Perth Advertising Rules - Prohibited Ads & Misleading Claims

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

Perth, Western Australia regulates commercial signs and public advertising to protect safety, amenity and truthful commercial conduct. This guide summarises how local rules treat prohibited advertising content and misleading claims, who enforces those rules, how enforcement works, and the practical steps businesses and residents should follow when applying for signage permits or reporting breaches.

Scope and what counts as prohibited or misleading

Local rules typically prohibit advertising that is defamatory, obscene, dangerous to road safety, or that uses false or misleading statements about products, services, prices or endorsements. Advertising on public land, footpaths or on buildings often requires prior approval from the City of Perth; unauthorised or deceptive signs may be removed or ordered to be altered.

Penalties & Enforcement

Penalties, enforcement options and responsible officers vary by instrument and case. Where specific penalty amounts or daily continuing fines are not published on the City of Perth permit pages, the fine amounts are not specified on the cited page below.[2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence treatment not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, compliance notices, seizure of unauthorised signs and court action may be used.
  • Enforcer: City of Perth Compliance and Regulatory Services or the council's authorised officers oversee enforcement.
  • Inspections and complaints: the City accepts reports and inspects alleged breaches via its complaints portal.[2]
  • Appeals and review: review or appeal routes depend on the enforcement instrument; specific time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: permitted signage, reasonable excuse and approved permits or variances are typical defences where a permit or exemption has been granted.
Report unsafe or potentially deceptive advertising promptly to ensure timely inspection.

Applications & Forms

For temporary signs, A-frames or commercial banners you will usually need to lodge a signage or temporary-works application with the City of Perth and pay any applicable fee; detailed application names, form numbers and published fees are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Typical requirement: a completed signage permit application and site plan.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page.
  • Deadlines: submit applications well before intended installation; exact lead times not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: online application via the City of Perth permits portal or in-person at the council office where available.[1]
Check the City's temporary signage page for current application instructions and any required supporting documents.

Common violations

  • Unauthorised signs on public land or footpaths.
  • Misleading price, savings or endorsement claims.
  • Obstructive or unsafe placement near roads or pedestrian walkways.
Businesses should retain approvals and evidence of authorised content for seven years where possible.

Action steps

  • Before installing signage, check permit requirements and lodge the correct application.[1]
  • If you suspect misleading advertising, report it to the City of Perth via the complaints portal.[2]
  • If issued a notice, follow the remediation steps or seek review within the time specified in the notice.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for a temporary sidewalk sign?
The City of Perth usually requires a temporary signage permit for A-frames and sidewalk signs; check the City's signage permit page for the current process and application requirements.[1]
Who do I contact to report misleading or obscene advertising?
Contact City of Perth Compliance via the online complaints or report-a-issue portal; they will investigate and may issue removal or compliance orders.[2]
What can happen if my advertising is found to be misleading?
Consequences can include orders to remove or correct the advertisement, fines or court action; exact fines and escalation rules are not specified on the cited permit pages.

How-To

  1. Gather evidence: photograph the advertising, note dates, location and any claims that appear false.
  2. Check permit status: consult the City of Perth signage and permits page to confirm if a permit was issued.[1]
  3. Report the issue: lodge a complaint via the City of Perth report-a-issue portal with your evidence.[2]
  4. Follow up: keep the report reference, respond to any City requests and, if required, seek legal advice or review rights outlined in the notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check and obtain the required signage permits before display.
  • Misleading claims can lead to removal orders and enforcement action even if monetary fines are not publicly listed on permit pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Temporary signage and permits (current as of February 2026)
  2. [2] City of Perth - Report an issue / complaints portal (current as of February 2026)

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