Business permits

Find out about the types of permits your business might need and how to apply for one.

Check the list under each permit type to see if it relates to your business operations.

Permits you may need

The type of permit you need depends on the type of business you operate or plan to operate.

Planning permits

Depending on the location and the type of business you want to operate, you may need a planning permit.

Planning permits are legal documents giving permission for land use or development on a specified parcel of land. 

If a planning permit is required, you must get it before a building permit can be issued. A planning permit does not remove the need to obtain a building permit. Both applications can be made at the same time. 

You need a planning permit if you intend to:

  • open a new business
  • operate a home based business
  • change the service your business provides
  • change the trading hours of the business
  • apply for or alter a liquor licence
  • add or change signage
  • provide parking, or increase or reduce car parking
  • increase the floor area
  • make external changes to the premises.

Find out about the planning permit process

Building permits

You need a building permit if you plan to start a new commercial premises or change the structure or use of an existing premises. This applies to commercial properties and home-based businesses (home occupation).

You may also need a building permit where you're proposing any construction, fit-out, installation, alteration, or variations to the number of staff or patrons.

You need a building permit if you plan to: 

  • operate a business from home (home occupation)
  • change the business type or use of the building
  • make any internal, external or structural changes to a commercial premises
  • add, change, rearrange any furniture, fixtures or cabinetry of a new or existing commercial premises
  • operate a new, or change an existing, business by increasing staff numbers e.g. shop, cafe, medical centre, hair salon, convenience store
  • operate a new or change an existing business with more than 20 patrons e.g. cafe, restaurant
  • operate a boarding house, rooming house or rent to people outside of family members
  • install a sign, post banner, fence or roller shutter
  • change any building equipment or services e.g. hose reel, extinguishers, exit signs, emergency lighting, doors, ramp.

Find out how to apply for a building permit

Health

You'll need health registration if your business sells or handles food (including food truck or a temporary premises) and public health business such as hairdressers, beauticians and tattooists. This includes businesses that operate from a home. This registration requirement also applies to accommodation businesses.

You'll need environmental health registration if you plan to: 

  • buy or sell an existing business
  • operate a food business from a fixed premises e.g. cafe, restaurant
  • sell food from a food truck (temporary or mobile premises)
  • operate a public health business e.g. hair, beauty, tattooing etc.
  • operate your business from home
  • operate an accommodation business such as a rooming house, hotel or motel
  • install or alter a septic tank.

Find out about starting a food business

Find out about starting a public health or accommodation business

Footpath trading permit

If you need to place tables and chairs, or display items on the footpath, you'll need a footpath trading permit.

You'll likely need a footpath trading permit if your business requires you to:

  • place tables and/or chairs on the footpath
  • place an A-frame sign on the footpath
  • display goods on the footpath such as fruit displays or clothing racks.

 Find out more about footpath trading permits

Liquor permit

If you plan to sell or allow consumption of alcoholic drinks you may require a liquor license.

The Victorian Liquor Commission is responsible for issuing liquor licenses. You will also need council planning and food permits if you plan to sell alcohol. 

Apply for a liquor licence

Applying for a business permit

The following permit application steps are for new and existing businesses.

Step 1.Planning

Check each of the permit types above to see which ones apply to the type of business you do.

You can also contact the Economic Development department at business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call 03 9217 2278 to discuss your business idea further. This allows us to advise on the best approach for your business. 

Depending on your requirements, we may invite you to and speak with other Council officers. These meetings are usually for more complex applications and help you get the right advice before applying.

Step 2.Application

Ensure you have all the required information ready to go. Approving your application may take longer if we don't have all the information.

Depending on the type of permit you need, application fees and submission processes may vary.

We will contact you within 28 days if we need further information.

Apply for a planning permit

Apply for a building permit

Register your personal services or accommodation business

Register your food business

Get a footpath trading permit

Get a roadside trading permit

Register your market stall or food truck

Apply for a liquor licence

Step 3.Assessment

When we have all the information we need, your application will be reviewed by our team and relevant referral agencies. We will then advertise your application publicly (if required) and assess your application. This assessment process takes an average six to eight weeks.

Step 4.Approval

Once the assessment is complete, we'll contact you to confirm our decision. 

When you're ready to operate, contact the Economic Development department on 03 9217 2278 or email business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au. We can help your business thrive by connecting you with our business support programs and networking opportunities.

Find out more

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Contact Us

Phone

03 9217 2278

Email

business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

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