Perth Billboard Setback & Illumination Bylaws

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

Overview

In Perth, Western Australia, advertising signs and illuminated billboards are regulated primarily by the City of Perth planning rules and local planning instruments. The rules set setback, size and illumination standards and require planning approval for many free‑standing and illuminated signs. Applicants and owners should confirm requirements before installing or altering billboards because approvals depend on location, land use and whether the sign is within a road reserve.

Check the City of Perth advertising signs policy for location-specific requirements.

The City of Perth publishes an Advertising Signs local policy that explains assessment criteria, acceptable locations and design controls[1]. The City’s Local Planning Scheme No.2 sets the statutory framework for development approvals and advertising devices in zones and precincts; consult the Scheme text and mapping for permitted uses and any zone-specific provisions[2].

Setbacks, Size and Illumination

Setback and illumination controls vary by zone and road classification. Typical controls address:

  • maximum sign area and height limits
  • minimum setbacks from property boundaries, intersections and footpaths
  • illumination limits including hours, intensity and direction to avoid glare
  • restrictions near heritage places or in special control precincts
Illuminated billboards may need additional approvals where they face major roads or heritage areas.

Road reserve signs (including many roadside billboards) can also be subject to state controls; where a sign is on or affects a classified road, Main Roads WA or another state agency may have additional requirements. Applicants should confirm whether a proposed billboard is within a road reserve before lodging a City application.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is undertaken by the City of Perth’s planning and local laws compliance teams; penalties and remedies depend on whether the sign has development approval and whether it breaches a planning condition or a local law. Specific monetary penalties for non‑compliant advertising devices are not specified on the City policy page and must be checked in the relevant statutory instrument or enforcement notices[1][2].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited City policy pages; see the Scheme and enforcement notices for amounts[2]
  • Escalation: the City may issue compliance notices, infringement notices or take court action where breaches continue; specific escalation steps and amounts are not listed on the policy page
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance or removal orders, stop-works orders, seizure of unauthorised structures and prosecution in courts are possible enforcement routes
  • Enforcer and complaints: City of Perth Planning and Local Laws (By-law Enforcement). Report complaints or request inspections via the City online reporting/contact page[3]
  • Appeals and review: appeals against development decisions typically follow planning appeal pathways (State Administrative Tribunal) or internal review as set out in the Scheme or the City’s decision notices; time limits are determined by the decision instrument and are not specified on the cited City policy page
If a sign is on a classified road, Main Roads WA requirements may also apply and enforcement can involve state authorities.

Applications & Forms

Most billboard works require a development application for an advertising sign or planning approval. The City publishes guidance and application checklists in its advertising signs policy and planning pages[1]. Where works involve road reserve or classified roads, separate approval from the road authority may be required. The City’s application form name, schedule numbers and fees are not fully listed on the advertising policy page; applicants should use the City’s planning application portal or contact the planning team for the current form and fee schedule[1][3].

  • Common application: Development Application for Advertising Sign (use City planning application form)
  • Fees: not specified on the advertising policy page; confirm current fees with the City’s planning counter or fee schedule
  • Submission: lodge via the City of Perth planning portal or as directed on the City website
Seek pre-application advice to confirm whether a DA, building permit or road authority approval is required.

Common Violations

  • Unauthorised installation without a development approval
  • Illumination causing glare or breaching intensity/hours limits
  • Incorrect setbacks creating sightline or traffic safety hazards
  • Signage on road reserve without road authority consent

FAQ

Do I need approval to install a billboard in Perth?
Yes — most free‑standing and illuminated billboards require planning approval from the City; road reserve signs may also need state road authority approval.
What if my billboard is on a main road?
If the sign is on or affects a classified road, Main Roads WA requirements may apply and separate approval may be required.
How do I report an illegal or dangerous sign?
Report illegal signs to the City of Perth By-law Enforcement or the City planning compliance team via the City online reporting/contact page[3].

How-To

  1. Confirm land tenure and whether the sign is on private property or within a road reserve.
  2. Review the City of Perth Advertising Signs policy and Local Planning Scheme provisions to check permitted sizes, setbacks and illumination controls[1][2].
  3. Obtain pre-application advice from the City and lodge a development application with required plans, details of illumination and electrical compliance certificates.
  4. If applicable, apply to the road authority for consent for signs in a road reserve and arrange any required traffic management or safety assessments.

Key Takeaways

  • Most billboards in Perth need planning approval and possible road authority consent.
  • Enforcement is by City compliance teams; report issues via the City contact page.

Help and Support / Resources

    Categories

    General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data