Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Signs Questions

• What is the Council policy on Election Hoardings/Signs?
• How can I receive the incentives offered by Napier City Council?
• What if I don't have a moveable footpath sign?
• What conditions must I meet to be granted the signage rebate from Napier City Council?
• What incentives are there to assist retailers to comply with the Signage Guidelines?
• How does the Footpath Management Policy work with the Signage Guidelines?
• Are signage changes to listed Heritage buildings treated any differently?
• Should I consider other building exterior factors when upgrading my signage?
• I share a building with other businesses - do we all have to have the same signage?
• Who should design and install my new signs?
• There are a lot of architectural styles in Napier City - do I need to know the characteristics of them all?
• Is it compulsory for me to follow the Signage Guidelines?
• What should I do before commencing design of my new signage?
• What areas of Napier City do the Signage Guidelines relate to?
• Who benefits from Napier City business owners upgrading their signage?
• Why has Napier City Council introduced Signage Guidelines?

Questions and Answers

Q. What is the Council policy on Election Hoardings/Signs?

• The Napier City Council has adopted a number of restrictions on the placement of Election Signs on properties for the upcoming Local authority Elections. View full details about election hoardings

Q. How can I receive the incentives offered by Napier City Council?

• To claim your rebate simply send a copy of your invoice for new signage to Napier City Council, Planning Department, Signage Rebate, Private Bag 6010, Napier 4142. Provided all conditions have been met you will then be sent a cheque for 20% of the invoice total (up to a maximum of $500 + GST).

Q. What if I don't have a moveable footpath sign?

• You are still eligible to receive a 20% rebate provided that you do not introduce a moveable footpath sign in the future.

Q. What conditions must I meet to be granted the signage rebate from Napier City Council?

• You must apply to the Napier City Council for approval of your signage prior to commencement of your upgrade. Prior to receiving your rebate cheque you must relinquish any moveable footpath sign with the agreement that you will not replace that sign with any other.

Q. What incentives are there to assist retailers to comply with the Signage Guidelines?

• Napier City Council will rebate 20% of the total cost of new signage (up to a maximum of $500 + GST) to business owners who are motivated to upgrade or change their signage in accordance with the Guidelines. Incentives and conditions are further detailed in the Incentives flyer which is available on the Napier City Council website.

Q. How does the Footpath Management Policy work with the Signage Guidelines?

• It is a regulatory document and covers certain elements of street use including placement of goods, tables and chairs. From March 2009 new moveable footpath signs are no longer permitted within the central business district. An annual fee will apply to existing businesses who do not take up the signage upgrade offer and wish to leave their existing moveable footpath signs on the street.

Q. Are signage changes to listed Heritage buildings treated any differently?

• Signage changes to all listed Heritage buildings will require a Resource Consent.

Q. Should I consider other building exterior factors when upgrading my signage?

• When considering the design of your signage it is an ideal time to look at your building exterior as a whole. You could consider adapting air conditioning units, satellite dishes or anything else that obscures key building features and therefore detract from the overall appeal of the building. Napier City Council also offers repainting grants to building owners.

Q. I share a building with other businesses - do we all have to have the same signage?

• No. Each sign can be different to reflect the nature of the business, provided that each sign aligns with the principles of the Signage Guidelines. However, one primary integrated sign is preferable to many individual signs in a building that has multiple tenants.

Q. Who should design and install my new signs?

• Any graphic designer or sign writer can design and install your new signage. Sign writers across Hawke's Bay have been introduced to the Signage Guidelines and have been given further information to help them advise their clients. Please check that your sign writer has a copy and good understanding of the Signage Guidelines.

Q. There are a lot of architectural styles in Napier City - do I need to know the characteristics of them all?

• You don't need to know about all the architectural styles. Your sign writer should take the style of your building into consideration to ensure that your new signage is consistent with that style.

Q. Is it compulsory for me to follow the Signage Guidelines?

• No - the objective is to provide guidance which can be used as a source of inspiration for redevelopment of signage to uphold the Art Deco characteristics of Napier City. Compliance is not mandatory but strongly encouraged by the Napier City Council. However in order to receive the rebate signs must reflect the principles within the guidelines.

Q. What should I do before commencing design of my new signage?

• You should apply to Napier City Council for approval before you commence work on design or development of new signage.

Q. What areas of Napier City do the Signage Guidelines relate to?

• They relate to Napier's Heritage Precinct as shown on the map on page two of the Signage Guidelines and in the Incentives to upgrade signage flyer. In summary, this area includes businesses in Emerson Street, Tennyson Street, Hastings Street, Dickens Street and Dalton Street. The principles may also be applied to other heritage buildings elsewhere in the city.

Q. Who benefits from Napier City business owners upgrading their signage?

• Enhancing the visual appeal of Napier will ensure it remains a compelling place for shoppers, visitors and investors alike. This ultimately provides benefits to all local businesses and residents by stimulating the economic, tourism, cultural and social wellbeing of our city.

Q. Why has Napier City Council introduced Signage Guidelines?

• Napier's signage policy is in place to ensure signs are effective, attractive and sympathetic to Art Deco style. The policy protects the character and appearance of Napier's Art Deco Quarter. The Quarter is an important heritage area that has been described by international experts as the most complete and significant group of Art Deco Buildings in the world. In 1995 Napier's Art Deco Quarter (including much of the Napier central business district) was registered as an historic area under the Historic Places Act 1993. The Quarter has also been identified by the Department of Conservation as a site of World Heritage potential. As part of a periodic review of the heritage provisions of the city, the Napier City Council identified the city's signage as an area requiring review and improvement. Like other councils, Napier City Council has a duty to ensure signage is well designed to enhance the cityscape. But unlike most other councils, Napier City Council has the additional duty to ensure the unique Art Deco character is preserved and enhanced to make the city a site of national and international heritage importance.