Perth Accessibility Rules for Street Signs and A-Frames

Signs and Advertising Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia street signage and A-frame placement must meet accessibility and public-safety requirements set by the City of Perth for footpaths, thoroughfares and public spaces [1]. This guide summarises key obligations for business owners and operators, points to the controlling local-law instrument, explains how enforcement and penalties operate, and lists practical steps for obtaining permits, lodging complaints and appealing decisions in Perth.

Minimum accessibility and placement requirements

Local guidance focuses on keeping pedestrian thoroughfares clear and maintaining a continuous accessible path of travel for people using mobility aids. Typical controls require that A-frames and temporary signs:

  • Not obstruct the minimum clear width of the footpath or accessible ramp (minimum width not specified on the cited page).
    Keep a clear continuous path of travel for mobility devices.
  • Be placed so they do not impede pedestrian sightlines or create trip hazards.
  • Be attended or secured to prevent wind movement where required.
  • Comply with any conditions stated on the permit or licence issued by the City of Perth.
Permits commonly include conditions on size, location and hours of display.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces signage and A-frame controls through its by-law and compliance teams; specific penalty amounts and escalation measures are stated in the controlling local-law or associated enforcement policy [2].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal of unauthorised signs, infringement notices, orders to comply, seizure of items, and court action may be used (details not specified on the cited page).
  • Enforcer: City of Perth By-law Enforcement and Compliance teams; complaints and inspections are handled via the council's enforcement/contact pathway.
  • Appeal/review: review and appeal routes are set by the local law and broader review avenues may include internal review and external appeal; time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: permits, approved variances or reasonable excuse may be recognised; specific defences are not specified on the cited page.

Common violations

  • Unpermitted A-frames blocking a footpath.
  • Failure to comply with permit conditions.
  • Signage creating trip or visibility hazards.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes application forms and permit pages for footpath signage and trading on City property; specific form names, numbers, fees and submission methods are available on the City of Perth guidance pages [1]. If a fee or form number is required and not shown on the guidance page, it will be shown on the application or payments page referenced there.

Practical compliance steps

  • Check the City of Perth A-frame and footpath signage guidance and complete any required application [1].
  • Follow permit conditions on size, placement and display hours; retain a copy of the permit on-site.
  • Document where signs will be placed and keep photos in case of enforcement queries.
  • If asked to remove or vary signage, contact the City’s enforcement team promptly to seek clarification or to lodge an internal review request.
Keep records of permit approval and communications with council to support any appeal.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for an A-frame on the footpath?
Most A-frames on public footpaths require a permit or licence from the City of Perth; check the City guidance page for the application process and conditions [1].
What happens if my A-frame blocks the path?
The City may issue an infringement, order removal, or remove the item; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited local-law page [2].
How do I appeal an enforcement notice?
Appeals and review routes are set by the local-law and council procedures; time limits and exact steps are not specified on the cited page, so contact the City’s compliance team for the correct appeal pathway [2].

How-To

  1. Read the City of Perth A-frame and footpath signage guidance to confirm whether your sign needs a permit [1].
  2. Complete the published application form and include required site measurements and photos.
  3. Pay any application or licence fee shown on the application page and retain the receipt.
  4. Place the A-frame according to the permit conditions and retain a copy of the permit on-site.
  5. If served with an infringement or notice, follow the notice directions and contact the City to request an internal review if needed.
  6. If internal review is unsuccessful, seek details of external appeal routes from the City and note any time limits stated in the notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Check and obtain the City permit before placing A-frames.
  • Keep footpaths clear to maintain an accessible continuous path of travel.
  • If in doubt, contact the City of Perth By-law Enforcement team promptly.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Footpath signs and A-frames guidance
  2. [2] City of Perth - Local laws and policies

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