Street signs, names and numbers
Information on how to get addresses for new developments and properties, how to change or add a house name, renaming streets and renumbering properties.
Report a street name plate
Please tell us if a street name plate is missing, damaged or cannot be read easily.
Changing or creating a new address
We make sure that any new street names and building names and numbers are unique, distinct and logical. This is so that everyone can find them quickly - especially in an emergency. Being easy to spell, pronounce and have no more than three syllables makes it easier for ambulance and fire crews to understand over the telephone.
If you are a developer of a new property, you should contact us as so as you start work on site.
A single property or small development will usually be named and numbered into the existing street. A larger development will need a new development and/or street name.
The process takes around eight weeks
We check that your proposal:
- complies with our policy on street naming and numbering
- does not meet with any objections from the Royal Mail or Hertfordshire County Council
Variations from the general rule are sometimes allowed but only where ‘public safety’ objectives are not put at risk. The Council’s decision is final.
We do not normally support the renaming or renumbering of existing streets and buildings unless the benefits clearly outweigh the obvious disadvantages.
Owners of houses on corners occasionally apply to change their addresses from one road to the other because they have altered their access. This is usually quite easy to arrange.
Once the address is issued, the information is sent to the Royal Mail, emergency services, HM Land Registry, Ordnance Survey, Hertfordshire County Council, as well as Council Departments.
We will issue Renaming or Renumbering Plans where necessary. You will also be sent a copy of the registered address so that you can pass this on to prospective purchasers.
Postcodes
Postcodes are issued by the Royal Mail Address Management Team on receipt of the Official Naming and/or numbering Plan. All new addresses sent to The Royal Mail are placed on a ‘Not Yet Built’ file. Please inform them when the houses, flats or units have been sold or are due to be occupied. The Royal Mail will move the address to their Postcode Address File and it will be searchable on theei postcode finder website.
Street name plates
Once the Naming and Numbering Plan has been issued, the developer of a new estate or road provides and erects new street nameplates.
We look after the street nameplates once the road is adopted by Hertfordshire County Council as public highway.
Street Naming and Numbering Policy
Please read our Street Naming and Numbering Policy. It will provide information on how we determine applications and guidance on suitable names for streets and buildings.
Charges for new and changes to addresses
The cost depends on the type of work and number of properties. We will advise you of the exact cost once the application form has been completed.
Payment can be made online at: https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/pay-online-planning
Table of charges Toggle accordion
Description | Charge |
|---|---|
Existing addresses | |
| Renaming existing street at residents' or parish council request | £500 (plus following charges: first house/flat £156 and £57 for each additional house/£69 for each additional flat |
| Renaming existing building | £119 plus £69 for each additional address change |
| Addition of name to numbered property | £119 |
New buildings/developments | |
| New street name | £288 |
| 1 house/flat | £156 |
| Each additional house | £57 |
| Each additional flat | £69 |
| Division of existing property into flats | £225 plus £69 per flat |
Other | |
| Confirmation of postal address | £28 |
| Amendment to approved schedule or plan (bespoke price, please ask for quote) | Minimum charge £136 |
| Reinstating postal address following demolition and reconstruction of dwelling | £156 |
| Archive search (providing historic property information) - bespoke price, please ask for quote) | Minimum charge £136 |
If the proposed works are not listed above as a standard charge, we will advise you of the cost.
Please pay online at https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/pay-online
Apply for a new or change of address
To change or apply for a new address or number, please complete the form below.
New street name suggestions from Parish Councils Toggle accordion
Disclaimer
St Albans City & District Council cannot be held responsible for any claims for compensation arising directly or indirectly from the naming of street, re-naming of street, numbering or renumbering of properties. We will not be liable for any costs of damages caused by failure to comply with this.
