Permits, Policies & Home Based Business

Development Services

Obtaining appropriate approval(s) from Council can play a critical part in the success of any business enterprise – whether you are starting a business, expanding a business, changing the nature of our business activities or the location of your premises.

Development Services will guide you through Council’s processes and assist with your business venture.

The role of individuals in this business unit, are the Development Services Manager assisted by the Senior Planning Officer determine where and under what conditions your site can be used and developed.  This can include issues such as land use, parking needs, operating hours, outdoor advertising and external works and alterations.

Principal Building Surveyor deals with alterations, demolitions, new buildings or extensions, to ensure that your business meets fire, safety and structural standards.

To help speed up the permit approval processes, business owners are encouraged to:

  • First check with Council to confirm whether a permit is needed for some, or all, aspects of your business
  • Discuss your plans with Council Officers before you lodge your application, to ensure you avoid all possible pitfalls
  • Submit an application for a permit (if required), which can be obtained from the Council
  • Provide Council with all required information and supporting material. Be prepared with plans, accompanying letters/reports, or even photographs that describe your business precisely
  • Adequately describe the nature of the business. Information that may be required might include – area requirements, number of employees and patrons, operating hours, transport and parking needs (including use of street trading) and any off-site effects such as odour, noise and general image
  • Speak to owners of surrounding businesses, or your neighbours, to advise them of what you propose to do. If they have no objections, it is likely that your permit will be approved quickly

Working from Home

It has become a lot easier to work from home and to set up a business based in your home with the internet and mobile technology.  The Town encourages home based businesses and home based occupations because of the employment they generate and their contribution to the development of the local economy.   Through the Town Planning Scheme, the Council sets down certain limitations to the permissable activities in and from your home, and it balances these to foster economic development in line with its Strategic Plan.  A Planning Permit is required.

The Local Planning Scheme has different categories as follows: Home Business, Home Occupation, Home Office and Home Store and there is also Industry – Cottage.

The Home Business (the largest premises allowed) is able to have two employees and floor space of 50 square metres, or one-third of the gross floor area of the family home (whichever is less).

Key to the requirements is minimising the impact on the comfort and enjoyment of the area and upsetting your neighbour.  This includes, cars parked in front of your place, getting deliveries early in the morning or late in the evening, noise levels at certain times of the day and so on.  So if you have a business talk to your neighbours let them know what you do and encourage them to let you know if there is some issue that bothers them.

You can consult the Local Planning Scheme and search for Home Businesses and Occupations (Page 83 & 84).  Please also download this Development Services Information Sheet which has more details regarding definitions.  If you are contemplating food preperation at home here’s a flier to read and it points out the relevant regulations.

Liquor Licences

There are a number of requirements that you must comply with if you intend to sell or serve liquor from your business premises.  To find out the regulations please follow this link to the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor who provide many downloadable documents to explain the requirements.

Environmental Health Unit

The Environmental Health Unit controls the registration of food and health-related businesses to ensure that all health requirements and standards are met.

Local Laws regulating and issuing permits relating to the placement of outdoor furniture, product displays and A-frame footpath signage.  The unit also assists in regulating car parking across the Town including ensuring turnover of vital customer car parking. Other services include regulation of pet shops and animal control.