Outdoor advertising is an important marketing tool used by businesses to reach a wide audience. However, due to its visibility and impact on public space, outdoor advertising is regulated by laws and regulations that govern its placement and content. In Poland, there are special regulations for outdoor advertising that are required to be followed. In this article, we will discuss these laws and regulations to help businesses understand the requirements and rules associated with outdoor advertising.

Outdoor advertising – definition

Outdoor advertising is advertising that is placed on the outside of buildings, in public spaces, on means of transport, or other external devices. It can be a poster, banner, billboard, neon sign, electronic display, or any other form of advertising that is visible to passers-by, drivers, or passengers.

Regulations for outdoor advertising

In Poland, regulations for outdoor advertising are set out in the Building Law and the Environmental Protection Act. According to the Building Law regulations, outdoor advertising can only be placed on a building in accordance with a spatial development plan and requires a building permit or notification of its placement.

In addition, the Environmental Protection Act specifies detailed requirements for outdoor advertising, including their dimensions, location, lighting, content, and duration. Outdoor advertising must not have a negative impact on road safety, and their placement must not be contrary to the principles of aesthetics and public order.

Obtaining a permit to place outdoor advertising

Obtaining a permit to place outdoor advertising is a process that requires meeting many requirements and formalities. In Poland, there are specific regulations for outdoor advertising, the purpose of which is to protect public space and the safety of road and pedestrian users. These regulations govern the dimensions, location, and content of outdoor advertising.

The authority responsible for issuing permits to place outdoor advertising is usually the city, county, or municipal office. Before a permit is issued, certain conditions must be met, including:

• The advertisement must be in accordance with the local spatial development plan
• The advertisement must not endanger the safety of road users or cause traffic disruption
• The advertisement must be located at an appropriate height and distance from the road and from other objects, such as residential buildings
• The advertisement must not have a negative impact on the aesthetics of the surroundings
• The advertisement must not contain content that is contrary to Polish law.

In the case of advertising placed on buildings, the consent of the property owner is required. In some cases, such as advertising placed on historic sites, it is also necessary to obtain the consent of the voivodeship conservator of monuments.

There are also special regulations for advertising placed in public places, such as bus stops. In the case of such advertising, it is necessary to obtain a permit from the competent authority, as well as to meet certain requirements regarding the safety of users and the aesthetics of the surroundings.

If an advertisement is placed without the required permit, this may result in a fine or an order to remove the advertisement being imposed on the owner of the advertisement.

Regulations also apply to the content of outdoor advertising. Advertisements may not contain content that is contrary to Polish law or infringe on the personal rights of others. In the case of advertising for medicinal products, dietary supplements, and cosmetics, it is necessary to meet certain requirements regarding the content of advertisements and the labeling of products.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the applicable regulations and obtain the necessary permits before proceeding with the design and placement of outdoor advertising. It is also worth remembering that outdoor advertising has an impact on the environment, so it is worth paying attention to issues related to environmental protection and aesthetics. Knowledge of the regulations and care for the environment are key factors that contribute to the success of an advertising campaign.