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.