Permits and registrations for your business

Times you may need a permit or registration

Deciding to start or grow your business is an exciting step. Whether you’re a new or established business, you may need one or more permits to operate.

Changing your operations

You may need a Planning Permit if you want to:

  • change the use of your premise (e.g. retail to medical centre, restaurant to fitness centre)
  • run a home-based business
  • change trading hours or number of patrons on your current planning permit
  • sell or consume liquor.

You can learn about the planning permit process on our Prepare your Planning Permit application page.

You can learn about permits for home-based businesses on our Apply for a permit for a home-based business page.

Changing your premise

You may need a Planning Permit if you want to:

  • build or change your existing premise interior (e.g. to increase floor space)
  • change the number of car parks due to a change of use or premise capacity
  • display advertising signs.

You can learn about the planning permit process on our Prepare your Planning Permit application page.

You may need a Building Permit if you want to:

  • carry out internal works or a fit-out
  • change the exterior building structure (e.g. increasing window or door sizes)
  • change any fire and safety measures (e.g. fire hydrants, fire hoses, exit signs).

You may also need a traffic permit if the changes affect traffic conditions.

You can learn about the building permit process on our Apply for a Building Permit page.

Using the footpath

If you would like to put tables and chairs on the footpath or display goods or advertising boards, you'll need a permit.

Learn more about applying for a footpath trading permit on our Outdoor trading permits page. You can also call us on (03) 9278 4444.

Opening or buying a food business

If you want to open a food business or buy an existing food business, you will need a permit.

You can learn about how to get a food business permit on our Food businesses page. You can also call us on (03) 9278 4701 for advice.

Opening or changing a health, beauty or accommodation business

If you want to start or make changes to a Health or beauty business (e.g. hairdresser), or a Accommodation premise (e.g. hotel), you can email [email protected] or call us on (03) 9278 4701 for advice.

You can also learn more on our Health, beauty and accommodation businesses page.

Running a domestic animal business

To run a pet shop, puppy training centre, breeding establishment, animal shelter or boarding establishment for dogs or cats, you need a permit.

You can learn more on our Apply for a Domestic Animal Business Permit page. You can also call us on (03) 9278 4444.

Parking in car parks for extended periods

You may be eligible for a permit to park all day in designated areas in some car parks in Boroondara as part of our Traders Parking Permit Scheme. Learn more on our Apply for a Traders Parking Permit page.

Register an aquatic facility

If your business or service facility has a pool, spa or interactive water feature on site, you need to register it with us. You can learn how to do this on our Register an aquatic facility page.

Need help with your business permits?

Talk to our Business Support Service.

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