of the average and maximum luminance values shall also be provided.
- For a construction site tarp : the location, nature and length of the works, the location of the scaffolding, the surface area of the tarpaulin and its length of installation, the sketches or photos of the tarpaulin and the intended location, and the names and addresses of the persons (or companies) wishing to affix or have the tarpaulin affixed shall also be provided.
- For a billboard : the surface area of the tarpaulin and its length of installation, the sketches or photos of the tarpaulin and its intended location and the names and addresses of persons (or companies) wishing to apply or have a tarpaulin applied must also be provided.
- For a pre-sign of exceptional size : the type of event advertised, the location of the sign, its surface and installation period, the sketches or photos of the sign and the intended location, as well as the name and address of the persons (or companies) wishing to affix or have affixed the device must also be provided.
Sending the authorization request
The application for authorization shall be drawn up in 3 copies and presented by the advertising company which operates the device for the advertisements and pre-signs.
The request must be addressed at the town hall the place where the advertisement is to be affixed, one of the following ways :
- By electronic means with request for electronic acknowledgement of receipt, when the mayor is able to ensure secure and confidential transmission
- By registered mail with a request for a postal receipt
- Filed in town hall against landfill
Where the advertising policy has been transferred to the President of theEPCI: titleContent, the mayor shall receive the request and shall forward it to him within one week of its submission, for instruction.
When she received a file of full application, the town hall has a 2 months delay to grant or refuse the installation of advertising. It shall send its reply by registered mail. If no response has been received after this time, the installation is considered to be granted.
In case of incomplete file, the mayor shall have delay of 1 month from the receipt of the application to inform the declarant of:
- The missing information and parts to be produced in 3 copies and to be sent to the town hall, in a 2 months delay following the notification of this mail.
- Failing production of parts in a 2 months delay following notification of this letter, the request is tacitly rejected.
- The mayor has a period of 2 months to decide on the request from the receipt of the missing documents.
Generally, authorization is issued for a maximum duration of 8 years.
Placing or causing to be placed an advertisement without prior authorization shall be punished by €7,500of fine (natural person) and €37,500 of fine (legal person).
The criminal liability of legal persons and that of their directors may be cumulated for the same acts. For example, a company as a natural person may be subject to personal criminal liability, even if he or she has already been convicted of the same acts.
A legal person may only be fined. The amount of the fine shall be multiplied by 5 compared to that provided for natural persons.
One individual business (EI) since it does not have a legal personality, only the manager is liable to criminal sanctions.
In some municipalities, the installation of a pre-sign can give rise to the payment of the local tax on outdoor advertising (TLPE). The rates are published by municipal decree and are generally available on the website of the town hall.
Prior authorization luminous advertising (paragraph 3)
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1)
Penalty in the absence of authorization (I,2°)
Procedure for prior authorization
Additional documents for the authorization of luminous advertising and duration of the authorization
Additional parts for the site tarpaulin authorization (I)
Additional documents for the authorization of advertising tarpaulin and duration of the authorization
Additional documents for the authorization of an exceptional advertising device (I)
Additional documents for the authorization of derogating advertising devices on the right of way of sports equipment and duration of the authorization
New procedure by electronic means - Prior authorization
Before affixing a pre-sign on a building, it is mandatory to obtain the written permission of the owner from the building.
Affixing or having a pre-sign affixed without the owner's permission shall be punished by €450 of fine (natural person) and €2,250 of fine (legal person).
The criminal liability of legal persons and that of their directors may be cumulated for the same acts. For example, a company as a natural person may be subject to personal criminal liability, even if he or she has already been convicted of the same acts.
A legal person may only be fined. The amount of the fine shall be multiplied by 5 compared to that provided for natural persons.
One individual business (EI) since it does not have a legal personality, only the manager is liable to criminal sanctions.
Written authorization from the owner
Penalty in case of absence of written authorization from the owner (1°)
How to write a rental contract for a pre-sign location?
Once the pre-sign is installed, its owner can rent it to others by means of location lease agreement.
A rental contract is concluded for a maximum period of 6 years. This contract is renewable by tacit renewal in periods of one year, i.e. it is renewed automatically if neither party wishes to terminate it.
Example :
A pre-sign installed near a train station can be rented to a restaurant wishing to indicate the proximity of its business to travelers.
