A-boards code of practice

We regulate a-boards, retail displays and street cafés in Lichfield District.

Our code of practice aims to strike the right balance between the needs of businesses, residents and visitors, particularly those with disabilities, and deliver a safer street scene.

Code of practice for a-boards, retail displays and street cafés

• A-boards/displays must not obstruct entry to premises - especially for the emergency services.
• As a guide, a-boards/displays should be placed against the building, or within at least one metre of it.
• A-boards/displays should be placed along the front width of the building.
• Each building may have a maximum of one a-board. However, if the building has public access from more than one street, one a-board per street is allowed.
• If the building is occupied by more than one business - such as a shopping arcade or alleyway - a composite a-board or display case could be used to advertise more than one business. However, a display case would need to be approved by the council.
• A-boards and display furniture must be constructed of suitable materials so they don't blow over. They should also be kept in good repair and contrast with their background so they are easier for partially sighted people to see.
• The quality of design and any display furniture should not detract from the character and appearance of the area - especially in conservation areas.
• As a guide, a-boards/displays should be around 60cm wide and 1m tall.
• A-boards/displays must not be fixed to any street furniture or other parts of the highway.
• A-boards/displays should not obscure any road signs, pedestrian crossings, junctions, access points or bends in the road.
• Owners of a-boards/displays must have third party liability insurance of at least five million pounds.

For more information, download our A-board code of practice leaflet.

Enforcement

We monitor our streets to make sure local businesses are following the code of practice. If any business fails to follow the code, we will speak or write to the owners to ask them to remove the obstruction. If no action is taken, we will ask Staffordshire County Council's Highways department to remove it.

Permission for street cafés

Any business wishing to create a street café will need to get planning permission from the council. For more information please call 01543 308000 email devcontrol@lichfielddc.gov.uk or visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/planningportal

For more information

Call 01543 308000 or visit our council offices, and a ask for a planning enforcement officer.