Report Dangerous Sandwich Boards - Brisbane Bylaws

Signs and Advertising Queensland 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Queensland

In Brisbane, Queensland, sandwich boards (A-frame signs) on footpaths can be dangerous or obstructive to pedestrians, people with disability aids, and emergency access. This guide explains how to identify hazards, when a sign may breach council rules, and the steps to report or seek removal under Brisbane City Council rules and permits. It covers enforcement pathways, likely penalties where available, applications or permits for lawful signs, and practical actions you can take immediately.

Take photos showing the board, nearby kerblines and any obstruction before you report it.

What counts as a dangerous or obstructive sandwich board

Sandwich boards are usually classed as temporary advertising devices placed on the footpath. A board is commonly considered obstructive or dangerous where it:

  • narrows the pedestrian clearway so people cannot pass safely
  • blocks access to ramps, driveways or fire hydrants
  • creates a trip hazard or is unstable in wind
  • is placed without the required footpath trading permit or outside an approved area

How to report an unsafe or obstructive sandwich board

Immediately report hazardous or obstructive signs to Brisbane City Council using the council report or complaint channels. Include the exact location, photos, and whether the sign blocks a ramp or emergency access. Use the council's footpath trading and signage guidance for details when preparing your report[1], and submit a formal report if the sign poses immediate danger via the council problem reporting page[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is managed by Brisbane City Council compliance officers under the council's local laws and footpath trading controls. Specific monetary penalties, escalation for repeated offences, and exact non-monetary sanctions are dependent on the relevant local law or permit conditions. Where the official pages do not list exact figures, this guide notes that they are not specified on the cited page and provides the enforcement contact for reports.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see the council guidance for applicable infringement notices and fines[1]
  • Escalation: first and repeat offence escalation ranges not specified on the cited page
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include removal or seizure of signs, orders to cease placement and rectification notices; specific orders not specified on the cited page
  • Enforcer: Brisbane City Council local laws and compliance officers (report via council contact pages)[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeal pathways for council decisions are set out on the infringement notice or council decision; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page
If a board is an immediate safety risk, call local emergency services before contacting council.

Applications & Forms

Businesses may need a Footpath Trading Permit or an approved advertising device permit to place sandwich boards lawfully. The council provides application and permit information on its footpath trading and signage pages; specific form names, fees and lodgement steps are available on those pages or within linked permit application resources[1]. If a specific downloadable form or fee is not shown on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page.

Action steps - immediate and follow-up

  • Take photos from multiple angles showing the sign, surrounding footpath width and nearby street numbers
  • Note the exact time and date the obstruction was observed
  • Report via the council problem report page or the footpath trading contact route with photos and location details[2]
  • If you are a business operator, check whether a Footpath Trading Permit is required and apply before placing a sign[1]
Keep a copy of your report number or correspondence for follow-up or appeal.

FAQ

Can I remove a sandwich board that is blocking the footpath?
Do not move private property unless it is an immediate hazard; report the obstruction to council with photos and location details and request removal.
Does a business always need a permit to place an A-frame?
Businesses generally need a footpath trading or advertising permit to place signs on council land; check the council's permit guidance for exact requirements[1].
How long does the council take to respond?
Response times vary by the nature of the report; the cited pages do not specify standard response times.

How-To

  1. Locate the exact address and take clear photos showing the board and how it obstructs the path.
  2. Check whether the sign appears to block a ramp, driveway, or reduce pedestrian clearway.
  3. Report the issue to Brisbane City Council using the problem report page and attach photos and location details[2].
  4. If you are the business owner, confirm permit requirements and apply for a Footpath Trading Permit before placing the sign[1].
  5. If the council issues an order or infringement, follow the notice instructions and retain evidence of compliance or apply for a review within the time stated on the notice.
When in doubt, report — council officers can confirm whether a sign is permitted and take enforcement action if needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Check and obtain a Footpath Trading Permit before using sandwich boards on council land
  • Report dangerous or blocking signs to Brisbane City Council with photos and exact location
  • Council compliance officers handle enforcement; specific fines and escalation details are not specified on the cited pages

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Footpath trading and signs - Brisbane City Council
  2. [2] Report a problem or request - Brisbane City Council

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