We issue safety and amenity permits for a range of purposes, including
- roadside trading (such as food trucks, market stalls and flower trucks)
- skip bins
- shipping or storage containers
- clothing recycling bins, and
- real estate advertising signs.
If you would like to operate a roadside trading business within our council area, there are certain guidelines to follow before you start trading.
Learn more and apply for a permit
Contact us
For more information, please call us on 03 9217 2170 during normal business hours.
You must not place skip bins or other bulk rubbish containers on a road, nature strip, reserve, or other council land unless you have a permit.
If you place a skip bin on a road, nature strip, reserve, council land or on public land without a valid permit, penalties apply.
Please note: once a permit has been obtained, skip bins cannot be placed on a nature strip or a reserve.
Eligibility Criteria
For skip bins or dumpsters relating to properties where a building permit is required, you will need to apply for a Skip Bin Permit.
The maximum period a skip bin can be place on Council land is 5 days.
To apply for a Skip Bin Permit within the City of Whittlesea, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Business Registration: The applicant must be a registered business entity with a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN).
- Compliance with VicRoads Code of Practice: The applicant must demonstrate compliance with the VicRoads Code of Practice for the Placement of skip bins/waste bins on Roadsides.
- Insurance Coverage: The applicant must possess and maintain public liability insurance coverage for a minimum amount of $20,000,000 throughout the duration of the permit.
- Reflective Markings and Company Identification: Any skip bin/container placed on the road must have the company's name clearly displayed on the side, and reflective tape must be applied during the hours of darkness to warn motorists of its presence.
- Responsibility for Surrounding Area: The permit holder is responsible for maintaining cleanliness within a 5-meter radius of the skip bin, ensuring that all rubbish/items are promptly removed.
- Damage Liability: The permit holder is liable for any damage or destruction caused to Council property as a result of the placement of the skip bin.
- Placement Regulations: The skip bin must be placed in accordance with specified regulations, including:
- Pedestrian access must not be obstructed.
- The skip bin/container must not be placed within 10 meters of an intersection.
- Reasonable access to driveways must not be restricted.
- A minimum of 3 meters clearance on the roadway must be maintained for vehicle passage.
- Parking regulations must not be breached.
- Access to manholes, fire hydrants, telephone boxes, taxi ranks, or bus strips must not be obstructed.
- Safety for the general public and users of the road or land where the skip bin/container is placed must be ensured.
8. Permit Amendment and Revocation: The Council reserves the right to amend any permit condition at any time or revoke the permit if there is a breach of the permit conditions.
Applicants must meet all the above criteria to be eligible for obtaining a Skip Bin Permit within the City of Whittlesea.
Apply for a permit
Before placing a skip bin on the roadway, in a public place or on council land, you must submit:
- application form online
- proof of public liability insurance with a minimum indemnity of $20,000,000
- a permit fee of $94.30 (per skip bin).
Apply online
Apply for a skip bin permit
Apply in-person
If you prefer, you can apply in-person at the Customer Service counter at our Council Offices:
25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang VIC 3752
Contact us
For more information, please call our City Safety and Amenity (Local Laws) team on 03 9217 2170 during normal business hours.
A permit is required for the placement of a shipping container on any land within the City of Whittlesea, both public and private.
Please note, once a permit has been obtained, a Shipping or Storage Container cannot be placed on a nature strip or a reserve.
Eligibility criteria for shipping containers on public land
To apply for a Shipping Container - Roadway Permit within the City of Whittlesea, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicant Eligibility:
- The applicant must be a registered business entity with a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN).
- Permit Location:
- The intended location for placing the shipping container must be within the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Whittlesea.
- Timeframe:
- The shipping container cannot be placed on the roadway for more than 48 hours.
- Compliance with Regulations:
- The applicant must demonstrate willingness to comply with the VicRoads Code of Practice for the Placement of Shipping Containers on Roadsides.
- Identification and Safety Measures:
- The applicant must agree to clearly display the company name on the shipping container.
- Reflective tape must be applied to the container during night-time to ensure visibility and safety for motorists.
- Cleanliness and Maintenance:
- The applicant must commit to maintaining cleanliness within a 5-meter radius of the shipping container, removing any rubbish or items present.
- Liability and Reparations:
- The applicant is responsible for any damage caused to public or private property as a result of the container placement and must bear the cost of repair or replacement.
- Adequate public liability insurance of at least $20,000,000 must be maintained throughout the permit duration.
