Perth Sign Licence Applications - City Bylaws

Signs and Advertising Western Australia 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia businesses and property owners must follow local sign and advertising rules when installing signs in public view or on private property. This guide explains which City of Perth teams generally handle sign licence and development approval enquiries, the typical application pathway, enforcement and penalties, and practical action steps to get approval or resolve compliance issues.

Who handles sign licences

Sign licence and development approval for signage are normally handled through the City of Perth planning and development team or the local laws/compliance unit for unauthorised signs. For an initial application, contact the City of Perth planning approvals area for guidance on whether a development approval, building approval or a separate permit is required. [1]

Contact planning early to confirm whether your sign needs a development approval.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces sign and advertising rules under its planning regulations and local laws. Specific monetary penalties, daily penalties for continuing offences, and exact escalation for repeat offences are not specified on the cited page for signage and must be confirmed with the council or in the relevant local law text.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; check the council local law schedules for penalty unit values.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatment not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove or alter signage, seizure or impoundment of unauthorised signs, and court action may be used by the council.
  • Enforcer: City of Perth planning compliance and local laws officers; use the council complaints/contact channels to report or seek inspection.[1]
  • Appeals/review: the cited guidance does not specify appeal time limits or routes; confirm time limits and appeal rights with the decision notice or council.
  • Defences/discretion: exemptions, approved variances, and approved development consents are typical defences where available; details are not specified on the cited page.
If your sign is unauthorised, the council may order its removal.

Applications & Forms

The City of Perth publishes application guidance for signs and advertising; exact form names, form numbers and published fees for sign licences or development approvals are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with planning approvals or via the City of Perth online services.[1]

  • Typical form: development application for signage or planning approval form - specific form number not specified on the cited page.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page; fees may vary by sign type, size and whether a development application is required.
  • Submission: usually via the City of Perth online portal or in person at planning counter; check the council site for the current process.
  • Deadlines: any statutory timeframes or notification periods are not specified on the cited page.
Always confirm required forms and fees with the planning approvals team before ordering or installing a sign.

Practical action steps

  • Check whether your sign is classed as exempt, permitted or requires development approval with City of Perth planning.[1]
  • Prepare site plans, elevations, and technical details required for any application.
  • Obtain fee details and lodge the correct application through the City of Perth portal or planning counter.
  • If inspected or ordered to remove, contact the council immediately to discuss compliance options or review rights.

FAQ

Who decides whether my proposed sign needs a licence or development approval?
The City of Perth planning and development team determines whether a sign needs development approval or a permit; check with planning approvals for your property and sign type.
How do I apply for a sign licence?
Lodge a development application or planning enquiry with the City of Perth and supply required plans and details; the specific form name and fees should be confirmed with the council.
What happens if I put up a sign without approval?
The council can issue compliance notices, require removal, impose fines or take court action; exact fines and timeframes are not specified on the cited signage page.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether your sign is exempt or requires approval by contacting City of Perth planning.
  2. Gather drawings, site plan, materials and any technical reports needed for the application.
  3. Complete and lodge the development application or planning permit form via the City of Perth online portal or planning counter.
  4. Pay the application fee as advised by the council and respond to any information requests during assessment.
  5. If approved, follow any consent conditions and display approvals as required; if refused, ask the council about internal review or next steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact City of Perth planning early to confirm approval needs.
  • Fees and fines vary and are not specified on the public signage guidance page; confirm with the council.
  • Unauthorised signs can lead to removal orders and other enforcement action.

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