Perth Signage Permits & Fees - City Bylaws

Land Use and Zoning Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia businesses and property owners must follow city planning rules before installing advertising signs or other permanent or temporary signage. This guide explains which office enforces signage controls, the application and fee pathways, likely penalties and how to apply or appeal. Use the official City of Perth planning pages for current application forms and local requirements when preparing a development or signage submission.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Perth is the local enforcement authority for advertising signs and related planning controls; specific enforcement instruments and fees are detailed on the city planning pages.[1]

  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence details are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions may include compliance notices, removal orders, or prosecution in the Magistrates Court where local law is breached; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Enforcer: City of Perth Planning Services and By-law Enforcement teams handle inspections and complaints; see the city contact pages for how to report an issue.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and statutory time limits are not specified on the cited page; planning decisions may be subject to review under state planning or tribunal processes and should be confirmed with the city.

Common violations and typical outcomes:

  • Unauthorised advertising signs on private property - may attract removal orders or fines (amounts not specified on the cited page).[1]
  • Temporary signs placed in public spaces without permit - subject to seizure or removal and possible penalty (not specified on the cited page).[1]
  • Illuminated or projecting signs exceeding approved dimensions - enforcement action or requirement to modify or remove (penalties not specified on the cited page).[1]

Applications & Forms

Development or sign applications usually proceed through the City of Perth planning or development application streams; specific form names, application numbers and published fees are provided on the city website and in the related planning policy documents.[1]

Apply early to allow time for planning assessment.

How applications are typically assessed

  • Pre-application advice and checklist review by planning staff.
  • Assessment against local planning scheme, local laws and any adopted signage policy.
  • Referral to engineering or traffic sections if the sign affects sightlines or the public realm.

Action steps

  • Check the City of Perth signage and planning pages for the correct application form and fee.[1]
  • Prepare scaled plans, elevations, photographs and a site plan showing sign position.
  • Pay the applicable application fee as stated on the city fee schedule.
  • Submit the application online or to the planning counter and keep records of lodgement and payment.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit for a sign in Perth?
Not always; some temporary or small signs may be exempt, but whether a permit is required depends on location, size and sign type—check the City of Perth planning pages for exemptions and rules.[1]
How long does approval take?
Timelines vary by application complexity and whether referrals are required; exact processing times are not specified on the cited page.[1]
Who do I contact about an unauthorised sign?
Report unauthorised signs to the City of Perth By-law Enforcement or Planning Services via the city contact pages.[1]

How-To

  1. Identify whether your sign is a development application or a complying signage permit by consulting the city signage guidance.
  2. Gather required documents: site plan, elevations, materials, lighting details and photos of the proposed location.
  3. Complete the official application form and pay the published fee to the City of Perth.
  4. Respond to any requests for more information from planning officers and obtain written approval before installing the sign.

Key Takeaways

  • Check City of Perth guidance early to determine if a permit is needed.
  • Applications require plans, fees and may need referrals; prepare documentation before lodgement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Planning and development

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data