Find out about approval requirements for signage located within the road reserve, including directional, tourism, community and temporary signs and how to apply.
Definition
The road reserve includes roads, verges, footpaths, medians, intersections and the clear zone between private property and the roadway. It also includes any public land that is open and available for use (whether or not a fee is paid) between a private property and the road, including any buildings on that land.
A sign in the road reserve is any message, direction or representation displayed on a structure, board, flag, bunting, bench seat, shelter or other device, whether written or not.
Note: Traffic signs and traffic control devices are not included.
Types of road reserve signage
Direction signs for community facilities (blue directional signs);
Temporary community event signage;
Club, school and service organisation signs;
Real estate pointer (directional) signs;
Wayfinding signs; and
Temporary A-frames (in limited circumstances).
- Tourist attraction signs (white text on brown background) for:
Tourist operators;
National parks and natural features;
Conservation parks and botanic gardens;
Wineries and breweries;
Historic sites, buildings and towns; and
Lookouts, trails and tourist drives.
Service signs (white text on blue background) for:
Accommodation;
Caravan parks and camping areas;
Visitor information centres;
Public toilets;
Rest areas and parking; and
Police, hospitals, ambulance and fire services.
Estate development signs;
Industrial estate entry signs;
Bench-seat and bus-shelter advertising (managed by third-party providers);
Flags and banners;
Illuminated signs; and
Variable Message Signs (VMS) used for traffic management only (not for advertising).
Requirements and exemptions
Signage regulations help ensure that:
Signs are appropriate for their surroundings;
The visual character and amenity of an area is maintained;
Signs are not misleading or dangerous to vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
Clutter is minimised; and
Structural and public safety requirements are met.
The City aims to balance the advertising needs of businesses with community expectations for a safe and attractive environment.
Depending on the type, purpose and location of the sign, you may need:
Development (Planning) Approval is required for all signage located within the road reserve, except where the signage is exempt under the City's Local Planning Scheme or the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015, or where the City has granted approval through a lease agreement, licence, or other authorisation.
A Sign Licence is required for most permanent or structurally supported signs within the road reserve. Temporary community signage may not require a licence but must still have written approval from the City. See Signage - temporary community page.
Consent from the relevant State Government agency may be required for commercial signage and for signage located within State-controlled road reserves (ie Wanneroo Road, Ocean Reef Road etc).
All signs in the road reserve must:
Not obstruct visibility for road users;
Not interfere with or resemble traffic signs or signals;
Not be placed on roundabouts, intersections or medians (unless installed by the City or Main Roads WA);
Not be attached to trees, traffic devices or street signs;
Be structurally secure and safe for all conditions;
Be maintained in good condition throughout their display period;
Be removed promptly when no longer required; and
Have written approval from the City before installation.
Permanent public guidance signage approvals are valid for five years.
How to apply
If your sign requires Development (Planning) Approval, you will need to lodge an application with supporting documents.
Supporting documentation required:
Standard signage
- Site plan showing the location of the existing or proposed sign(s), access points, car parking areas, landscaping and the location of the proposed signage in relation to these elements. The site plan must show the setback of the sign(s) from the street, side and rear boundaries. Minimum scale: 1:200.
- Elevations of the sign(s) and/or the façade(s) of the building to which the sign will be affixed. The elevations must show the total height and width of the sign(s), the height of any supporting structures, and all proposed graphics or wording. Minimum scale: 1:100 or 1:200.
Digital signage
- The above;
- An artist or computer generated impression to scale showing the proposed development and its relationship with the surroundings;
- Information on the operation of the sign (e.g. dwell time, set on a timer, static/cinematic, luminance levels) and a maintenance schedule (as applicable);
- Visual impact assessment (where required); and
- Complaints management procedure addressing complaints relating to luminance levels and contents displayed.
Signage strategy
A signage strategy is an overall plan for a development site or structure plan area and should be submitted with an application for Development (Planning) Approval when:
- The signage relates to a subdivision or development estate which proposes more than ten lots;
- The signage relates to a display home centre; or
- The number of signs for a development site (existing and proposed) exceeds a total of four.
A signage strategy should incorporate the location, type, size and design of all existing and proposed signs, depicted on site and elevation plans. Justification should be provided on the need for the number and design of signs proposed.
To apply, choose your preferred method below and remember to submit your supporting documents along with the application form:
- Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement portal.
- Option 2 – In person: Download and complete the Application for Development (Planning) Approval PDF form below, then submit it with all supporting documentation at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
- Option 3 – By post: Download and complete the Application for Development (Planning) Approval PDF form below, then mail it with all supporting documentation to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.
Fees
Planning assessment timeframes
- Up to 60 days for most applications.
- Up to 90 days if consultation with the public or other public authority is required.
The assessment period commences once the City has received and accepted a complete application, including all required plans, supporting information and application fees.
Development (Planning) Approval, where required, must be issued before a Building Permit can be obtained.
Documents to prepare
For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe, and fees, refer to Building Permit page.
A sign licence is required for most fixed or structurally supported signs, including pylon signs, projecting signs, roof signs and illuminated signs.
Required supporting documents:
Three copies of plans drawn to a scale of not less than 1:50 showing the size, position, design and inscription, and the method of construction and fixing
Detailed structural drawings.
How to submit your application
You can submit your sign licence application:
- Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement portal.
- Option 2 – In person: With the completed Sign Licence Application Form (see below) all supporting documentation at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
- Option 3 – By mail: With the completed Sign Licence Application Form (see below) and all supporting documentation to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.
Fees
Timeframes
- Certified applications: within 10 business days
- Uncertified applications: within 25 business days
If further information is required, you will be contacted. The requested information must be provided within 21 days or within an agreed timeframe.
