"Model General Bylaws NZS 9201: Part 2 Public Places" 1999 (adopted by Council on 12 June 2000)
There is a safety issue with articles being placed upon the footpath, which can cause a hazardous situation for the public using the footpath. This page clarifies what can and cannot be placed within the road reserve areas (this includes the footpath, berm and road).
Under Council bylaw and the Local Government Act 1974, the following applies.
Articles on the footpath
No person shall expose for sale any article whatsoever on any footpath or outside of any shop, shop window or doorway, abutting on any public place, so as to encroach on or over public places without prior written permission of Council and then only in accordance with such conditions as Council may think fit to impose.
Sandwich boards, signs and banners
Sandwich boards, signs and banners must be approved and licensed with the Environmental Services Department of the Grey District Council. Click here>> to email them or phone them on 03 379 8608.
The signs must meet all the requirements of the District Plan and Bylaw 8:1999 "Control of Advertising Signs" and "Sandwich Board Bylaw".
Sandwich boards should be positioned adjacent to the kerb edge to allow clear access ways for pushchairs and wheelchairs to pass easily and not to produce an obstacle course for the visually impaired to negotiate.
Dining and picnic tables
Written permission must be obtained from Council in accordance with the Outdoor Dining Policy>> adopted by Council in 2001, for the placement of dining/picnic tables within the road reserve area (including the footpath).
Please note that all existing agreements must comply with this policy.
Advertisements upon bus shelters
Written permission must be obtained from Council in accordance with Council requirements ("Advertisement upon Bus Shelters" policy currently under development) for the placement of advertisements upon bus shelters. This includes posters and community advertisements.
Please note that all existing agreements must comply with Council requirements.
Road reserve area
For work upon, over, adjacent and under road reserve area (including footpaths, berms and roads), Council must be advised of any work that is occurring within these areas as this could affect existing services within this area, public use of the footpaths/roads, and the use of restricted car parking areas. Under the "Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management 2000" a simple Traffic Management Plan may be required to help the public to get through a work site safely.
Where a contractor may require the use of a public street car park to unload equipment beyond the time on the parking sign, permission will need to be obtained from Council.
Breaching these bylaws and policies
Breaching these bylaws and policies can lead to fines and/or removal of the items at the owner’s expenses.
Fines under these bylaws are $500.00 plus $50.00 per every additional day if the breach continues.
Under the Local Government Act 1974, the fines are $1,000.00 plus $50.00 per day if the breach continues plus the reimbursement of costs for removal and repairs incurred by Council.