- Responsiveness to Authority:
- The applicant must agree to promptly relocate the shipping container upon request by an authorized officer.
- Placement Regulations:
- The shipping container must be placed in a manner that does not obstruct pedestrian access, hinder access to driveways, or violate parking regulations. It cannot be within 10m of any intersection or on a nature strip.
- It should maintain a minimum clearance of 3 meters for other vehicles to pass safely and should not obstruct utilities or emergency services.
- Safety Considerations:
- The placement of the shipping container should ensure the safety of the general public and users of the road or land.
- Council Discretion:
- The council reserves the right to amend permit conditions or revoke the permit in cases of non-compliance or complaints received from the public.
Note: The eligibility criteria outlined above are subject to approval by City of Whittlesea and may be subject to further review or amendment as deemed necessary.
Eligibility criteria for shipping containers on private land
To apply for a Shipping Container – Private Property Permit within the City of Whittlesea, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Property Ownership or Authorization:
- The applicant must be the owner of the private property where the shipping container will be placed or must provide written authorization from the property owner allowing the placement of the shipping container.
2. Compliance with Zoning Regulations:
- The proposed placement of the shipping container must comply with all zoning regulations and local laws in place within the City of Whittlesea.
3. Application Submission:
- The applicant must submit a completed permit application form, providing accurate information about the company, address of the property, proposed location of the shipping container on the property, and duration of placement.
4. Insurance Requirement:
- The applicant must provide proof of public liability insurance coverage for a minimum amount of $20,000,000 throughout the duration of the permit.
5. Display of Company Name:
- The shipping container must prominently display the name of the company on the side for identification purposes.
6. Maintenance of Surrounding Area:
- The permit holder must agree to maintain cleanliness within a 5-meter radius of the shipping container, ensuring that no rubbish or items accumulate in the vicinity.
7. Responsibility for Damages:
- The permit holder is responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing any property that is damaged or destroyed due to the placement or removal of the shipping container.
8. Compliance with Permit Conditions:
- The applicant must agree to comply with all permit conditions specified by the Council, including but not limited to the placement of the shipping container, access restrictions, and safety measures.
9. Immediate Removal Upon Request:
- The permit holder must agree to promptly remove the shipping container upon request by an authorized officer of the Council.
10. Adherence to Safety Standards:
- The placement of the shipping container must adhere to safety standards to ensure the safety of the general public and users of the property. This includes maintaining reasonable access to driveways, ensuring the container does not interfere with fencing or other structures on the property, and avoiding breaches of Victorian Planning Schemes.
11. Compliance with Amendments:
- The applicant acknowledges that the Council reserves the right to amend any permit conditions at any time and agrees to abide by any changes made by the Council.
By meeting these eligibility criteria and agreeing to the permit conditions, the applicant may be granted a shipping container permit for placement on private property within the City of Whittlesea.
Apply for a permit
Before placing a Shipping or Storage Container on the roadway, in a public place or on council land, you must submit:
- a completed permit application form online
- proof of public liability insurance with a minimum indemnity of $20,000,000
- permit fee of $220.10 (per container)
Apply online
Apply for a Shipping or Storage Container permit
In-person
If you prefer, you can apply in person at the Customer Service counter at our Council Offices:
25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang VIC 3752
Contact us
For more information, please call us on 03 9217 2170 during normal business hours.
You must apply for a permit to place advertising signage on nature strips, road reserves and other public land managed by council.
Eligibility Criteria for Real Estate A-Frames
To apply for a Real Estate A-Frame Permit within the City of Whittlesea, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Agent Eligibility: The permit will be issued to registered real estate agents operating within the City of Whittlesea.
- Compliance with Local Laws: Applicants must agree to abide by the City of Whittlesea Community Local Law 2024(PDF, 40MB), and Street Activity Guidelines 2022.(PDF, 5MB)
- Insurance Requirement: Applicants must provide proof of public liability insurance coverage with a minimum indemnity amount of $20,000,000 for the duration of the permit.
- Permitted Activities: The permit allows the placement of Real Estate A-Frame signs/boards on designated roads within the City of Whittlesea.
- Annual Permit: The permit is issued on an annual basis, with a specified commencement and expiry date.
- Permit Conditions: Applicants must agree to adhere to the following conditions:
- Maintain a register recording details of each A-frame sign/board placed under the permit.
- Limit the number of A-frame signs/boards to 2 per property for inspection or auction purposes.
