Perth Sign Permit Rules - City Bylaws

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

Introduction

Perth, Western Australia property owners and businesses must follow local sign and advertising rules to avoid fines, removal orders and delays to development. This guide explains how signage is regulated within the City of Perth area, who enforces the rules, typical application steps, common breaches, and where to get forms and help. It focuses on practical steps you can take when proposing a shopfront sign, freestanding sign, hoarding or illuminated display.

What counts as a sign or advertising structure

Local rules usually cover temporary signs, fascia signs, projecting signs, roof signs, freestanding signs, hoardings and promotional banners; verandah and awning signage is also commonly regulated. Check street frontage, size, location and illumination limits in your local planning policy before you design or install a sign.

Confirm permitted sign types with the planning team before ordering fabrication.

Approvals required

Most permanent or illuminated signs require development approval or a planning permit from the City of Perth (or the relevant local government) and may also need a building permit if the sign involves structural work or electrical wiring. Temporary and small-scale signs may be exempt under local planning policies but may still be subject to conditions.

  • Check the local planning policy for advertising signs and any exemptions.
  • Obtain a building permit for structural or electrical works tied to the sign.
  • Provide scaled plans, elevations and a site plan showing setback and visibility to traffic.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the City of Perth’s compliance or ranger services and the Planning/Development compliance team; if a sign breaches local laws the city can issue notices, require removal, issue infringement fines or commence prosecution. Specific penalty amounts and penalty units are set out in the applicable local law or planning instrument; where a precise monetary amount is not published on the city guidance pages linked in Resources, the page states "not specified on the cited page" and you should contact the compliance team for current figures.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; check the City of Perth local laws or contact compliance for current penalties.
  • Escalation: councils commonly apply higher fines or court action for repeat or continuing offences; the city guidance pages should be consulted for exact escalation rules.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, remedial directions, building orders, seizure of unauthorised signs and prosecution are typical powers.
  • Enforcer and complaints: the City of Perth Compliance/Planning Enforcement team handles inspections and complaints; see Resources for reporting contact details.
  • Appeals/reviews: decisions on development approvals may be reviewed through the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) or through council review processes; statutory time limits apply to appeals and vary by instrument, so confirm time limits with the city.
Keep records of approvals and correspondence to support an appeal or review.

Applications & Forms

Application names and forms vary by project and may include a Development Application for advertising signs and a separate building or electrical permit if required. If a specific form or fee is not listed on the Council page indicated in Resources, the page states "not specified on the cited page" and applicants should contact Planning Services.

  • Typical application: Development Application for Advertising Signage; check the planning portal or council forms page for the current application form and lodgement method.
  • Fees: development application and building/electrical permit fees may apply; amounts are published on the council fees schedule or are "not specified on the cited page" if not listed.
  • Deadlines: response and assessment times vary; allow several weeks for assessment and public notification where required.
Some small temporary signs may be exempt but still require compliance with safety rules.

Common violations

  • Unauthorised illuminated signs or roof-mounted signs.
  • Signs that obstruct footpaths, vehicle sightlines or public ways.
  • Failure to obtain development approval for a permanent or long-term sign.
  • Unauthorised structural attachments or unsafe installations.

Action steps

  • Step 1: Check the City of Perth advertising signs policy or local planning policy for permitted sign types and exemptions.
  • Step 2: Prepare plans and specifications showing size, materials, mounting and illumination details.
  • Step 3: Lodge a Development Application and any required building or electrical permit with the City.
  • Step 4: Pay applicable fees and respond to any information requests from planning officers.
  • Step 5: If ordered to remove or modify a sign, comply promptly or seek review/appeal within the statutory time limit.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit for a business sign?
Not always; small temporary signs or certain advertising devices can be exempt under local planning policy, but most permanent or illuminated signs require development approval and possibly a building permit.
How long does approval take?
Assessment times vary by complexity and whether public notification is required; allow several weeks and contact Planning Services for estimates.
Who inspects signs for safety?
Building surveyors or council compliance officers inspect structural and electrical safety aspects when required.
How do I report an unauthorised sign?
Report unauthorised signs to the City of Perth compliance or ranger services using the contact or report-a-problem channels listed in Resources.

How-To

  1. Check the City of Perth advertising signs policy and confirm whether the sign is permitted or requires approval.
  2. Prepare scaled drawings, a site plan, mounting details and any electrical documentation.
  3. Lodge a Development Application with the City of Perth and submit any required building or electrical permit applications.
  4. Pay fees, supply additional information if requested, and arrange any required inspections after installation.

Key Takeaways

  • Most permanent or illuminated signs need development approval and may need a building permit.
  • Contact City of Perth Planning or Compliance early to confirm requirements.
  • Non-compliance can lead to removal orders, fines or prosecution.

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