Once you have confirmed whether you need a planning permit, you may like to consider what your business will look like to your customers.
This page discusses signage and construction requirements
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Preparing your street presence
Setting a good first impression is important, as well as ensuring that your business is not detrimental to your neighbourhood and is a safe space for your customers.
Outdoor trading
This could include tables and chairs or signage on the footpath.
To trade from a City of Ballarat managed land, you will need to apply for a permit.
If you have recently purchased a business with an existing outdoor trading permit, you will need to apply again.
Outdoor trading activates public spaces and creates vibrancy to our streetscapes, however we need to balance community use of the footpath and precinct too.
Outdoor trading covers three broad categories:
- Outdoor dining: such as tables, chairs, heaters, pot plants, umbrellas, barrier screens
- Advertising signage: such as temporary A-frame signs or tear banners
- Displaying goods: such as products being placed on the footpath for sale or hire
If your vision goes beyond the above-listed points, impacts existing City of Ballarat assets and contributes to activation of a streetscape please make contact with the Economic Development team, to discuss your concept in more detail.
For more information, refer to the resources on this page
Outdoor trading - Fees and charges
- $200 for outdoor dining*
- $100 for display of goods for sale or hire*
- $100 for A-frame signage*
Any permit issued will expire 31 July 2026.
*The Council's adopted budget can lead to changes in these fees.
Outdoor trading - Apply for a permit
You will need:
- A site plan of the outdoor area detailing where you wish to trade
- Photographs of the proposed footpath area
- Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency with $20 million coverage
Apply for your permit:
- Read the Outdoor Trading Guidelines
- Have your site plan, photos and insurance documentation ready to attached to your application
- Online: Complete the online Outdoor Dining or Trading Application
The City of Ballarat will notify you of the outcome of your application as soon as possible
Signage
Like most businesses, you may want an exterior sign to help customers find you.
The City of Ballarat need to make sure that signs don’t unduly detract from the environment, so a planning permit is sometimes required before signs can be installed.
When you talk about your business concept with the Economic Development Team, they will take your signage vision into account. They can assist you in determining whether you need to apply for a Planning Permit.
Signage on the Footpath
If you would like to place signage such as an A-Frame or flag on a City of Ballarat managed space, for example the footpath, you will need to apply for an Outdoor Trading permit.
Complete the online Outdoor Dining or Trading Application
For more information view or download the Footpath Trading fact sheet
Home based businesses
If you live within a residential area and you are operating a business from home be mindful that you can only display signage at your house that is smaller than 0.2sqm (approx. 40cm x 50cm)
Please speak with the Economic Development Team if you would like to enquire about signage for your home based business.
Modifying a building
Modifying your building can help give your business character and brand, however it is important to ensure the structural integrity of your build, together with the impact that your construction will have on the precinct.
Planning and Building assessments will look at different aspects to the application.
Building Permit
A Building Permit will cover things like the structural integrity of the build, fire safety features within a building and accessibility to and within a building.
Every building is classified and designed according to what it can be used for, ultimately to ensure the safety of the building occupiers and other property.
If you plan to change a building’s layout, configuration, occupant numbers or use, these works will require a building permit to be obtained.
A building surveyor is responsible for issuing a building permit at the start of a building project and an occupancy permit or final certificate on completion of the building works.
The surveyor should be included at the start of the process. Your appointed building surveyor will liaise with the City of Ballarat, so that City of Ballarat’s Building Service Department are aware that the correct building permits have been obtained to occupy the building.
After the building permit is issued, the building surveyor will carry out inspections at different stages during the project to make sure the building work meets minimum Building Code of Australia requirements.
View or download these commonly used fact sheets may help you in understanding the permits required for your business:
Planning Permit
A planning permit will consider the impact of your business to the precinct you are operating within.
Not all businesses require a planning permit, but it is important to investigate whether you need a permit before you proceed.
Resources
Industry Guidelines
The guidelines are designed to help you understand the permits required for your particular business sector:
Business Fact Sheets
The fact sheets are designed to help you understand the types of permits required from the City of Ballarat
Food and Liquor
Planning
Contact us
The City of Ballarat’s Economic Development Team is dedicated to supporting businesses, small, large, or just starting. By providing us with the information about your business at the start, we can direct you to the right people in the City of Ballarat to progress your vision.