The contract must be concluded in writing and include the next mention :
« A private rental contract for the purpose of advertising or install of a pre-sign shall be in writing. It shall be concluded for a period not exceeding six years from its signature. It may be tacitly renewed for periods of up to one year, unless either party denounces it at least three months before its expiry.
The lessee must maintain the rented space in good maintenance condition at all times. If this obligation is not fulfilled, and after formal notice, the lessor may obtain, after a period of one month, from the judge hearing the application for interim measures, at his choice, either the execution of the necessary works, or the termination of the contract and the restoration of the premises in good condition at the expense of the lessee.
In the absence of payment of the rent, the contract is automatically terminated for the benefit of the lessor after formal notice to pay remained ineffective for one month.
The lessee must return the leased site to its previous condition within three months of the expiry of the contract. »
Particulars to be included in contracts for the rental of advertising or pre-sign space
Competent court in case of dispute related to a rental contract for advertising or pre-sign space
What are the obligations related to the rental contract for a pre-sign location?
The lessee, i.e. the tenant, must respect the following 2 obligations :
- Maintain the rented site in good maintenance condition : in the absence of performance of this obligation after a formal notice that has remained ineffective for 1 month, the lessor may obtain from the judge, at his choice, either the performance of the necessary works, or the termination of the contract and the restoration of the premises in good condition at the expense of the lessee.
- Pay the rents : in the absence of payment of the rent, the lessor may terminate the contract as of right after formal notice to pay remained ineffective for 1 month.
Please note
Everything litigation relating to a contract for the rental of advertising space is carried before the court of justice competent where the pre-sign is located. Any clause to the contrary in the contract is void.
Who shall I contact
Advertising or pre-sign rental contracts
Competent court in case of dispute related to a rental contract for advertising or pre-sign space
Does the tenant have to declare his payments for a rental contract annually?
A tenant who makes payments in excess of €76 per year for the same beneficiary (in execution of a contract of lease of location) must realize a special declaration by means of form n°2061-SD (Cerfa n° 10250).
Declaration of payments for a rental contract for advertising space
He must declare the following information to the tax authorities:
- Name or business name, occupation and address
- First and last names or business name and address of the recipient of the payments (the owner of the site)
- The total amount of money that was paid to that recipient in the previous calendar year in fulfillment of the advertising space lease agreements.
The tenant must make this declaration, before 1er March of the following year the payment, to the tax office of his domicile or principal place of business.
Who shall I contact
Declaration of payments under an advertising rental agreement
Mandatory information in the payment declaration
Procedures for sending the payment declaration
Pre-sign derogating
One pre-sign is an inscription, shape or image enabling report the proximity of an establishment where a specific activity is carried out.
The pre-sign is said derogating when implanted on the ground outside the agglomeration and that it can be used to report one of the following :
- Manufacture or sale of local products by local companies : These are traditional products linked to local know-how and cultural identity, produced in a defined and identified geographical area having a link with the origin of the product. Local companies are companies whose main activity concerns the manufacture or sale of local products, which justifies their establishment in rural areas. Local products are not limited to food products (e.g. porcelain, ceramics, glassware, basketry, etc.).
- Cultural activities (museums, cinemas, live performances, visual arts exhibitions). This does not include sales areas for cultural products such as bookstores, record stores, or art galleries.
- Historic monuments, classified or inscribed, open to visit
- Exceptional cultural or tourist operation and event, on a temporary basis.
In addition, the derogating pre-sign must comply with a certain format, that is to say 1 m high and 1.50 m wide maximum.
Please note
The derogating pre-signs are not subject to the same regulations than « classic » pre-signs. Thus, the installation of a derogating pre-sign does not require no prior authorization or declaration with the town hall.
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1) and derogations from the establishment of pre-signs outside built-up areas (paragraphs 3 to 6)
Prior declaration procedure for pre-signs
Definitions of local products and local companies
To be qualified as a pre-sign derogating, the pre-sign must fill the following conditions :
- Respect a certain format, that is to say 1 m high and 1.50 m wide maximum
- Be implanted on the ground outside the agglomerations without being implanted at more than 5 km the entrance to the agglomeration or the place where the activity it indicates is carried out. This distance is increased to 10 km when it indicates a listed or listed historic monument open to visit.
