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Starting A Business

Starting a business can be exciting and rewarding, however information regarding licensing, planning, marketing, training, taxation and finding a suitable location is needed to get a business underway.

Selecting a business location

Council has profiled ten of the larger centres in Boroondara to assist you in selecting a suitable location for your business.  Find information on surrounding residential population, purchasing power and business listings.

The link to shopping centres profiled is below.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a planning permit?

The Boroondara Planning Scheme sets out the planning permit requirements for land use and development within the Municipality.

You may need a planning permit before changing land use (for example, changing the nature of an existing business or opening a business from home). Planning permits and building permits are two separate applications and decision making processes. Building permits relate only to the actual construction of a building or development. Planning permits relate to land use and can also relate to construction of buildings and works. Both a planning permit and a building permit will be required for some types of business.

You may also require a planning permit to change the existing signage, or to increase the business identification signage.

Contact Council's Statutory Planning department on 9278 4844.

If I am working from home do I need Council approval?

You may need a planning permit before opening a business from home.

You should contact the Statutory Planning department on 9278 4844 to discuss whether a planning permit is required before you open a business from home. Officers can identify whether a planning permit is required and can advise you of the type of information you need to lodge a complete planning permit application.

Are permits required for temporary food stalls and vehicles?

If you intend to conduct any business activities on a footpath (for example, tables and chairs for food, display goods on the street, use advertising boards on the street) a permit is required.

Contact the Local Laws department on 9278 4888.

What are the health requirements of opening a business?

The Boroondara Health Unit is responsible for supervising the registration and inspection of hotels, motels and other accommodation premises as well as beauty parlours, body piercing establishments, restaurants and any commercial premises where food is prepared, manufactured, stored or sold.

State Government regulates the food industry to ensure the well being of consumers. Proprietors and employees of retail food premises who handle food must comply with food services procedures and precautions to maintain health and hygiene standards.

What do I need to do if I want to serve liquor?

All businesses wishing to sell or serve alcoholic beverages must comply with the Victorian liquor licensing laws.

Visit the Liquor Licensing Victoria website for the latest information. The link is provided below.

You may also need a planning permit for your liquor license. In order to determine whether you are affected by this please contact the Planning Services Unit.

 

Created: 4 November 2005
Last Update: 23 April 2008