You have bought the perfect BIA Outdoor SMD Screen, you have picked a prime spot in Gulberg, and you are ready to turn it on. Stop! If you haven’t secured municipal approval for an SMD screen in Lahore, your investment could be confiscated within days.
In Lahore, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) is the regulatory body governing all outdoor advertising. With the implementation of the Punjab Horticulture Authority Act 2025 and recent fee revisions, the rules have become stricter. This guide breaks down exactly how to navigate the bureaucracy and get your screen legal.
Step 1: Know Your Zone (Zone A vs. Zone B)
PHA charges differ based on the location’s commercial value.
- Zone A (The Prime Spots):
- Locations: Main Boulevard Gulberg, MM Alam Road, Jail Road, Mall Road, Cantonment areas (though Cantt Board is a separate entity, PHA rules often overlap on connecting roads).
- Fee Structure: Highest rates per square foot. Expect to pay a premium for “Digital/LED” classification compared to static flex.
- Zone B & C (Secondary Areas):
- Locations: Inner city roads, secondary arteries like Ferozepur Road (past Model Town).
- Fee Structure: Lower rates, but enforcement on size limits is just as strict.
Step 2: The Documents You Need
To apply for an NOC (No Objection Certificate), you need to prepare a file containing:
- Structural Stability Certificate: A signed letter from a PEC-registered structural engineer certifying that your mounting pole/frame can withstand wind loads (vital for heavy SMD cabinets).
- Site Plan: A map showing the exact location, ensuring it doesn’t block traffic signals or come within 100 feet of a heritage site.
- Digital Content Undertaking: A signed affidavit stating you will not display “obscene” content or content violating the Motion Pictures Ordinance.
- Property Owner Consent: Lease agreement if the screen is on a private building facade.
Step 3: Understanding the Fees (2025 Updates)
The cost of municipal approval for an SMD screen in Lahore has two components:
- One-Time Processing Fee: A non-refundable fee for the site inspection.
- Annual Publicity Fee: Calculated per square foot.
- Note: In the 2024/2025 fiscal revisions, the tax on Digital/LED screens is significantly higher (often 2x-3x) than static boards because they can display multiple ads, generating more revenue for the owner.
- Sky Signs: If you are putting a screen on a roof (Sky Sign), there is an additional surcharge based on the building’s height.
Step 4: Size and Safety Regulations
The PHA has standardized sizes to prevent visual clutter.
- Standard Billboard: 60×20 feet.
- Portrait/Streamer: 3×6 feet or 4×8 feet (common on MM Alam Road poles).
- Brightness Limits: While not always strictly enforced, new guidelines suggest dimming screens after 11:00 PM in residential zones to prevent light pollution.
Warning: “Ghost Sites” (installing a screen without an allocated Site ID) are illegal. PHA teams conduct nightly raids and will remove unauthorized equipment using cranes, often damaging the screen in the process.
The Application Process Timeline
- Submission: Submit the application to the PHA Marketing Directorate (usually at the Jillani Park HQ).
- Survey: A PHA field inspector visits the site to verify dimensions and safety distance from high-voltage wires.
- Demand Notice: If approved, you receive a “Challan” (invoice) for the annual fee.
- NOC Issuance: Once paid, you get the sticker/license plate to affix to your screen structure.
Why You Need a Compliant Partner
Navigating PHA rules can be a headache. SMDLed.pk assists our clients not just with hardware, but with compliance advice.
- Standardized Hardware: Our BIA Outdoor SMD Screen Modules are designed to fit standard PHA frame sizes (e.g., modular cabinets that easily form a 60x20ft screen).
- Energy Efficiency: Lower power consumption means you can market your screen as “Green Energy Compliant,” which is a favorable factor for approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I install an SMD screen on my shop front without PHA approval?
No. Even if it is your own shop, any signage visible from the public road requires PHA approval and payment of the “Shop Board” or “Digital Facade” tax.
2. What is the penalty for an illegal screen?
PHA has the authority to remove and confiscate the equipment. You will also be fined heavily (often equal to 3x the annual fee) and blacklisted from future auctions.
3. Does DHA Lahore have different rules?
Yes. DHA (Defence Housing Authority) and Cantonment Boards are separate entities from PHA. If your site is in DHA (e.g., Y Block), you must apply to the DHA Advertisement Branch, which has its own (often higher) fee structure.
4. How long is the NOC valid for?
Usually one fiscal year (July 1st to June 30th). You must renew it annually.
5. Can I play videos with sound?
generally, No. Audio is prohibited on roadside screens to prevent distracting drivers. Only visuals are allowed.
CTA
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