How to commission or create street art on a property in the city
Street art is commissioned with the landowner's consent, which is painted, marked or otherwise affixed to the outside of a building and visible from a public place.
Project Status: When you need to do this
The artistic and social value of street art is recognised by the City of Sydney. It is a highly accessible form with increasing acceptance in public areas. Museums around the world exhibit street art.
We support creative practices and aim to make creativity visible and accessible. Street art is a visible and accessible art form and we support lawfully created works in appropriate locations.
What you need to do
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Identify if approval is needed
If the street art site is proposed on a heritage item, in a conservation area or special character area, or does not meet any of the criteria listed, our approval is required. You can download a map we've prepared to help you identify the properties where street art may be exempt development.
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Speak to a planner
If you need a development application, please contact us or make an appointment to speak to a planner about your development application. If you have further questions about street art that is exempt development, please contact: [email protected]
Before you start
What is street art?
Street art is commissioned with the landowner's consent, which is painted, marked or otherwise affixed to the outside of a building and visible from a public place. It may be art in the form of words, figures, shapes or lines but doesn't include re-painting.
Is a DA required for street art?
Our approval is not required if street art meets specific criteria – referred to as exempt development.
To be exempt development, street art must:
- be approved by the landowner
- not project more than 30mm from a wall or other surface
- not be a sign or advertising
- not be located on a heritage item or in a heritage conservation area or special character area
- not contain material that discriminates against or vilifies any person or group, or is offensive or sexually explicit.
You can check the relevant local plans for exemption criteria and heritage and special character maps.
Please note: Any street art without owners consent is illegal and will be removed promptly.
