Business Registration & Permits

Whether you're starting a new business or expanding an existing one, we can guide you through the necessary registrations and permits to operate smoothly and in line with local regulations.

Starting, expanding or buying a business is an exciting time. Here you'll find an overview of the right people to speak to, including our Statutory Planning, Building, Health, and Local Laws teams, as well as external organisations.

Who to speak to

Whether you have plans for a new business and want to get started, or are taking over or expanding an existing business, you may need permission from us to operate. Before you apply for permits or registrations for your business, spend some time getting prepared. Anyone contemplating opening a new business should:

  • Obtain advice from planning consultants and relevant organisations to understand what approvals, registrations, or licenses will be required.
  • Develop a business plan outlining what products or services you intend to supply, where you want to operate and from what premises, how many people you intend to employ, an estimation of daily customer attraction, your immediate requirements, and anticipated future needs.

Within Council:

  • Statutory planning
  • Building 
  • Public and environmental health
  • Local laws

Other organisations:

What types of permits are required to operate your business?

There are a range of permits your business may need to operate, including:

  • Statutory Planning
  • Building
  • Public and Environmental Health
  • Local Laws

Statutory planning

This includes permits for subdividing land, using or developing land, using buildings for business, displaying signs, meeting cultural heritage requirements, and addressing flood and bushfire overlays, as well as other statutory planning requirements. 

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

Building

This includes permits related to the construction of a building or development, and the use of the building to ensure it meets relevant building codes that apply when you occupy or intend to change the current use of a building.

Public and environmental health

This includes registration and certificates required for wastewater and septic systems, food premises, accommodation premises, hairdressers, beauty premises, and tattoo premises.

Local laws

Local Laws regulate a range of activities including waste management, animal control, footpath trading, footpath signage, and busking.