Heritage - Interpretive Signage Fact sheet

Interpretive signage plays an important part in introducing visitors to the heritage item's historical and cultural significance.

The following information provides guidance for signage.

Heritage signage requirements

Visibility

The sign must be clearly visible from the public domain, such as the adjacent footpath.

Size and Placement

1. Dimensions must fall between 300 mm x 420 mm (A3) and 420 mm x 600 mm (A2).
2. The sign should be mounted at an approximate height of 1.2 metres.
3. It must be affixed to either the building façade or the front fence.

Design and Content Preparation

1. The graphic design must be completed by a qualified Graphic Designer.
2. The interpretive content must be developed by a Heritage Specialist and must comply with the Interpreting Heritage Places and Items Guidelines.

Example: Interpretive signage outside Banya Bathhouse Mullumbimby

Durability

The signage must be constructed from durable, weather-resistant materials suitable for long-term outdoor display.

Minimum Content Requirements

The sign must include:

1. A historic photograph of the building (preferably from the previous century).
2. A summary of key historical details, including:
3. Date of construction
4. Name of the architect and builder
5. Original and/or notable past uses
6. Origin of the building’s name or other identifying features

Additional Resources

Where appropriate, include links to external websites or documents that provide further information about the heritage item. Consultation with the local historical society is recommended to assist with researching the heritage of the building or the item.

How to get approval

Details of the heritage interpretative signage are to be submitted to Council for approval through a Heritage Exemption application, prior to installation.

The interpretive sign may then be installed at any time once approval is granted.

Heritage advisory service

Heritage advice is available using the Heritage Advisory Service online form.