Business permits and approvals

Business Permits

• Building Permit

  Time frames for a building permit varies on the application 

  A building permit might be required for any construction works, changing the use of the property and/or where the fit out affects the Essential Safety Measures of the building. This includes new partitions, layout changes, shop fit outs, changing floor/wall/ceiling linings, altering exit signs, emergency lights, mechanical, fire services.

  Assessment

   In most cases a building permit may be required when undertaking any building work. This can include the following:

  • New developments
  • Alterations and additions to current buildings
  • Pergolas, verandahs and shade sails
  • Decks, balconies and awnings
  • Changes to the use of a building
  • Minor structures, including garages and sheds.
  • Demolition work
  • Shop and office fit outs.
  • Changes to any essential safety measures in a building such as exit signs, emergency lights, mechanical, fire services etc.

  It is important to note, that in certain circumstances it may be required to upgrade the buildings toilet facilities and entry points to allow for access for people accessibility requirements. This may include accessible toilet facilities, ramps and the widening, and reconfiguration of doorways.

  Contact

  Further details can be found on our Building permits - City of Port Phillip page or you can contact the Building Team directly by telephone 03 9209 6253 or email helpbuilding@portphillip.vic.gov.au

  If you wish to apply for a Building Permit through Council and want a quote, please complete and submit the Building Permit Application Kit along with a scope of works and set of plans to helpbuilding@portphillip.vic.gov.au.

• Planning Permit

  From 10 days to 12 months

  A Planning Permit may be required from the Planning Department to operate a home business, change the use of a property, installation and usage of sheds, install signage, undertake external building modifications and trade liquor.

  • Where multiple permits are needed, a current valid planning permit is commonly required to obtain building and environmental health permits

  • The length of the planning permit application process can vary significantly, between 10 days to over 12 months. Factors that impact time for a decision include:
  1. the complexity of your proposal
  2. whether the lodged application contains all the required information.  If there is insufficient detail in your initial application, Council may request further information. Please respond to any requests promptly to avoid further delays.
  3. whether advertising of the proposal is needed
  4. whether objections are received
  5. if appeals are lodged to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to review Council’s decision
  • If advertising is required for your application (which is often the case for Planning and Building applications) additional fees will be incurred. During public notification Council seeks comments on the application from neighbors who may be impacted by the proposal.
  • Approvals from external regulators e.g., Environment Protection Authority, Liquor Control Victoria may be required.

  For more information please refer to Planning - City of Port Phillip

  Our Planning team can talk you through the details on

  telephone: 03 9209 6424

  email: Helpdesk-Planning@portphillip.vic.gov.au

  in person: visit the Planning & Building counter at St Kilda Town Hall during opening hours (8.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday)

• Environmental Health Permit

  For anyone starting or buying a new food business in the City of Port Phillip, you must register your business with Council. We strongly recommend talking to our Health Services team before you register your business with Council or choose a site. Our Health Services team can help you make sense of health rules and regulations and guide you through the permits and approvals process.

  These webpages cover the basics for a food business:

  • Food business registration - City of Port Phillip 
  • Food Safety Fact Sheet

• Footpath Trading Permit

  If you intend to have chairs and tables or signage on the footpath, business parklets, advertising boards and display of goods you will require a footpath trading permit. For information on our Footpath Trading Guidelines and how to apply, please refer to Outdoor dining permit - City of Port Phillip

• Domestic Animal Business permit

  All Domestic Animal Businesses (DAB) operating within the City of Port Phillip must obtain a DAB registration permit with Council. All DAB’s must comply with the State Government Code of Practice relevant to that specific type of business. The Codes of Practice are designed to ensure acceptable animal welfare standards are met and maintained. The permit is renewable each year. Domestic Animal Business Permit