Temporary signs and banners

When is approval needed?

You must apply for council approval if you wish to:

• place signs on council property, poles, or fixtures
• install temporary banners to promote an event

Note: You also need to provide written permission if you plan to place signs on land owned or managed by another agency (e.g., SA Power Networks, Department for Infrastructure and Transport).

Conditions for Temporary Signs and Banners

If approval is granted, you must comply with the following conditions:

1. Size:

• maximum total sign area: 2 square metres per site
• larger signs require development approval

2. Display period:

• signs can be displayed no more than one month before and one week after the event

3. Design and appearance:

• signs must be well designed, professional, and in good condition
• signs must not move, flash, reflect light, or be internally lit
• signs must be securely attached and flat against surfaces

4. Safety and visibility:

• signs must not obstruct motorists’ vision or create hazards for pedestrians
• signs must not be attached to trees, plants, shrubs, or anything that could cause damage to Council property

5. Content:

• wording must be appropriate. Offensive, defamatory, abusive, sexist, racist, illegal, or pornographic content will not be approved

6. Installation and removal:

• you are responsible for safely installing, maintaining, and removing the sign
• no disruption to traffic is allowed during installation or removal

7. Liability and responsibility:

• you must hold public liability insurance of at least $20 million and provide proof to Council before approval is granted
• you are fully responsible for any injury, damage, or loss caused by your sign
• council may remove any unauthorised or unsafe signs and recover removal costs from you.

To apply for a Temporary Signs and Banners Permit, you must submit:

• a completed application form
• a site location plan showing where you want to place the sign(s)
• proof of $20 million public liability insurance
• if using non-Council land, written permission from the property owner

Do not install any sign until you have received written approval from council.

Banners are not to be displayed for a continuous period of more than one month and 2 days in any 12-month period.

Some signs do not require Council approval, such as:

• real estate open inspection signs.
• garage sale signs on residential premises.
• charitable event direction signs.

These are regulated under other Council By-Laws or the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act.

To apply for a Temporary Signs and Banners Permit, please complete the online application form