Perth Temporary Structure Bylaws - City Planning

Events and Special Uses Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia requires approvals for many temporary structures used for events, construction sites and commercial activities on public land. This guide explains when planning or building approval may be needed, which City departments enforce rules, how enforcement and appeals work, and practical steps organisers and property owners should take to reduce risk and meet compliance.

When approvals are required

Temporary structures include marquees, stages, temporary fencing, grandstands, kiosks, pop-up retail, and some signage. Requirements depend on location (public land, private property, or road reserves), size, duration and safety factors such as crowd loads, fire exits and anchoring. Seek advice from City of Perth planning or events officers early.

Contact the City early—permissions and safety checks take time.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unapproved temporary structures is carried out by the City of Perth planning and compliance teams; contact details and permit guidance are on the City events and approvals page[1]. Specific penalty amounts and fixed fines are not specified on the cited page.

  • Enforcer: City of Perth Planning, Events and Compliance officers and authorised by-law officers.
  • Complaint and inspection pathway: report to the City of Perth via the official contact or events permit pages; inspections follow reported concerns and scheduled approvals.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; refer to the controlling local law or specific permit conditions for amounts.
  • Escalation: City may issue notices to comply, infringement notices, removal orders, and pursue prosecution through the courts for continuing breaches; detailed escalation steps and monetary ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal of the structure, works orders, suspension of permits for repeat offenders, and orders to make safe or restore the site.
  • Appeals and review: appeals generally follow the review or appeal routes set out in the City decision notice or the Planning and Development Act where applicable; specific time limits for lodging appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Unapproved temporary structures risk removal and owner liability for costs.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes event permit and approvals guidance on its events and permits pages; details about specific application forms, fees and statutory deadlines are not specified on the cited page and applicants should request the current application form and fee schedule from the City permit team.[1]

  • Typical form: Event Permit or Temporary Structure Permit (name or number not specified on the cited page).
  • Submission: usually online or by email to the City events or planning team; confirm via the City contact page.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page; request current fee schedule from the City.

Typical compliance steps for organisers

  • Plan early: allow several weeks for permits, insurance and inspections.
  • Apply: submit the event or temporary structure application with site plans and risk assessments.
  • Provide evidence: submit structural certificates, engineering details, and public liability insurance as required.
  • Comply with conditions: meet any safety, noise, waste and traffic management conditions imposed by the City.

Common violations

  • Unauthorised erection of marquees and stages without permit.
  • Obstruction of footpaths, roadways or public reserves.
  • Failure to provide required structural or safety documentation.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit for a temporary marquee?
Not always; it depends on size, location and duration. Small private marquees on private property may not need a City permit but public land or events normally require approval.
How long does approval take?
Timelines vary; organisers should contact the City of Perth planning or events team as early as possible to confirm required lodgement periods and processing times.
What happens if I erect a structure without approval?
The City may issue a compliance notice, require removal, levy costs for removal and may issue fines or commence prosecution where appropriate.

How-To

  1. Assess the site and determine whether the structure is on public land, private land or a road reserve.
  2. Contact City of Perth planning or events officers to confirm permit requirements and obtain the correct application form.
  3. Prepare supporting documents: site plan, structural certification, insurance, and traffic or crowd management plans as required.
  4. Submit the application with fees and respond to any City requests for further information or safety conditions.
  5. Arrange inspections or provide certificates to demonstrate compliance before the event or occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • Engage the City early to identify permit requirements and avoid removal or fines.
  • Provide engineering and safety evidence for larger temporary structures.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Events, permits and filming guidance

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