Perth Sign Inspection & Removal - Council Bylaws

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

Perth, Western Australia property owners and advertisers must follow council rules on signs and advertising. This article explains how City of Perth officers inspect signs, issue removal or rectification orders, complaint and inspection pathways, and practical steps to comply or appeal. It summarises likely outcomes, common breaches, and where to find official forms and contacts so you can act quickly if a sign on your property is targeted by enforcement.

Overview of Council powers and process

Local government officers use planning controls and local laws to manage advertising devices, hoardings and temporary signs. For details on application requirements, exemptions and design standards see the City of Perth advertising and signage guidance [1]. Routine inspections may be proactive or complaint-driven and can result in notices requiring removal or modification.

Check the City of Perth guidance before installing or altering a sign.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement varies by instrument: some matters are handled under the City of Perth planning rules, others under local laws or the Local Government Act. Where the official page lists monetary penalties or specific offence clauses, those are included; where not listed, the text states that the figure or detail is not specified on the cited page.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for advertising controls; see the City of Perth guidance for process details [1].
  • Escalation: first offences, repeat offences and continuing offences amounts or daily penalties are not specified on the cited guidance and depend on the enabling local law or planning condition.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, rectification notices, seizure or court action can be applied where a sign breaches a notice or unapproved development.
  • Enforcer and complaints: City of Perth compliance and planning officers handle inspections and notices; to report unsafe or unlawful signage use the council reporting page [2].
  • Appeal and review: appeal routes depend on the instrument (planning decision review or local law prosecution); specific time limits are not specified on the cited guidance pages and will be set out in the notice or the enabling legislation.
  • Defences and discretion: permits, retrospective approvals or a reasonable excuse may be considered; officers have discretion depending on site, safety and planning context.
If you receive an order act promptly and seek the notice text for appeal time limits.

Common violations

  • Unauthorised freestanding signs, sandwich boards or banners without approval.
  • Signs affixed to public infrastructure or footpaths without permit.
  • Oversized billboards or illuminated signs breaching planning conditions.
  • Failure to comply with a removal or rectification notice.

Applications & Forms

The City of Perth publishes application requirements for advertising devices on its planning pages; where a specific application form or fee appears on the official page it should be used. If no specific form or fee is listed for a particular category, the official page notes "not specified on the cited page" and you must contact planning staff for guidance [1].

Action steps for recipients of a removal or inspection order

  • Read the notice carefully for compliance steps and any deadlines.
  • Check whether the sign was permitted; locate the planning decision or permit reference.
  • Contact the City of Perth compliance or planning team immediately via the council reporting page to request clarification or lodge a response [2].
  • If you dispute the notice, request the grounds in writing and note appeal time limits on the notice.
  • Pay any required fees or remove the sign within the specified time to avoid escalation.
Keep photographic records and correspondence when responding to a notice.

FAQ

Do I always need approval for a sign in Perth?
Not always; some temporary or business identification signs may be exempt, but many advertising devices require planning approval or a permit—check the City of Perth advertising and signage guidance [1].
What happens if I ignore a removal order?
Consequences can include fines, further compliance action or court proceedings; specific penalty amounts are not specified on the cited guidance page and depend on the controlling instrument.
How do I appeal a notice?
Appeal routes depend on whether the notice arises from a planning decision or a local law; the notice or the relevant instrument will set appeal procedures and time limits—contact the City of Perth for the exact process [2].

How-To

  1. Read the enforcement notice and note the compliance deadline.
  2. Gather evidence: permit numbers, photos, and any prior approvals.
  3. Contact City of Perth compliance or planning officers to discuss options and whether a retrospective approval is possible [2].
  4. Apply for retrospective approval if appropriate or arrange removal within the stated deadline.
  5. If refused or prosecuted, follow the appeal pathway stated in the notice or seek a formal review.

Key Takeaways

  • Check City of Perth guidance before installing or changing signage to avoid enforcement [1].
  • If you receive an order, act quickly and contact council using the official reporting channel [2].

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