How to apply for a hoarding licence, how much it will cost, and how to pay online.
All hoarding licence applications are now online. Any applications sent by paper or email will be rejected.
What a hoarding licence is
Hoarding is a temporary solid structure of solid construction, put up around the perimeter of construction sites to shield them from view and stop unauthorised access.
A hoarding licence applies to HERAS fencing or hoarding.
To put hoardings on, or next to, a highway you must:
- apply and pay for a hoarding licence
- have public liability insurance cover with a £5 million indemnity limit
You must apply for a licence at least 5 working days before you want to put up hoarding.
Before you apply
Before you start work, you must email bss.highwaylicences@bristol.gov.uk:
- photos of the highway surface at the hoarding site
- a sketch of the hoarding or fencing which must include footway and carriageway widths and details of any highway features which may be affected such as road markings, junctions and traffic lights
If you need to carry out any highway works and you need a Section 278 Agreement, (see your planning decision notice) this must be signed and completed before we can process your application.
Cost
The cost of a hoarding licence depends on how long the hoarding will be up:
- Up to one calendar month: £90
- Up to two calendar months: £144
- Up to three calendar months: £214
- Up to four calendar months: £286
- Up to five calendar months: £357
- Up to six calendar months: £431
- Between six and nine months: £641
- Between nine and twelve months: £856
If you want to put up emergency hoarding, you'll need to pay £81 for a site inspection.
What happens when you apply
A hoarding licence takes 3 to 21 days to process. We'll return your permit to you by email.
Your application and tacit consent
Tacit consent does not apply for this licence. You must wait until you receive your licence from us.
Placement regulations
The hoarding must be:
- a minimum of 2.5 metres high and able to withstand high winds
- illuminated if street lighting is not enough
- smooth with no parts sticking out
The hoarding must also have pedestrian walkways of 1.2 metres which must be maintained and regularly inspected by the appropriate contractor. You may also need to apply for a pavement or footway closure.
Apply for and renew a hoarding licence
How to pay
You can pay for your licence online. You'll need a credit or debit card.
We cannot process your hoarding licence until payment is received.