The team is available to assist you to:
- Conduct initial research to identify commercial or industrial sites
- Guide you through council's regulatory processes
- Connect you with regional markets, key influencers, and business associations
- Connect you with other council services
Phone: 5320 5500
Email: economicdevelopment@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Online application form: Small Business Application
The team will then be in contact with you to discuss your business over the phone or to arrange an in person meeting.
Stay up-to-date with business news
Subscribe to our Economic Development e-newsletter to receive information about:
-
City of Ballarat business development and networking events
-
Other opportunities for businesses supported by City of Ballarat
Policies and Procedures
Policies and procedures
Advertising Planning Applications
Chief Executive Officer Employment and Remuneration Policy
Civic Recognition and Civic Events Policy
Community Infrastructure Planning Policy
Consideration of Planning Application
Energy Efficient Public Lighting Policy
Federal and State Elections Policy
Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy
Lake Wendouree Boat Shed Policy
Live broadcasting and recording of council meetings procedure
Outdoor Dining and Trading Guidelines
Public Interest Disclosure Procedure
Recognition of Ballarat's Olympians Policy
Rules
Preparing for where you will do business
The types of permits you will need will vary based on what your business vision is, together with where you would like to operate your business from.
Common business permits required
The Economic Development Team is available to guide you through which permits you may need.
Operating from home
To run your business from home while leasing your property, you need to get permission from your landlord first.
Get in touch with our Economic Development Team and let us know what your vision is, so we can ensure that your neighbourhood is not adversely affected by your business.
Once we understand what your plan is, we will confirm if we think you need a planning permit, by checking some key criteria.
This criteria includes:
- Whether you are living in the residence
- How many people will be working from your property
- Amount of home space used by the business
- How your business will impact utilities in the neighbourhood, such as sewerage and electricity demand
- How your business will impact your neighbours.
- How your customers obtain your product from you
- What your plans are for signage
Note:
- Not all businesses require a planning permit, but it is important to investigate whether you need a permit before you proceed.
- Sometimes a planning permit can be a complex and lengthy process, which can take up to two years. The complexity will vary dependant on the proposed location and the request.
Operating a mobile business
This may be a mobile food van or mobile dog wash
Operating on private land
If your business will operate on privately owned land, please touch base with our Economic Development Team, so we can understand your vision and support you in obtaining the appropriate permits
Operating on City of Ballarat land
If you would like to operate a business on land that is controlled by the City of Ballarat, you will need to apply for an Itinerant Trading Permit
To apply, you will need to provide:
- A site plan showing the location where you wish to set up
- Proposed days and times of operation
- Vehicle registration details
- Details on what you are planning to sell
- Certificate of Currency of a public risk insurance policy with a minimum cover of $20 million
To apply for an Itinerant Trading Permit
View and print the Application for Itinerant Trading Permit
Fill out the form and return:
-
Via email info@ballarat.vic.gov.au
-
Via post to Regulatory Services, City of Ballarat, PO Box 655, Ballarat VIC 3353
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In person to Customer Service Officer at The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat
Changing the use of an address
This may occur if your property was utilized for a different purpose and there has been a modification in the intended use.
It is important to investigate whether you need a planning permit before you proceed.
Our team will assess the classification of your business within the Planning Scheme and determine if it is allowed at your chosen property. We will then evaluate your business vision against the property's planning controls to advise you on whether you should apply for a Planning Permit.
Please contact our Economic Development team, who can support you in seeking advice from our Planning team on the most appropriate action for your property and business vision.
For more information, refer to the resources on this page
Busking in Ballarat
Artistic and cultural performances are an important part of our creative and vibrant city, and the City of Ballarat aims to improve and encourage such performances.
Visit or Busking permit page to apply or for further Information.
Resources
Industry Guidelines
The guidelines are designed to help you understand the permits required for your particular business sector:
Business Fact Sheets
The fact sheets are designed to help you understand the types of permits required from the City of Ballarat
Food and Liquor
Planning
Contact us
The City of Ballarat’s Economic Development Team is dedicated to supporting businesses, small, large, or just starting. By providing us with the information about your business at the start, we can direct you to the right people in the City of Ballarat to progress your vision.
