Under Council's local laws all signs require a sign licence (unless specifically exempted). In addition to this, signs may also require a planning application unless exempted under the Town Planning Scheme.

DIRECTIONAL SIGNS WITHIN ROAD RESERVES

Background

It is Council’s Policy that it will coordinate a systematic approach for the provision of advertising signs to ensure a better signage standard and control.

There are a number of Australian Standard’s that specify where directional signs may be permitted and these will be used in order to determine whether an application for this form of signage may be permitted. The types of businesses and activities that may be allowed directional signage are limited to ensure that the number of direction signs do not become too numerous. This assists in avoiding sign proliferation resulting in visual pollution, ineffective signage and possible traffic problems.

Applications for directional signs will be considered for the following uses:

• Community based facilities such as libraries, public recreational facilities, hospitals and medical facilities.
• Shopping Centres and Commercial/Industrial precincts.
• Public reserves, parks and the like.
• Places of interest, such as historical sites and natural formations.
• Tourist based businesses including large scale accommodation.

Where it is proposed to erect a directional sign within a road reserve that is under the care and control of the Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA), application details will be forwarded to MRWA (Bunbury Office) for assessment and comment prior to an application being approved by Council’s Development Services.

The cost of fabrication and erection of each sign will be quoted and included with a letter of approval. The maintenance of the sign is to be at the expense of the applicant including any damage caused by vandalism and the like. If the sign is not maintained to a satisfactory standard or if the nature of the facility changes, Council may require that the sign be removed.

Generally, only one sign per business or activity will be permitted. However up to a maximum of three (3) signs may be considered depending on the location and nature of the property or area that it is serving.

Where a number of businesses or activities occur on a particular property, Council may insist that directional signs be consolidated into the one sign to represent all the interested groups. This practice may be extended to where directional signs already exist and an additional sign or signs are proposed.

The Application

An application for a directional sign shall be made on the attached form and should include the following information:

• Two copies of a location plan indicating the desired position of the proposed sign(s)
• A fee of $40 is payable upon application.

Approval

On written advice of approval of the application, payment is to be submitted to the City in order for the fabrication and erection of the sign(s).

PUBLIC INTEREST SIGNS

What are they?

Public Interest Signs are temporary signs that advertise events within the City of Mandurah. To classify the sign as being of ‘public interest’ it must advertise an event that is of interest to a large portion of the community as a whole. The following are typical examples of ‘public interest’ events:

• Church Fetes
• Arts and Crafts show
• Car Shows
• Major Sporting Events
• Festivals
• Community Markets (for charity)

An ‘event’ that is primarily for commercial gain does not constitute ‘public interest’. For example, a house auction or a stock clearance sale.

Signs shall not depict any information relating to an election campaign for any position in Local Government, Federal or State Parliament.

Do I need Council permission to put up signs?

You will need Council approval to display 'public interest' signs.

How do I apply for permission?

You will need to complete the attached application form for 'Public Interest Signs' and return it to Council's Ranger Services section with the following information:

1. An overall location plan indicating the positioning of the signs.
2. A drawing of a typical sign showing its size and the wording to be placed on the sign.
3. An indication of how the sign is to be fixed in position.

It is advisable to apply for the signs at least two (2) weeks prior to the event taking place to allow Council officers to assess the suitability of the signs and their locations.

Where signs are proposed to be placed on land under the care and control of Main Roads Western Australia, approval from this authority must also be obtained. This is generally sought after Council’s permission has first been obtained. For more information, contact Main Roads Western Australia’s Bunbury office on (08) 9725 5677.

How many signs are allowed?

The number of signs is assessed by Council officers in relation to the nature of the function/event and criteria such as visual amenity, signage clutter and clear sight lines for pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

What does it cost?

Council does not charge an application fee for ‘public interest signs’.

How your application is assessed by council

Your application will be assessed by Council based on the following criteria (as per Council Policy Section VIII, Clause 3.2):

1. The maximum duration of time for the signs to remain in position is 10 days. For events held on a regular basis, eg. monthly, signs may only be displayed 3 days prior to the event.
2. The sign writing shall be of a professional standard and quality.
3. The signs are to be positioned so that they do not present a danger to pedestrians or do not cause interference with traffic sight lines.
4. The size of the sign(s) does not exceed 2 metres long by 1 metre high, although variations to these dimensions may be approved if considered appropriate.
5. The signs are not to be tied or secured to light poles.

For further information on ‘Public Interest signs’ contact Council’s Ranger Services section on (08) 9550 3630.