Event Signage Rules: City of Perth

Perth takes a safety-first approach to event signage. The City of Perth requires formal Sign Permit applications, structural certification for larger installations, and enforces time-limited approvals with real penalties for missing removal deadlines.

If you are running events in Perth's CBD or surrounding areas, here is what you need to plan for.

The Rules at a Glance

Requirement	Detail
Footpath/street signs	Sign Permit application required
Safety requirements	Must not obstruct pedestrians, block motorists' views, traffic signs, or surveillance cameras
Structural certification	Required for larger or more exposed signs (registered structural engineer)
Time limits	Event signs have time-limited approvals
Penalties	Fines for missing removal deadlines

The Sign Permit Process

Any signage placed on a footpath, street, or public area in the City of Perth requires a Sign Permit application. This applies to everything from A-frame boards to large-format banners and overhead structures.

The permit process requires you to specify:

The type and dimensions of each sign
Proposed locations with measurements
Duration of display
How the sign will be secured

Unlike some councils that offer blanket event approvals covering all signage, Perth assesses each sign type on its merits. A simple A-frame and a large mesh banner go through different levels of scrutiny.

Safety Requirements

Perth's safety requirements are straightforward but comprehensive. Your signage must not:

Obstruct pedestrians — signs cannot narrow walkways to the point where pedestrian flow is impeded, and must not create trip hazards
Block motorists' views — any sign near an intersection or driveway must maintain clear sightlines for drivers
Obscure traffic signs — your event signage cannot partially or fully block regulatory or directional traffic signs
Block surveillance cameras — the Perth CBD has an extensive CCTV network, and your signs cannot obstruct camera sightlines

That last point is unique to Perth and catches out organisers who are used to other cities. Before you position any large sign or banner, check whether there are surveillance cameras in the vicinity. If your sign blocks a camera, you will be asked to move it.

Structural Certification

For larger signs or signs in exposed locations (high wind areas, elevated positions, heavy foot traffic zones), the City of Perth requires structural certification from a registered structural engineer.

This means a qualified engineer must review your sign design and installation method and certify that it is structurally sound. This adds both time and cost to your signage plan, so identify early which signs might trigger this requirement.

As a general rule, freestanding signs above a certain height, signs with large surface areas exposed to wind, and any overhead installations will likely need certification. Check with the City of Perth's planning team if you are unsure.

Time-Limited Approvals

Event sign permits in Perth come with explicit time limits. Your approval will specify the dates during which the signage can be displayed, and these dates are not flexible.

This is different from a general "before and after the event" rule. Perth gives you specific calendar dates. If your event gets postponed or rescheduled, you may need to apply for amended approval — do not assume your existing permit transfers to new dates.

Fines for Missing Removal Deadlines

Perth does not just ask you to remove signs on time — it fines you if you do not. Missing your removal deadline can result in penalty notices, and if you leave signs up long enough, council can remove them at your expense.

This makes removal logistics just as important as installation logistics. Your signage plan should include specific removal assignments with dates and responsible personnel. "We'll get to it next week" is not a strategy that works in Perth.

Main Roads WA EVENT Signs

If your event affects traffic on roads managed by Main Roads Western Australia, you will need to comply with their EVENT sign requirements. These are standardised signs that alert motorists to upcoming events and associated traffic changes.

Main Roads WA EVENT signs follow specific design standards — you cannot substitute your own branding or custom designs. They must be placed at prescribed distances from the event location and at required intervals to give motorists adequate warning.

Coordinating Main Roads WA requirements with your City of Perth Sign Permit is an additional layer of planning. The two approvals are independent, and you need both before your signs go up.

How Signplanr Helps

Perth's permit-driven approach means documentation is everything. Every sign needs to be accounted for in your application, and every removal deadline needs to be tracked.

Signplanr lets you catalogue every sign in your event with its type, dimensions, location, and approval dates. When you apply for your Sign Permit, you can export a complete signage inventory with site maps. Once approved, each sign gets assigned to a contractor with specific installation and removal dates.

The removal deadline tracking is where Signplanr really earns its keep in Perth. Automated reminders ensure your team starts taking signs down before the deadline, not after. No missed dates, no fines.

For signs requiring structural certification, you can attach the engineer's certificate directly to the sign record in Signplanr, keeping all compliance documentation in one place.

Key Takeaways

Apply for a Sign Permit early — every sign on public land needs one
Check for surveillance cameras before positioning large signs
Budget for structural engineering certification on larger installations
Track your specific removal dates religiously — fines are real
Coordinate Main Roads WA EVENT signs as a separate workstream if traffic is affected

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Signage regulations change, and requirements may vary based on your specific event type and location. Always verify current requirements directly with the City of Perth before finalising your signage plan.