Signage
There are many different types of signs that can be used on private and public property. Here is some guidance around what is permitted and how to go about obtaining permission.
Rules for Signage
For any private signage, you may need to get resource consent and/or building consent, depending on the size and location of the sign structure.
Contact the Council's Local Area Planning team to find out whether you are allowed a sign in your area and, if so, whether you need to get resource consent.
If you are allowed a sign in your area, contact the Building Consents and Licensing team to find out whether you will need building consent.
Building Consents and Licensing Services
Signs on Private Property
Many of the requirements for signs and structures can be found in the guidelines for resource consents. The signage rules depend on the zone you are in (for example, the Central Area, inner or outer residential areas, rural or suburban centres).
- Residential Signage Rules (64Kb PDF)
- Central Area Signage Rules (74Kb PDF)
- Resource Consents - Forms & Guidelines
- Rural Signage Rules (64Kb PDF)
- Suburban Centre Signage Rules (67Kb PDF)
City Housing
In addition to resource consent and/or building consent, if the sign is to go on City Housing property you would also need to obtain the approval of the City Housing team.
Signs on Public Property
Permanent Signs
The requirements for permanent signs on public property are the same as those for private property (including the potential need for resource and/or building consents), but in addition you need landowner consent.
Landowner consent is normally obtained through an encroachment licence, regardless of what type of public property it is on (for example, road, reserve or housing property). Encroachment licence fees may apply. Contact the Encroachments team and they will consult with the relevant Council teams.
Temporary Signs
You may need resource consent and/or building consent even if a sign is just temporary. The requirements for temporary signs on public property are covered by the following guidelines.
Guidelines for Temporary Signs in Public Places (198Kb PDF)
These guidelines include a list of contact details depending on the type of signs and their location. Signs may include real estate or commercial signs, election hoardings or other types of signs notifying the public of events (for example, sporting events, protest marches, public meetings, charity galas and fairs). As most of these signs are typically placed in the road reserve, you would need to contact the Transport group.
Sandwich boards and other types of promotional advertising used on the footpath are covered by the Council’s Footpath Management Policy and licence fees apply.
Footpaths - Pavement Permissions
Public Signage
The Council owns and maintains many different types of temporary and permanent signs on public property, each maintained by different teams in the Council.
- Traffic, driver information and parking signs (Transport)
- Parks and reserves name and information signs (Parks & Gardens)
- Facility signage including housing, pools, recreation centres, libraries (Property)
- A variety of location and information signs (various units)
Public signage is designed in a way that complies with the Council's visual identity while still meeting legislative requirements.
Related Links
- Election Hoardings Guidelines
- Encroachments
- Footpath Management Policy
- Roads and Traffic - Maintenance Programmes
- Trading in Public Places
Department Details:
Transport Group
