Signage Bylaws: What you need to know
A revised Signage Bylaw came into effect 1 October, following consultation earlier this year.
The bylaw includes general requirements for all signage (except election signs), and has further requirements for particular types of signage including portable signage, posters, event signage and real estate signage.
Of particular note for city centre businesses are the following requirements:
- Sandwich boards and other portable signs are not permitted to be put out on footpaths and other public spaces in the City Centre. This rule has been in place for a number of years, and is due to the high volumes of foot traffic, where signage would be a potential obstacle for pedestrians, as well as adding to unnecessary clutter in the street.
- There are also requirements for the amount of signage in windows. This is dependent on the location of the building and definition under the Proposed Unitary Plan
In addition, the Public Nuisance and Safety Bylaw, stipulates
- The bylaw requires building numbering to be clearly obvious from the street. Numbers of premises must be maintained by the owner, manager or occupier in a manner that clearly identifies the premises. Characters must be not less than 75 mm in height for residential buildings and not less than 150 mm in height for all other buildings.
Detailed information about the Public Safety and Nuisance bylaw can be read here.
If you have any questions or require further clarification about the Bylaw and what that may mean for your business please contact us on info@hotcity.co.nz, or alternatively contact Council who are responsible for enforcing the bylaws on 09 301 0101.
