Objects on footpath

Footpaths and pavements allow pedestrians to move safely through the City and North Adelaide, and where suitable, can also be used for objects such as display tables and racks to attract customers to businesses.

No.

To use a moveable sign such as an A-frame or T-frame, you do not have to apply for a permit. You just need to meet the requirements of the City of Adelaide Moveable Signs By-Law 2018.

A moveable sign can be placed on the footpath in front of your business if you:

  •  are a ground floor business or have a private doorway/entrance to your non-ground floor business,
  • are in an area that is not within a Bus, Taxi or Loading Zone, and
  • have a footpath area with a width of approximately 3 metres.

If you meet the above conditions, you must also ensure your moveable sign can be placed:

  • 1.8 metres from the building line (to ensure pedestrians have a clear footpath area at all times and to limit obstructions for the vision impaired),
  • 0.6 metres from the street kerb, and
  • 1.8 metres from any street infrastructure (including poles, benches and trees).

Moveable signs must be of a strong design that can withstand high winds. A maximum height of 0.9 metres is allowed and the base must be less than 0.6 metres wide on either side.

For more information regarding the design and placement requirements for moveable signs please read the Moveable Signs By-Law 2018.

Restrictions

Under no circumstances can a moveable sign be placed:

  • on a footpath that is the boundary of the Park Lands, square or reserve
  • on a footpath that is grassed, landscaped or gardened
  • on Rundle Mall and ceremonial streets such as North Terrace and King William Street (between North Terrace and Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga)
  • on a footpath within a Bus, Taxi or Loading Zone.

You will need to obtain an Objects on footpath permit for objects that physically touch the pavement (such as display tables and planter boxes).

    This ensures that they are safely placed on footpaths within the city and North Adelaide.

    Businesses operating at ground level within the City of Adelaide must keep the building line free of objects to support those with a disability and enable pedestrian navigation.

    Business owners must ensure:

    • A minimum of 1.8 metres remains clear of obstructions from the building line.
      • The following are placed away from the building line:
      • Outdoor dining furniture/fixtures
      • Queue lines
      • On footpath advertising, including A-frame signs and retail displays.
    • The number of outdoor items and their placement complies with the permit conditions of the business.

    Failure to comply with Council Policies and Guidelines may result in permit revocation and/or an expiation notice being issued.


    Conditions and eligibility

    The City of Adelaide’s Objects on Footpath Operating Guidelines detail the conditions for all objects that can be placed on public footpaths and require a permit.

    Please read through these guidelines to find out if your business is eligible for an Objects on footpath permit.

    Applications are assessed on a case by basis against Council’s guidelines and all external factors are taken into consideration to ensure public safety is maintained.

    Special conditions may be attached to individual permits if there is a need to specify certain locations and display areas.

    Costs

    The permit costs for Objects on footpath can be found in the City of Adelaide's fees and charges schedule.

    Fees are based on the area occupied by your object.

    Use our permit fee calculator to estimate your fees before applying.

    Retail Displays

    Fee calculator

    Examples

    Activity typeActivityFee
    Business activationA clothing rack occupying 2m² of public space for 1 year$130.00

    Ready to apply for a permit?

    An application for an Objects on footpath permit can be easily made online. Before you start, please have the following handy as you will need to submit:

    • a description and image of your object (photograph or drawing) noting its measurements
    • a Certificate of Currency of your Public Liability Insurance with a minimum cover of $20 million and noting City of Adelaide as an interested party
    • a plan showing the object’s proposed footpath location and the required setbacks from items in the area.

    Apply for an objects on footpath permit

    Need more information?

    If you have any questions regarding Objects on footpath permits, please contact us: