Signs and Hoardings

Erecting signs within private property

You can erect signs promoting your event on private property provided you follow the rules set out in the Hastings District Council District Plan.

The rules determine the size, location and nature of signs that can be erected and ensures the safety of motorists and pedestrians as well as help maintain and enhance the District.

If your sign does not comply with the rules below, speak to an Environmental Planner about applying for a land use resource consent.

Temporary signs

You can temporarily advertise your community, educational, cultural or sporting event on private property for up to three months prior and seven days after an event.

All temporary signs must be on private property and not on road reserve which includes grass verges and footpaths.

All signs advertising the sale or auction of real estate must be located on the site that is being sold. They can remain on the site for up to one month after the date the property is sold.

The maximum area of temporary signs per site is limited to 2.5m2.

Election Hoarding/Signs

Please contact Environmental Consents Manager or Team Leader Environmental Consents/Subdivision for up to date information on when election signs can be erected and the size of signs permitted under the District Plan and relevant electoral legislation.  Information is also available on the Electoral Commission website.

Permanent signs

Permanent signs can be erected in Rural, Plains and Residential zones (please refer to the District Plan for further information) without resource consent where they meet the following standards:

• the sign is located on the site where the activity is being carried out
• the sign is completely within private property
• the sign is not illuminated and
• the sign is not on a heritage building.
• the size, content and location are in accordance with the District Plan Zone standards

For more information about the rules, see Advertising and Signs District Wide Activity in the District Plan.

Making a complaint

We support and encourage events and businesses in the District, but from time to time we do receive complaints about signs. If you’ve seen a sign which does not comply with our rules, speak to a Planning Compliance Officer.

Failure to comply with these rules may result in enforcement action under the Resource Management Act 1991.