Business Application Guide
Your business may require many different permits.
Business Application Office can assist you up front and throughout your permit process. Call on 9518 3555 or email BAOfficer@monash.vic.gov.au
Please read below what documents to prepare before beginning online application:
Food business (fixed location)
Read before applying online:
Online application - required documents:
Floor plans
If you are establishing a new business, you will be required to upload premise floor plans, drawn to scale with dimensions and showing every part of the premise including yards, outbuildings and proposed location of grease trap.
- Indicate specific use/work processes to be carried out in each room or part of establishment.
- Include the location and type of all fittings and fixtures, surface finishes, furniture, shelving, benches, etc.
- Specify the finishes of walls, floors, ceiling, benches, shelves, splashbacks throughout the premises.
- Indicate the location and proposed use of sinks and basins throughout the premises.
Note: Plans may require different detail to those submitted to Town Planning.
Menu or cuisine
If you are establishing a new business, you will be asked to include a copy of proposed menu (if available).
NOTE:
For a temporary or mobile premises, you need to apply for a permit using: streatrader.health.vic.gov.au
If your business primarily involves the manufacturing or production of dairy, red meat, poultry or seafood, you will need to register your business with Dairy Food Safety Victoria dairysafe.vic.gov.au or PrimeSafe instead of Council.
Food classes
The type of food you prepare and sell will determine your risk classification. Some classifications are already set. If you are unsure which classification applies to your business, follow this link to help determine which classification applies to your business: Food business classifications.
Class 1 and Class 2 food businesses require at least one person who has completed food safety supervisor training.
If you are required to have a nominated Food Safety Supervisor, you must submit a copy of their certificate of competency to Council PRIOR to commencing trading. Some businesses are exempt from nominating a Food Safety Supervisor. To find out more, see information about Food Safety Supervisors - DHHS website
Food Safety Program - Class 1 businesses
All Class 1 businesses must have an independent Food Safety Program.
Accommodation
Read before applying online: Rooming Houses and Student Accommodation
Online application - required documents:
If you are establishing a new business, you will be required to attach plans of the layout showing the size of all rooms.
Health-related business
Read before applying online:
Please note that hairdressing businesses cannot be transferred as they require the proprietor to have a one-off, ongoing registration. You will need to complete the Health related business application form.
Online application - required documents:
If you are establishing a new business, you will be required to attach floor plans, drawn to scale with dimensions and showing every part of the premise including yards and outbuildings.
- Indicate specific use/work processes to be carried out in each room or part of premises.
- Include the location and type of all fittings and fixtures, surface finishes, furniture, shelving, benches, etc.
Note: Plans may require different detail to those submitted to Town Planning.
If you are buying an existing Hairdressing, Beauty and Body Art business, we advise you to organise an inspection of the premises under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 prior to negotiating the purchase.
Mobile business
- If your business is a mobile business, you will be required to attach a detailed plan of your business proposal including equipment storage and cleaning processes.
Note: Skin penetration and/or beauty premises are NOT permitted as mobile businesses.
Please note: Massage, saunas, flotation tanks, gymnasium equipment and alternative therapies do not require registration with Council's Health Unit. Read more: Physical therapies – infection prevention and control
*Other permits may be required, for example Town Planning.
Footpath trading
Read before applying online: Footpath Trading and Access
Online application - required documents:
You should read Council’s Footpath Trading and Access Policy(PDF, 1MB) before completing this section.
The updated policy was adopted by Council at its meeting on 30 July 2024.
You will be required to upload layout plan (or photos) and a copy of your certificate of currency for public liability insurance for a minimum sum of $20 million per single event.
Footpath Trading Permit Layout Plan(PDF, 575KB)
As indicated in the Footpath Trading Policy and Guidelines, the Layout Plan needs to show:
- the area of footpath to be occupied; and
- details of furniture, equipment and/or advertising boards/ signs to be placed on the footpath including size, colour schemes, signage, etc.
Planning - new permits or amendments to existing permits
Prior to completing planning permits section, please contact Town Planning on 9518 3555 to discuss your proposal and determine whether you require planning permits.
You must complete this section of the online application, if a planning permit is required.
A permit may be required if you will:
- Use the premises for a different purpose to how it is currently used
- Develop or undertake external buildings and works or internal works to a building/site with special planning controls (e.g. heritage)
- Display external signage (e.g. business identification sign(s) or illuminated sign(s))
- Change access from a main road, including modified/new crossovers or a more intensified use/access to the land
- Change the areas in your business that alcohol can be served or increasing operating hours
- Reduce the number car parking or bicycle facilities available on your land
Please read detailed guide to Planning Application Procedures(PDF, 29KB)
As part of application process you will be asked to upload:
- A full, current copy of title information for the land, including title diagrams and copies of any restrictions (e.g. covenants or section 173 agreements). This can be obtained from www.landata.vic.gov.au
- Copy of the document specifying the details of the encumbrance, if the land is affected by an encumbrance such as a restrictive covenant (if identified on the certificate of title)
- A plan of the existing conditions
- Plans showing the layout and details of the proposal
- Any information required by the planning scheme, Council’s guidelines, requested by Council or outlined in a Council planning permit checklist
- If required, a description of the likely effect of the proposal (e.g. traffic, noise, waste, environmental impacts)