Start, grow or buy a business

• Develop a business plan
• Research how and where you want to operate
• Connect with Council by completing the online questionnaire 
• Meet with Council in a business Pre-Application Meeting 

• Prepare and lodge your applications

Your business plans determine which permits and registrations you need. Depending on the intended business activities, one or more of the below mentioned permits may be required. Where multiple permits are needed, a current valid planning permit is commonly required to obtain Building and Health permits. 

Permit Types 

• Planning application process can take 10 days to 12 months 

May be required to operate a home business, change the use of an address, adding signage or other external building modifications and trading of liquor.

• Building application process depends on application 

May be required when your building is structurally altered or modified internally. (including changes that may impact safety)

• Environmental Health application process can take 2 to 3 weeks 

Will be required for businesses involving the sale of food, health and beauty, tobacco, wastewater septic systems and prescribed accommodation.

• Footpath trading application process can take up to 20 business days

May be required to approve outdoor use of tables and chairs, business parklets, advertising boards and display of goods used on Council land.  

• You will be provided with a copy of the outcome for your record
• Once you have been issued with the correct permits for your business you can start operating 

• Stay in touch with Council for ongoing business support

To understand the application process and learn about approvals you need to operate your business, reach out to Business Concierge on 03 9209 6777 or email businesses@portphillip.vic.gov.au

• How to apply for a planning permit
• Ancillary uses
• Building and works
• Car parking
• Change of use
• Compliance with permit conditions
• Existing use rights
• External referrals
• Right of appeal

• Food safety
• How to apply for a liquor licence
• Liquor licensee responsibilities
• Types of liquor licence(s)

• Building approval process
• Building classifications

• Acoustics and unreasonable noise (Regulations and registrations)
• Seeking professional advice on acoustics (Regulations and registrations)
• Acoustics for gyms (Regulations and registrations)
• Acoustics for hospitality and live music venues (Regulations and registrations)
• Acoustics for small industry and manufacturing businesses (Regulations and registrations)

• Footpath trading (Regulations and registrations)