Business Permits overview

Business permit check

New or existing businesses can use the business permit check to give you a better understanding of the type of permit/s you may need.

Permits you may need

Depending on the type of business you operate or plan to operate you may need a permit. The information you need on the various council business permits and approvals can be found below; ​

​Planning​

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 a land use or development to occur on a specified parcel of land. ​

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

Find out about the Planning permit process.​

Building​

A Building permit is required where you may be considering starting a new commercial premises, changing the structure or use of an existing premises including commercial properties and home based businesses (home occupation).

​Building permits may be required in situations where any construction, fit-out, installation, alteration, variations to the number of staff or patrons may be proposed. Find out how to apply for a building permit.

Health​

For any business that sells or handles food (including food truck or a temporary premises), or a public health business, such as hairdresser, beautician, tattooist will need to register. This will apply to operating your business from a premises or home. Registration will also apply for accommodation businesses. Find out about starting a food business or starting a public health business.

Footpath trading​

If you are looking to place tables and chairs or display items on the footpath. Find out about footpath trading permits.

Applying for a business permit

For a new or existing business, the following stages are typical for a business application process​

​Prepare​

Before applying carry out a business permit check to find out what permits you may need.

It is also worthwhile to contact the Economic Development team to discuss your business idea further. This allows us to gain a better understanding and the best approach for you.

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

Apply​

When you’re ready to apply, ensure you have all the information ready to go. 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 to Request for Information (RFI). Approving an application may take longer if we don't have all the information. Be sure to include or return the information we need as quickly as possible so your application can be assessed.

​Assess​

Once we have all the information we need, your application will be reviewed by the relevant Council officers, referral agencies, advertise your application publicly (if required) and assess your application. This can usually take up to six to eight weeks on average.

Approve​

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

​When you're ready to operate, contact the Economic Development on 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.