‘A’ Boards policy
Our ‘A' Boards policy sets out restrictions on where free-standing advertising boards can be placed, and city centre areas where 'A' Boards are prohibited.
The policy applies to private and public organisations and businesses, and also includes items such as:
- mannequins
- menus
- lecterns
- planters
- goods on display
Our ‘A' Boards policy also gives details of:
- suggested alternatives to advertising materials
- our management and enforcement methods
- background issues which lead to the need for a defined policy
If you witness an 'A' Board located on a public road that you think may be in breach of the guidelines, email the Highway Licensing Team, including the location and providing an image if possible.
'A' board prohibition zone
Our 'A' board restrictions are applicable on public roads, pavements and verges within the 'A' Boards prohibition zone in our city centre.
These restrictions don't apply on private land.
Alternatives to 'A' Boards
Our ‘A' Boards policy offers possible alternatives to 'A' Boards, such as:
- wall mounted boards
- remote shared boards
- hanging signs
- awnings
If you decide to choose one of these alternatives, you may need to apply for alternative forms of consent, such as advertisement or listed building consent.
Contact planning.enquiries@york.gov.uk to check if you need to make a formal application.
Micklegate 'A' Board licences
We allow 'A' Boards on Micklegate with a licence.
We consider Micklegate to be an appropriate location for 'A' Boards due to pavement widths and other characteristics, which are not typical of other streets within the 'A' Boards prohibition zone.
An 'A' Board licence:
- lasts 12 months
- costs £321
Apply for an 'A' board licence
How we process your application
We require time to process and consider your application before it can be granted.
In this case:
- you can't assume permission will be given
- we'll contact you within 10 working days to acknowledge receipt of your application
You can't act as if your application has been granted if we don't respond within expected timeframes.
If you haven't heard from us within 10 working days, please contact us to check the status of your application.
If you have any questions about your application, email us at aboards@york.gov.uk
Also see