Community signs

Who can use community signs

Community signs help local groups promote upcoming events.

You can apply if you're organising an event for a:

• community organisation

• school

• sports club.

There is no charge to use an approved community sign location.

You must get our approval before putting up your sign, even if you've used the site before.

Where you can put up community signs

We have 11 approved community sign locations across the Kāpiti Coast District.

You must use one of these locations. You cannot put community event signs anywhere else without the right approval.

The following rules apply:

• You can put up only one sign at each location.

• Your sign must not block any other signs.

• If you attach a sign to a fence beside a road, it must not stick up above the fence.

• You cannot use these sites during general or local election campaigns.

What you can include on your sign

Your sign can include:

• the name of your event

• the name or logo of the event organiser

• the names or logos of event sponsors

• the event dates and times

• details of activities, goods or services at the event

• the event website address, if there is one.

You cannot include phone numbers or email addresses on your sign.

Location

• Signs can only be displayed at the 11 designated locations.

• Only one sign at each location.

• The sign should not obstruct any other signs already in place.

• Signs attached to a fence adjoining a road boundary, the sign must not protrude above the top of the fence line.

• Sites cannot be used during General and Local election campaigns.

Sign size

Your sign must:

• have a total area of no more than 1.6 square metres (sqm)

• be no higher than 1.8 metres above the original ground level.

When you can display your sign

• You can put up your sign up to 30 days before the first day of your event.

• You must remove it within 24 hours after your event ends.

Installing and looking after your sign

You are responsible for putting up, checking and removing your sign safely.

You must:

• not use metal stakes

• take extra care if you dig holes for sign supports, as underground power, phone, water and gas services may be present

• keep your sign safe, secure and tidy

• check your sign regularly while it's on display

• remove your sign on time.

How to apply

You must apply for approval before putting up a temporary community sign.

Follow these steps:

1. Check the rules. Make sure your organisation, event and proposed sign meet the rules on this page.

2. Choose a location. Check our 11 approved community sign locations.

3. Complete the online form. Send us your application before putting up your sign.

4. Wait for approval. One of our compliance staff will confirm whether you can go ahead.

5. Put up your sign. Once we've approved your application, you can install your sign at the approved location. Make sure you follow all the rules.

Apply to install community temporary signage

If you have questions about your application, email [email protected].

What happens if your sign breaks the rules

We regularly check approved community sign locations.

Our compliance staff can remove and dispose of signs that:

• do not meet our rules

• have not been approved

• remain on display after the removal deadline

• are put up outside approved locations.

We are not responsible if your sign is damaged or lost.

If we remove your sign, you may need to pay a fee to get it back.

Fees for returning removed signs

We may choose whether to approve an application based on the circumstances.

Signs that do not meet the rules

If you want to display a sign that does not meet these rules, you will need a resource consent.

You must get the right approval before putting up your sign.