When installed in built-up areas, the pre-sign loses its derogatory status and this, even if it respects the format 1 m x 1.50 m. Therefore, it is subject to the rules of the « classic » pre-sign (prohibited locations, declaration or prior authorization of the town hall, etc.).
FYI
The road management community may lay down requirements for the harmonization of derogating pre-signs, after consulting the other authorities concerned. These requirements may be incorporated into the local advertising regulations (RLP) or published in the administrative compendium of community acts.
Except in this case, the RLP may not lay down requirements for derogating pre-signs.
Conditions for the installation of derogating pre-signs
Pre-signs are subject to a density, i.e. a maximum number of pre-signs to indicate the same establishment.
The maximum number of derogating pre-signs depends on the establishment reported:
Beneficiary activities | Number | Distance |
|---|---|---|
Historic monuments, classified or inscribed, open to visit | 4 | 10 km |
Manufacture or sale of local products | 2 | 5 km |
Cultural activity | 2 | 5 km |
It is possible for install 2 pre-signs within 100 meters or in the monument's protection zone, when they indicate the proximity of a listed or inscribed historic monument open to visitors.
Maximum number of derogating pre-signs
Before affixing a derogating pre-sign on a building, it is mandatory to obtain the written permission of the owner from the building.
Affixing or having affixed a derogating pre-sign without the owner's permissionshall be punished by €450 of fine (natural person) or €2,250 of fine (legal person).
The criminal liability of legal persons and that of their directors may be cumulated for the same acts. For example, a company as a natural person may be subject to personal criminal liability, even if he or she has already been convicted of the same acts.
A legal person may only be fined. The amount of the fine shall be multiplied by 5 compared to that provided for natural persons.
One individual business (EI) since it does not have a legal personality, only the manager is liable to criminal sanctions.
Written authorization from the owner
Penalty in case of absence of written authorization from the owner (1°)
Temporary Pre-sign
One pre-sign is an inscription, shape or image enabling report the proximity of a company and to specify its purpose (restaurant, tobacco, hotel, clothing, optics, etc.).
The pre-sign may be bright or non-bright. It can be installed on the ground or affixed to a wall, a tarpaulin or even an advertising vehicle.
As a rule, the pre-sign takes the form of an advertising panel installed at the entrance of cities or before major crossroads. It can indicate the proximity of a shopping center, a gas station or a campsite, for example.
The pre-sign is said temporary when used to report one of the following events :
- Exceptional cultural or tourist events of less than 3 months
- Exceptional operations of less than 3 months (local festivals, fairs, fairs, sporting events, etc.)
- public works or real estate operations of subdivision, building, rehabilitation, if the pre-sign is installed for more than 3 months
- Rental or sale of business, if the pre-sign is installed for more than 3 months.
The temporary pre-sign can be installed up to 3 weeks before the start of the event or the transaction it reports. Then it has to be removed 1 week at the latest after the end of the demonstration or operation.
FYI
Any pre-sign must mention address, name of the natural person or the corporate name of the legal person who affixed it or caused it to be affixed.
Failure to do so shall be punishable by administrative fine from €1500 and a criminal fine from €7,500 (natural persons) and €37,500 (legal persons). In addition, the mayor may decide to have the advertising removed immediately.
The criminal liability of legal persons and that of their directors may be cumulated for the same acts. For example, a company as a natural person may be held personally criminally liable, even if he or she has already been convicted of the same acts.
A legal person may only be fined. The amount of the fine shall be multiplied by 5 compared to that provided for natural persons.
One individual business (EI) since it does not have a legal personality, only the manager is liable to criminal sanctions.
Definition of advertising (1°) and pre-sign (3°)
Mandatory notices on advertisements
Administrative penalty in the absence of mandatory information on advertisements
Deletion of advertising in the absence of mandatory particulars
Criminal penalty in the absence of mandatory information on advertisements
Definition of a temporary pre-sign
Duration of installation of a temporary pre-sign
A pre-sign cannot be installed anywhere. The regulations vary depending on whether the installation of the pre-sign is envisaged in conurbation or outside of this one.
In agglomeration
Only the implantation of temporary pre-signs sealed on the ground or installed directly on the ground is allowed in the agglomerations from less than 10,000 inhabitants not part of a urban unit with more than 100,000 inhabitants provided that the following two conditions are met:
- their dimensions do not exceed 1 m high and 1.50 m wide
- and that their number is limited to 4 by operation or by demonstration.
