Retail displays and signs on footpaths

No, if you abide by the conditions listed below you can place any retail display and a maximum of two signs (only one of which can be a sandwich board style sign) on a footpath.

Standard conditions

Any retail display or sign must:

(a) be placed so that its design or location on the footpath is not a hazard for pedestrians

(b) be placed to ensure a minimum 1.5 metres continuous, straight-line width of the footpath remains clear for pedestrian access

(c) not be permanently fixed to the footpath and must be removed daily at the close of business

(d) not be illuminated or lit in any way

(e) must advertise or relate to the business activity outside which it is placed

(f) be maintained in good repair and condition

(g) be positioned so that access to fire exits, fire hydrants, shop doorways, parking meters, rubbish bins, street furniture and bicycle stands is kept clear at all times

Specific conditions for retail displays

(a) on the footpath adjacent to the business, you may place one retail display with goods sold from the business, provided it does not create a hazard for pedestrians

(b) be placed to ensure a minimum 1.5 metres continuous, straight-line width of the footpath remains clear for pedestrian access

(c) food displays must comply with any requirements of Council’s environmental health team and the Food Act 2014

Specific conditions for signs

(a) footpath signs must not exceed one metre in height or 60 centimetres in width and must not unreasonably impede safe and efficient pedestrian flow - these must be placed either against the shop frontage or against the kerb (i.e. not a mixture of both)

(b) flag signage must not exceed three metres in height or 90 centimetres in width and must be placed against the shop frontage

Removal

An authorised officer may ask you to shift or remove retail display or signage if it:

(a) poses a risk to public safety

(b) is obstructing or distracting pedestrians or motorists

(c) breaches our conditions

Any temporary sign associated with a single event that does not exceed six days in a row (such as a cultural, social, sporting or educational activity) is exempt as long as it meets the above conditions and is removed after the event. 

For advice on placing retail displays and signs on Council footpaths and berms please contact the health team by email health@southlanddc.govt.nz or phone 0800 732 732.

To contact our other teams:

• Roading (if on roads, roadways or road reserves)
• Community Facilities (if in parks, reserves or open spaces)
• Planning (if on private land)

Email general@southlanddc.govt.nz

Phone 0800 732 732