Perth Political Sign Bylaws & Permit Rules

Elections and Campaign Finance Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia has rules that control where and how political campaign signs may be displayed during elections. This guide explains who enforces those rules, when permits or approvals are required, typical restrictions on public land versus private property, and practical steps candidates and campaign teams must follow to reduce risk of fines or removal. It draws on City of Perth permit guidance and state electoral advertising advice to show where to apply, how to report breaches, and what to expect if a sign is taken down or an infringement is issued.[1]

Overview of rules and scope

Political signage in Perth is governed by a mix of local by-laws and state electoral rules. Signs placed on City of Perth managed public land, parks, verges and street furniture generally require approval or a permit from the city, while signage on private property is subject to local planning and advertising sign controls and may also be regulated by state electoral rules for timing and content during election periods.[2]

Always check both the City of Perth permit requirements and state electoral advertising rules before erecting campaign signs.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is typically by City of Perth compliance officers, rangers or by-law enforcement teams and by election officers for state electoral breaches. Exact penalties and fee amounts for unauthorised signage are set out in relevant local laws or enforcement policies where published; where an amount is not listed on the cited official page the text below notes that it is not specified on the cited page.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for general campaign signage fines; check the relevant local law or infringement notice schedule with the City of Perth.[1]
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat or continuing offences are typically addressed via infringement notices, further fines, or court action; precise escalation steps are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal or seizure of signs placed without permit, orders to remove, or court proceedings for persistent breaches.
  • Enforcer and complaints: City of Perth Compliance Services (By-law Enforcement/Rangers) handles local complaints and removals; state electoral matters are handled by the Western Australian Electoral Commission for electoral advertising rules.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes or time limits depend on the notice type—requests for internal review or court appeal may apply; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page and applicants should follow the review guidance on the issuing authority's notice.
If you receive an infringement or removal notice act quickly to use the review or appeal pathway specified on the notice.

Applications & Forms

The City of Perth publishes permit or application forms for signs and hoardings where required; the form name, fee and lodging method should be confirmed on the City of Perth permits pages. If a specific application form or fee is not published on the cited page it is noted as not specified.

  • Common form: "Sign and Hoarding Permit" or equivalent — purpose: permit for signs on public land or affecting public safety; fee: not specified on the cited page; submission: online or in person as directed by the City of Perth.[1]
  • Deadlines: comply with any timing restrictions for election periods as set out by the WA Electoral Commission; exact deadlines for permit processing are not specified on the cited pages.
Keep a photo record of sign placement, date/time and nearby landmarks before installation.

Practical rules and common restrictions

  • Prohibitions on signs that obstruct footpaths, roads, sightlines or that are fixed to street trees or street furniture without permission.
  • Restrictions near intersections, on medians or on traffic control devices for safety reasons.
  • Size, height and illumination limits may apply depending on location and local planning controls.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to put up a campaign sign on a nature strip?
Yes if the strip is public land managed by the City of Perth; you must check and usually obtain a permit to erect signage on public land.
Can I place signs on private property without approval?
Signs on private property are generally allowed subject to local planning and advertising sign controls; check development or advertising sign requirements with the City of Perth.
Who should I contact to report an illegal sign?
Report to City of Perth Compliance Services for local by-law issues and to the WA Electoral Commission for alleged electoral advertising breaches.

How-To

  1. Check the City of Perth permits and signs guidance to see if the location is on public land and whether a sign permit is required.
  2. Complete the relevant sign or hoarding permit application on the City of Perth website, attach site photos and payment if a fee applies.
  3. Await approval or conditional permit; follow any placement, size, and timing conditions specified by the permit.
  4. If issued an infringement, follow the review or payment instructions on the notice promptly to preserve appeal rights.

Key Takeaways

  • Ask the City of Perth about permits for signs on public land before installation.
  • Non-compliance can lead to removal, fines or court action; exact fines may not be listed on the cited pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Permits and signage guidance
  2. [2] Western Australian Electoral Commission - Electoral advertising

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