Report Illegal Signs in Perth - City Bylaws
Perth, Western Australia has rules controlling signs, posters and other advertising on public land and private property; residents can report illegal signs to the city for removal. This guide explains who enforces signage rules in Perth, how to make a compliant report with evidence, what sanctions or orders may follow, and practical steps to follow so the city can act promptly.
What counts as an illegal sign
Illegal signs commonly include posters attached to street furniture, unauthorised billboards, A-frames blocking footpaths, and fly-posting on private or public buildings without a valid permit. Signs that create a safety hazard, obscure traffic signage, or breach planning approvals are also actionable.
Who enforces sign rules
Enforcement is usually carried out by the City of Perth rangers or by-law enforcement officers and by planning or compliance staff for signs requiring development approval. To report a sign or request investigation, contact the City of Perth ranger and compliance service via the council contact pages.[1]
Penalties & Enforcement
The City of Perth enforces sign controls through local laws and planning rules, and may issue directions or removal notices, infringement notices, and court proceedings where necessary. Exact fine amounts for unauthorised signs are not consistently listed on the City of Perth enforcement overview and therefore are not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Enforcer: City of Perth ranger and compliance officers and planning compliance teams.
- Orders: removal notices and compliance directions can be issued requiring removal or rectification.
- Fines: not specified on the cited page; refer to the relevant local law or the Local Government Act for maximum penalties.[2]
- Seizure: items may be removed and stored pending owner collection where authorised by law.
- Court action: persistent breaches can be prosecuted in court under local law or planning legislation.
Escalation and repeat offences: the city may issue infringement notices for initial breaches and increase enforcement for continuing or repeat offences; specific monetary escalation levels are not specified on the cited City of Perth pages or enforcement overview.[1]
Appeals and reviews
Appeal or review routes depend on the notice type: administrative review requests or merits review may be available for planning decisions, while infringement notices usually have a formal process and time limits stated on the notice itself. Time limits for appealing enforcement notices are not specified on the cited City page and must be checked on the notice or the relevant local law or legislation.[1]
Defences and discretion
Defences can include valid permits, emergency signage, or compliance with conditions of development approval. Officers have discretion to consider evidence of authorisation or reasonable excuse when deciding whether to issue a notice.
Applications & Forms
The City of Perth provides permit and application pages for advertising signs and banners. Specific application form names, numbers, fees and lodgement instructions for sign permits are not specified on the general enforcement and ranger pages; check the City of Perth planning or permits pages for the current sign permit application and fee schedule.[1]
How to report an illegal sign
Provide clear, dated evidence and exact location details to help officers act quickly. Use the City of Perth reporting portal or ranger contact forms where available; include contact details so officers can follow up if needed.[1]
- Take clear photos (wide and close-up) showing the sign, street number or nearby landmark.
- Note date, time and any vehicle registration if the sign is vehicle-mounted.
- Use the City of Perth online report form or contact the ranger service directly to submit evidence and location.
- Attach any permit or approval you believe applies, or note absence of a permit.
FAQ
- How quickly will the city remove an illegal sign?
- The response time varies by urgency, hazard and workload; the City of Perth does not publish a specific guaranteed removal timeframe on its public enforcement pages.
- Can I remove a sign myself?
- Removing a sign on private property without owner consent can create liability; do not remove signs on private land unless authorised. For signs on public land, the city may remove them and retain items according to local law.
- Will I be told the outcome of my report?
- The city may contact you for follow-up if you provide contact details, but specific notification practices are not detailed on the general reporting pages.
How-To
- Photograph the sign: wide shot for location and close-up showing text or attachments.
- Record details: address or nearest intersection, date, time and any vehicle details.
- Report online: use the City of Perth report or ranger service page and upload photos and location information.[1]
- Keep records: save copies of your report and any incident numbers or reply from the city.
- Follow up: if the sign is not addressed in a reasonable time, contact the council compliance team or request an update using the reference number.
Key Takeaways
- Provide clear photos and exact location to speed enforcement.
- Contact City of Perth ranger and compliance services to lodge reports.
- Check for permits before assuming a sign is illegal; permits and approvals may apply.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Perth contact and report pages
- City of Perth planning and development information
- Local Government Act 1995 (WA)