Council has rules for signage around the city, including where and how you can display signs.
A sign is defined as ‘any display or device whether or not placed on land or affixed to a building, stationary vehicle or structure, intended to attract attention for the purposes of directing, identifying, informing, or advertising, and which is visible from a public place’.
Rules for signage on private property (including temporary and permanent signage) are found in chapter 4 of the City Plan. The rules of the City Plan not only control the size of a sign, but the placement within the site.
City Plan online
Building consent requirements
A sign doesn't require a building consent if no single face of the sign is over 6 square metres, and it is no higher than 3 metres above supporting ground level.
A sign with no restriction on size or height above the supporting ground as long as the design of the sign, including mounting and any foundation details, has been carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer.
MBIE exempt building work guidance
Event roadside signs
Roadside signs can be booked by community groups to promote local community events. Bookings at each location are subject to availability and are on a first come, first served basis. Both frames and sites book out quickly so we recommend early bookings.
Book a roadside sign
It should be noted that where a sign is over two metres in height, it will qualify as a ‘building’ and will be subject to the setback requirements applying to the zone in which it is located. In residential zones, rural-residential zones and rural zones, there is also a requirement for signage to relate only to the activities located on that site. City Plan rules relating to signage within the road zone, open space zones and education centre zones are also found in chapter 4 of the City Plan.
Signage in public places is covered by Tauranga’s Street Use and Public Places Bylaw.
Street Use and Public Places Bylaw
Breaches
Breaches of signage rules in public spaces and on private property should be reported to Council.
Report a signage breach
City Plan and Street Use and Public Places Bylaw control
Real estate signs
Real estate signs, including flags attached to vehicles advertising open homes or auctions, may only be placed directly outside the property to which the signage refers. Signs should be as close to the street front boundary of that property as practicable. They can be displayed while the property is on the market and shall be removed no later than two weeks after the property has been sold. Refer to the City Plan Rule 4D.2. above.
Real estate ‘open home’ and ‘auction’ signs are permitted in public places* for a period of no longer than three hours prior to and during the open home or auction event. There are limitations on the amount of time ‘open home’ or ‘auction’ signs may be displayed. For details see the Street Use and Public Places Bylaw above.
*Excluding on round-a-bouts, median strips or within six metres of an intersection as measured from the intersecting road boundaries.
Local election signs
Council approval is required to erect local election signs in public places.
Phone the bylaws officer on 07 577 7000.
When erecting local election signs on private property the temporary signs provision applies (Rule 4D.2.1). Signs may be any size, however, location may be controlled where a sign qualifies as a building (over two metres in height) or requires a building consent.
Election signage is permitted in open space zones only where it is provided for under policies on reserve signage.
Local Election Policy Use of Council Land Policy
General election signs
Council approval is required to erect election signs in public places. Locations identified in our local elections policy maps are deemed approved. Other locations are not encouraged but can be submitted for approval.
For sign installation outside the pre-approved locations, the installer must complete a beforeUdig check to avoid damaging underground services (e.g. water pipes).
Local Election Policy Further information on election signs