Perth Public Art Approval - City Bylaws

Parks and Public Spaces Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026

Perth, Western Australia requires public art proposals on City-managed land to follow municipal approval processes, planning rules and public-safety standards. This guide explains who enforces the rules, how to apply for permission or a licence to occupy public land, typical assessment checkpoints, and the paths to resolve disputes or appeals when a proposal is refused. It covers permits, forms, timelines and practical steps for artists, community groups and property managers seeking to install murals, sculptures and temporary artworks in parks, streets and public spaces in the City of Perth.

Scope & When Approvals Are Required

Approvals are normally required when an artwork is proposed for placement on or attached to City-managed public land, when the installation alters public streetscapes, or when temporary occupation or works are needed. Planning approval may also be required where the project affects heritage places, vegetation, or public utilities. For City-managed land applications and licence requirements see the City of Perth guidance^[1]. For permits to use public land, road verges or footpaths see the City of Perth permits and licences information^[2].

Check City-managed land status early—private land rules differ.

Key Steps in the Approval Process

Prepare a site plan, design statement, materials list and maintenance plan.
Identify approvals needed: public-land licence, development approval, or heritage consent.
Submit applications to the City’s planning or cultural services team and allow statutory assessment time.
Arrange insurances and risk assessments; provide evidence of public liability cover.
Schedule installation inspections and obtain any necessary road-opening or traffic management permits.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces compliance under its local laws, permit conditions and planning approvals. Specific monetary penalties for unauthorised works or breaches are set out in the City of Perth local laws and related permit conditions on the City website; where a fine amount or scale is not published on the cited City pages, it is stated below as not specified on the cited page.

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the City of Perth local laws and permit conditions for exact figures.^[1]
Escalation: first versus repeat or continuing offences — not specified on the cited page; enforcement may include infringement notices, further penalties or orders to remediate.
Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work directions, remedial notices, or prosecution in court are possible under City powers.
Enforcer and complaints: By-law and compliance officers within the City of Perth administer permits and investigate breaches; contact details and complaint pathways are on the City contact pages.^[2]
Appeals and review: where a development or permit refusal is issued the review route may be internal review, appeal to the State Administrative Tribunal, or judicial review; time limits are not specified on the cited City pages and should be confirmed with the City or legal adviser.
Defences and discretion: permits, variances or retrospective applications can be sought; reasonable excuse and compliance steps may be considered by officers.

If you are unsure whether an approval is needed, contact City officers before starting work.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes application guidance and forms for use of public land, licences to occupy, and development applications. Specific form names and fees are provided on the City’s permits and planning web pages; if a named form or fee is not listed on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page.

Typical form: application for licence to occupy or use City land (name/number not specified on the cited page).
Fees: fee amounts are published for specific permit types on the City site or the City fee schedule; where a fee is not shown it is not specified on the cited page.
Submission: online application via the City’s planning and permits portal or by contacting the City’s service centre; deadlines depend on event/timing requirements.

Practical Assessment Criteria

Design quality, public amenity impact and maintenance obligations.
Public safety, structural integrity and compliance with engineering standards.
Heritage and environmental protections for sensitive sites.
Duration and temporal conditions for temporary installations.

Prepare photographic mock-ups and a maintenance budget to speed approval.

Action Steps

Step 1: Confirm site ownership and whether the land is City-managed; contact the City early.
Step 2: Collate design, engineering, safety and insurance documents for the application.
Step 3: Lodge the application and pay applicable fees; allow for neighbour and heritage consultation if required.
Step 4: If refused, seek reasons, request internal review, or consider appeal options within the statutory timeframes.

FAQ

Do I need approval to paint a mural on a public building?: Yes, if the building is City-owned or the mural affects public land or heritage fabric you will need to apply to the City for permission and possibly a development approval.
How long does an approval take?: Assessment times vary by project complexity and may include statutory consultation; the City’s planning pages list typical lodgement and processing guidance.
Can I apply for retrospective approval?: Retrospective applications may be considered but do not guarantee avoidance of enforcement; consult the City promptly if work is already undertaken.
Who pays for removal if the City orders removal?: The applicant or land occupier is typically responsible for removal costs under permit conditions or remedial orders unless the City directs otherwise.

How-To

Confirm whether the site is City-managed and identify the specific permit or licence required.
Gather design drawings, engineering reports, maintenance and insurance documentation.
Complete the City application form for use of public land or development application as required and pay applicable fees.
Respond to City requests for information, attend any required inspections, and comply with permit conditions during installation.
If refused, request reasons in writing, consider an internal review, and seek external appeal options if eligible.

Keep formal correspondence and all receipts in case of dispute or appeal.

Key Takeaways

Early contact with City officers reduces delays and clarifies required approvals.
Multiple approvals may be needed: public-land licence, planning consent and heritage clearance.
Non-compliance can lead to orders, removal and fines; exact penalties should be checked with the City.