NSW: Can the owners corporation install visitor parking signs on common property

Question: What is the procedure required for an owners corporation to install “visitor only” parking signs on common property spaces?

Our strata scheme is in a busy seaside location where street parking is at a premium, and we’ve been trying for some time to get visitor parking signs installed on common property spaces. The council-approved plans for the development clearly show these spaces as “visitor parking”, but the strata plan lists them as general common property.

Our owners corporation (OC) refused to install signs because the strata plan doesn’t specifically designate them as visitor parking. Does the OC have the authority to install signage regardless of what the strata plan shows, or does the strata plan needs to be updated first?

Under strata legislation, what are the procedures required before the signage can be installed?

Answer: The OC has the authority to install visitor parking signage on common property, and should do so where council-approved plans require it, following a special resolution at a general meeting.

Generally speaking, yes, the OC has the authority to designate common property spaces as visitor parking and install appropriate signage, even if those spaces are not specifically labelled as “visitor parking” on the strata plan.

What matters most in this situation is the Development Consent issued by the local council. This is the regulatory instrument that governs how the building must be used and managed. If the approved plans identify certain spaces as visitor parking, the OC is expected to ensure those spaces are used in accordance with that approval, regardless of how they are shown on the strata plan.

While the strata plan defines ownership boundaries, it does not override council planning requirements. In practical terms, this means visitor parking shown on the Development Consent must remain available for visitors and cannot be permanently allocated for residents’ use without approval from council modifying the original DA conditions.

From a procedural perspective, installing signage or line marking is considered an addition or alteration to common property. As a result, the OC should formally approve the installation by passing a special resolution at a general meeting before proceeding.

Why this issue matters

Visitor parking disputes are extremely common in high-demand locations, particularly in coastal or inner-city areas where street parking is limited. When visitor spaces are not clearly identified or enforced, residents often begin using them for convenience, which can create conflict and reduce access for legitimate visitors, trades, and emergency services.

Clear designation and consistent enforcement help maintain fairness, reduce disputes, and ensure the scheme remains compliant with its planning approval.

What your next practical steps should be

If your strata scheme is experiencing ongoing issues with visitor parking, the strata committee can take several practical steps to resolve the situation.

1. Confirm the Development Consent conditions. Obtain a copy of the council-approved plans or consent documents to verify how visitor parking is designated and whether any specific requirements apply.
2. Raise the matter formally at a general meeting. A motion can be proposed to install visitor parking signage and line markings, supported by reference to the Development Consent obligations.
3. Consider adopting a parking by-law. A by-law can clarify that visitor spaces are strictly reserved for bona fide visitors, set time limits, and outline enforcement procedures.
4. Communicate clearly with residents. Education and transparency often reduce resistance and help owners understand that visitor parking is not optional but part of the scheme’s planning obligations.
5. Implement consistent enforcement. Once signage and rules are in place, the OC can issue notices to comply and take further action if misuse continues.
6. Consider installing smart bollards to help manage the use of visitor parking spaces.

Taking a proactive and structured approach helps protect visitor access, maintain compliance with council requirements, and prevent ongoing parking disputes within the strata scheme.

This post appears in Strata News #789.

Leanne Habib
Premium Strata
E: info@premiumstrata.com.au
P: 02 9281 6440