The RLP may lay down rules for temporary pre-signs in built-up areas.
Rules for the implantation of temporary pre-signs
Outside built-up areas
Outside the agglomerations, the installation of a pre-sign is, in principle, forbidden.
However, temporary pre-signs may be placed on the ground outside built-up areas provided that the following conditions are met:
- their dimensions do not exceed 1 m high and 1.50 m wide
- and that their number is limited to 4 by operation or demonstration.
The local advertising regulations (RLP) may not lay down rules for temporary pre-signs installed outside built-up areas.
Rules for the implantation of temporary pre-signs
Installation, replacement or modification of certain temporary pre-signs exceeding 1 m in height or 1,50 m in width may be subject to a procedure of prior declaration to the mayor.
Pre-signs requiring prior notification
The prior declaration relates to the installation, replacement or modification of following temporary pre-signs :
- Pre-signs on walls, fences or buildings
- Sealed pre-signs on the ground or installed directly on the floor
- Small-format pre-signs integrated with commercial storefronts (micro-display)
- Pre-signs on theairport right-of-way.
Pre-signs shall be subject to declaration only where their dimensions exceed 1 m high or 1.50 m wide.
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1)
Prior declaration pre-ensign
Documents to be provided for the declaration
The declaration shall be made by means of cerfa form no. 16310, by the company planning to install the pre-sign for its operation.
Prior declaration of a device or material carrying advertising or a pre-sign
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Private property
The declaration shall include the following items :
- Identity and address of the registrant
- Location and land area
- Nature of the device or material (temporary pre-sign)
- Indication of the distance of the proposed installation from the boundary lines and bays of buildings located on the neighboring land
- Indication of the number and nature of devices already installed in the field (advertisements, signs, pre-signs)
- Field situation plan, a rated ground plan and the graphic representation of the rated device or material in three dimensions
Public Domain
The declaration shall include the following items :
- Identity and address of the registrant
- Location of the temporary pre-sign
- Nature of the device (temporary pre-sign) and its graphic representation rated in 3 dimensions
- Indication of the distance of the planned installation from the bays of the buildings located on the neighboring bottoms.
Please note
The declaration of the installation of a pre-sign on the right of way of a airport shall include the agreement of the airport manager and documentation demonstrating that it complies with the applicable safety rules.
Sending the declaration
is established in 2 copies and addressed at the town hall the place where the pre-sign is to be affixed.
The declaration may be made by one of the following ways :
- By electronic means with request for electronic acknowledgement of receipt, when the mayor is able to ensure secure and confidential transmission
- By registered mail with a request for a postal receipt
- Filed in town hall against landfill
Upon receipt of the declaration by the mayor, the declarant can proceed with the realization of the declared project.
Warning
Affixing or having a pre-sign affixed without prior declaration shall be punished by €1,500 of fine.
In some municipalities, the installation of a temporary pre-sign may give rise to the payment of the tax on outdoor advertising (TPE). The rates are published by municipal decree and are generally available on the website of the town hall.
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1)
Administrative penalty in the absence of prior declaration
Procedure for prior declaration
Airport Right-of-Way Prior declarations
New procedure by electronic means - Prior declaration
Before affixing a temporary sign on a building, it is mandatory to obtain the written permission of the owner from the building.
Affixing or having affixed a temporary pre-sign without the owner's permissionshall be punished by €450 of fine (natural person) and €2,250 of fine (legal person).
The criminal liability of legal persons and that of their directors may be cumulated for the same acts. For example, a company as a natural person may be held personally criminally liable, even if he or she has already been convicted of the same acts.
A legal person may only be fined. The amount of the fine shall be multiplied by 5 compared to that provided for natural persons.
One individual business (EI) since it does not have a legal personality, only the manager is liable to criminal sanctions.
Written authorization from the owner
Penalty in case of absence of written authorization from the owner (1°)
Definition of a pre-sign (3°)
Provisions relating to advertising for pre-signs (paragraph 1)
Written authorization from the owner
Advertising or pre-sign rental contracts
Administrative penalty in the absence of prior declaration
Prior declaration pre-ensign
Conditions for the installation of derogating pre-signs
Maximum number of derogating pre-signs
Definition of a temporary pre-sign
Duration of installation of a temporary pre-sign
New procedure by electronic means - Prior declaration