- Ensure A-frame signs/boards are placed no earlier than 2 hours before an activity and removed within 2 hours after its conclusion.
- Prohibit placement of signs/boards on roads, roundabouts, traffic islands, garden beds, or median strips.
- Ensure signs/boards placed on Council land/public places do not obstruct pedestrian access, driveways, rights of way, or emergency infrastructure.
- Maintain safety for the general public and road users at all times.
- Council's Discretion: The Council reserves the right to amend permit conditions or revoke the permit in case of any breach.
Applicants must complete the permit application process and meet all eligibility criteria outlined above to obtain a Real Estate A-Frame Permit.
Apply for a permit
Apply for a permit
Before placing any real estate advertising sign on council land or in a public place, you must submit:
- a completed permit application form online
- proof of public liability insurance with a minimum indemnity of $20,000,000
- the permit fee of $401.85 (annual permit fee)
Apply online
Apply for a real estate sign permit
In person
If you prefer, you can apply in person at the Customer Service counter at our Council Offices:
25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang VIC 3752
Contact us
For more information, please call us on 03 9217 2170 during normal business hours.
If you wish to place a clothing recycling bin in the City of Whittlesea, you must apply for a permit.
Eligibility Criteria for Clothing Bin permit
To apply for a Clothing Bin Permit within the City of Whittlesea, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Legal Entity Status: The applicant must be a legally registered entity, such as a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship.
- Compliance with Zoning Regulations: The proposed location for the clothing recycling bins must comply with all relevant zoning regulations and land-use restrictions set forth by the City of Whittlesea.
- Proof of Ownership or Authorization: The applicant must provide documentation demonstrating ownership of or authorization to use the property where the clothing recycling bins will be placed. This may include a lease agreement, written consent from the property owner, or other relevant documentation.
- Insurance Coverage: The applicant must maintain public liability insurance with a minimum coverage amount of $20,000,000 for the duration of the permit period. Proof of insurance coverage must be provided with the permit application.
- Operational Plan: The applicant must submit a detailed operational plan outlining how the clothing recycling bins will be maintained, including procedures for emptying, cleaning, and servicing the bins on a daily basis.
- Identification and Marking: All clothing recycling bins must be clearly marked with the commercial operator's name, address, and contact number, as well as any details related to any associated charity.
- Security Measures: The applicant must install security cameras and appropriate lighting at the proposed location, subject to obtaining consent from the landowner. The cameras and lighting must be positioned to provide adequate surveillance coverage and evidence of any illegal dumping or vandalism.
- Responsibility for Maintenance: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the area surrounding the clothing recycling bins remains clean and free of dumped rubbish within a 5-meter radius. Any litter or debris must be promptly removed and disposed of properly.
- Compliance with Permit Conditions: The applicant must agree to comply with all conditions outlined in the clothing bin permit, as well as any additional regulations or ordinances set forth by the City of Whittlesea.
- Review and Reporting: The applicant must review available camera footage from the security cameras to identify and report any instances of litter dumping or other violations occurring around the clothing bins.
- Potential Penalties for Non-Compliance: The applicant must acknowledge that any breach of permit conditions or other relevant legislation may result in penalties, including impoundment of the clothing recycling bins and/or issuance of fines.
By meeting these eligibility criteria and agreeing to comply with the conditions of the clothing bin permit, the applicant may obtain authorization to place clothing recycling bins on private property within the City of Whittlesea.
Apply for a permit
Contact us
For more information, please call us on 03 9217 2170 during normal business hours.
You must renew your permit before it expires.
We will send renewal letters or emails to all annual permit holders advising when permits must be renewed.
Apply for a permit renewal
You must submit a new copy of your public liability insurance with your renewal application. You can renew your permit in the following ways:
Download the permit renewal form(DOCX, 83KB)
Return by mail
Mail your completed form and a copy of your current public liability policy to:
City of Whittlesea
Locked Bag 1
Bundoora MDC VIC 3083
Return by email
Email your completed form and a copy of your current public liability policy to:
info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Return in-person
Bring your completed form and a copy of your current public liability policy to our Customer Service counter at the Council Offices.
25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang VIC 3752
Return online
(coming soon)
Responding to your application
We will respond to your application within 3-5 business days.
We will advise whether an inspection of the site is required before approving the permit.
Contact us
For more information, please call us on 03 9217 2170 during normal business hours.