Wind 'Destroyed' Billboards, City Moves with New Advertising Decision: Here's How Much to Pay for Advertising in the Metropolis

The City of Zagreb is moving to re-establish a legal framework for advertising fees, following the annulment of a previous regulation by the High Administrative Court. The court's decision necessitated a new approach, requiring the City Assembly to pass a revised ordinance. The proposed new decision aims to reinstate the system for collecting fees for the placement of advertisements on public spaces and city-owned properties, without altering the fundamental fee amounts.

The core of the renewed regulation lies in its zoning system, which divides the city into five zones, each with corresponding advertising rates. These rates are further differentiated based on the type and size of the advertising object. Zone 1, encompassing the historic Upper Town, Kaptol, and Maksimir, is the most expensive, while Zone 2 covers the immediate city center. Subsequent zones extend outwards, with Zone 5 including areas along major thoroughfares. For instance, advertising flags in Zone 1 cost approximately 30 euros per square meter monthly, compared to around 23 euros in the cheapest zone. Billboards and larger structures are priced accordingly, with illuminated and digital displays incurring additional charges.

While the system aims to generate revenue, it also incorporates provisions for exemptions. Short-term campaigns for public interest events, such as humanitarian, cultural, or sporting initiatives, will not be charged fees if they do not exceed 30 days. The proposed decision is currently undergoing public consultation until May 17, after which comments will be analyzed and the document refined. Ultimately, the Zagreb City Assembly will vote on the proposal, aiming to restore a lawful and consistent system for advertising revenue collection in the metropolis.