Perth election sign bylaws - Western Australia

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

Perth, Western Australia has rules that affect temporary election signs placed on public and private land within the City of Perth. Candidates, parties and volunteers should check both the City of Perth local laws and state electoral guidance before installing signs to avoid removal or enforcement action. This guide summarises where to look for official controls, typical timeframes and practical steps to apply, remove or appeal against enforcement actions.

Overview of where the rules come from

The City of Perth regulates signs and use of local government property through its local laws and permit processes, while the Western Australian Electoral Commission provides election-specific guidance about campaign material and signage near polling places. Consult both sources when planning sign placement and timing[1][2].

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Perth and its authorised officers enforce sign controls on local government land and public places. The WA Electoral Commission enforces polling-place exclusions and may issue directions specific to election day. Where the local law or electoral guidance lists fines or sanctions, those figures are shown below; if a specific amount or time limit does not appear on the cited official page, the text notes that.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited City of Perth local laws page; check the City penalties schedule or contact By-law Enforcement for current figures.[1]
  • Escalation: the City may treat repeat or continuing offences as separate breaches; specific escalation amounts or step penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal of signs, seizure of unauthorised structures, and orders to remediate or remove material are authorised under local law citations; court action may follow persistent non-compliance.
  • Enforcer and contact: By-law Enforcement or City Rangers at the City of Perth administer sign rules; for electoral-day exclusions and directions contact the WA Electoral Commission. Official contacts are listed in Help and Support / Resources below.[1][2]
  • Appeals and review: the local law or infringement notice will describe appeal routes and time limits; if the cited City page does not list time limits, the appeal period is not specified on the cited page.
If a specific fine or appeal period is needed, request the infringement details in writing from the issuing officer immediately.

Common violations

  • Signs on public land without a permit or written approval.
  • Failure to remove signs within the required period after an election or event.
  • Placement within exclusion zones near polling places on election day.
  • Obstruction of footpaths, roadsides or emergency access ways.

Applications & Forms

The City of Perth publishes permit and signage application processes where signs are located on public property or require a structures permit. The City web pages and contact points list application methods; exact form names, fees and submission portals should be confirmed with the City and are not fully specified on the cited local laws page. For election-specific signage near polling places, consult the WA Electoral Commission guidance on campaign material and site exclusions[2].

Apply for any required City permits well before signs are installed to avoid non-compliance.

How enforcement typically works

  • An authorised officer inspects reported or visible signs and records breaches.
  • If unauthorised, the City may issue a removal notice or infringement.
  • The City may remove or seize signs that pose a hazard or remain after notices.
Keep photographic records of any permissions and the locations where signs are placed.

FAQ

When can I put up temporary election signs in Perth?
Check the City of Perth permit rules for signs on public land and the WA Electoral Commission for election-day exclusions; specific allowed start dates are not consolidated on the cited City page and may vary by election[1][2].
How long after the election must signs be removed?
The City requires removal of unauthorised or nuisance signs; a specific removal deadline is not specified on the cited City page, so confirm the exact period with By-law Enforcement when you apply or if you receive a notice[1].
Do I need a permit to place signs on verges or parks?
Yes, signs on public verges, parks or infrastructure typically need City approval or a permit; check the City of Perth permit information and apply before installation[1].

How-To

  1. Identify intended sign locations and whether they are on private property or City-managed public land.
  2. Contact City of Perth By-law Enforcement to confirm if a permit is required and ask about current fees and processing times[1].
  3. Check WA Electoral Commission guidance for polling-place exclusion zones and election-day restrictions and adjust locations accordingly[2].
  4. Apply for any City permits with the required details and retain written approval; install signs only within approved timeframes.
  5. After the election, remove all signs promptly and keep evidence of removal in case of disputes.

Key Takeaways

  • Consult both the City of Perth and the WA Electoral Commission before placing election signs.
  • Obtain permits for signs on public land and confirm removal timeframes in writing.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Local laws and by-law enforcement
  2. [2] Western Australian Electoral Commission - Campaign and polling information

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