Footpath Signs

The minimum height is 600mm and the maximum height is 900mm. The minimum width is 400mm and the maximum width is 600mm. 

Signs not complying with these requirements will require a resource consent.

Where a sign is intended to attract the attention of motorists, in any area where the speed limit is less than 70km the minimum lettering size is 120mm. In areas where the speed limit is greater than 70km lettering must be at least 160mm.

These rules for signs directed at motorists ensure that drivers see large, clear letters that are easy to read, thereby reducing driver distraction.

One sign may be displayed for each site. Where there are a number of activities on a site a combined sign should be used, or you may apply for a resource consent to display more signs than is normally permitted. Please contact us if either of these situations apply.

The signs should be near the front of the property to which they relate. This should either be close to the kerb or up against the building, so as to maximise the available footpath width.

The most suitable location for your sign will be dictated by the need to avoid contact with opening car doors, the position of other street furniture and utilities and how adjoining businesses place their signs.

Note: The Blind Foundation prefers that signs be located by the kerb. 

Where there is a pattern in a particular area of displaying footpath signs either up against the frontage of the shop or by the kerb, it is best to follow the pattern.

Under our bylaws, footpath signs must leave at least two-thirds the width of the footpath for pedestrians.  A minimum clear footpath width of 1200mm is considered necessary to provide for mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

If your business happens to be beside a narrow footpath or have street furniture or displays of goods, your sign may need to be smaller than 400mm wide (for which you will need to apply for a resource consent) or it may not be possible to have a footpath sign at all. 

In windy conditions it is a good idea to remove your sign so that it does not blow over because it could cause injury to pedestrians. A small bag of sand on the base of the sign can help stabilise it.

Signs cannot be on the roadway, on traffic islands or within State Highway road reserve (all the land from the property boundary on one side of the road to the property boundary on the other side of the road).

New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has its own controls over these highways, where the speed limit exceeds 50km, that generally prohibit such signs.

Unless the situation is hazardous, we will normally contact the owner of the sign first to rectify the problem. Depending upon the problem the sign may need to be relocated or removed from display until altered to comply.

Resource consents are approvals granted by us.

Applications for resource consent for non-complying signs must be applied for using the correct form and submitted with the required information and fee. Details on this are available from us. We suggest that you discuss your signage requirements with us prior to preparing and lodging the application. 

We will examine possible adverse effects caused by the proposed sign(s) when analysing your application.