Temporary signs
If you’re unsure whether a location is public or private, you can refer to boundary lines on our Property web map , or, you can contact us at streetactivities@wcc.govt.nz, and we will be happy to look it up for you.
On private property
Generally, you do not need Council permission to put up signage on private property, as this is 'permitted as of right'. You just need permission from the property owner.
Examples of signage commonly placed on private property include real estate signs, election signs, and construction signs.
For some private-property, locations you may have to get permission from both the Council and landowner because of the zone the sign is in, for example, city or residential areas, rural or suburban centres. If you’re unsure, please contact busrcmonitoring@wcc.govt.nz.
On public property
Real estate signage
Council strictly prohibits real estate signage of any kind (including open home picket signs) to be placed on public land or assets, for example, fences, poles, roadside berms, etc. Real estate signage must always be placed on private property.
If your for-sale home has no street visibility, we will consider granting an exception. To find out more, please contact streetactivities@wcc.govt.nz.
General commercial signage
Council does not allow commercial-advertising signage on public land or assets. If you wish to put up signage to advertise your business, it must be placed on private property.
Alternatively, you could contact Phantom Billstickers or Shout Media to pay for billboard advertising, or you could apply for a sandwich board license to place a single sign onto the public footpath. Conditions apply.
Non-profit/community event signage
If you wish to advertise your non-profit or community event (e.g., fundraiser, book fair, pop-up market, etc.), you may put up temporary signage:
- only after obtaining a Council-issued permit; and,
- only at Council’s approved signage sites (you may select up to seven).
View Community signage sites map (non-election) (9.4MB PDF)
When we approve your application, we will provide you with clear instructions on where your signs can be put up.
Apply online - Temporary signage permit
For more information on our signage rules, please refer to our Guidelines for temporary signs in public places (149KB PDF)