The team is available to assist you to:
- Conduct initial research to identify commercial or industrial sites
- Guide you through council's regulatory processes
- Connect you with regional markets, key influencers, and business associations
- Connect you with other council services
Phone: 5320 5500
Email: economicdevelopment@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Online application form: Small Business Application
The team will then be in contact with you to discuss your business over the phone or to arrange an in person meeting.
Stay up-to-date with business news
Subscribe to our Economic Development e-newsletter to receive information about:
-
City of Ballarat business development and networking events
-
Other opportunities for businesses supported by City of Ballarat
Strategies, plans, and policies
Find our strategies, action plans and master plans for Ballarat; City of Ballarat's policies and procedures; local laws; and governance rules.
Plans, strategies and frameworks
Active Women and Girls Strategy 2018
Ballarat Activity Centres Strategy part 1
Ballarat Activity Centres Strategy part 2
Bakery Hill Urban Renewal Plan Parts 1 and 2
Bakery Hill Urban Renewal Plan Parts 3, 4 and 5
Ballarat Aquatic Strategy 2014
Ballarat Creative City Strategy
Ballarat Creative Precinct Master Plan
Ballarat Cycling Action Plan 2017-25
Ballarat Event Strategy 2018-28
Ballarat Friends of Ainaro Community Committee Strategic Plan 2017-2022
Ballarat Heritage Plan 2017-30
Ballarat Integrated Transport Plan
Ballarat Rural Land Use Strategy
Ballarat Skate and Youth Facilities Framework
Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan part 1
Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan part 2
Canadian Valley Outline Development Plan
Carbon Neutrality and 100 Per Cent Renewables Action Plan
Community Engagement Framework
Community Safety Strategic Statement 2017-2021
Dowling Forest Precinct Master Plan
Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2019-2022
Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2019/20
Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017-21
Intercultural City Strategic Plan 2018-21
Lawn Bowls Facilities Framework
Making Ballarat Central - CBD Action Plan 2017-21
Municipal Early Years Plan 2015-18
Municipal Emergency Management Plan 2019-21
Municipal Council Neighbourhood Safer Places Plan
Playspace Management Plan 2021-2025
Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-21
Resource Recovery and Waste Management Strategy 2018-22
Stormwater Management Plan 2010
The Learmonth Plan - Our Township Towards 2040
Traveller Experience Plan 2021-2030
Victoria Park Master Plan - Volume 1
Victoria Park Master Plan - Volume 2
Policies and procedures
Advertising Planning Applications
Applying Amendment VC53 to Council Projects
Community Infrastructure Planning Policy
Consideration of Planning Application
Energy Efficient Public Lighting Policy
Keys to the City Freedom of entry Policy
Lake Wendouree Boat Shed Policy
Live broadcasting and recording of council meetings procedure
Outdoor Dining and Trading Policy
Public Interest Disclosure Procedure
Recognition of Ballarat's Olympians Policy
Recognition of Ballarat's Paralympians Policy
Solar Panels on Heritage Sites
State and Federal Elections Policy
Local Laws
Our local laws provide peace, order and good government for our residents, businesses and visitors.
Rules
Planning permit application: Process and requirements overview
Contact the Statutory Planning Team
For any queries regarding the process:
- Email: planninginfo@ballarat.vic.gov.au
- Phone: 53205500
Overview
The planning permit process can be complicated. The Ballarat planning scheme sets out the controls that govern all land within the Ballarat municipality. This includes the zoning of land as well as any applicable overlays. These controls establish a framework to guide the development of a site together with relevant state and local planning policies.
The videos below provide an overview of the key aspects of the planning process. These processes may vary depending upon the nature and complexity of a particular case.
Starting the application process
To start the application process, we recommend seeking preliminary advice from a planning professional or from the City of Ballarat’s Statutory Planning team.
City of Ballarat Planners can confirm if a permit is required in response to your request for advice. A request for written advice or a pre-application meeting may be necessary.
If you are ready to get started:
Requirements and review process
To start, you must provide the following key documents relevant to your proposal:
- ***Lodge a planning permit application***
This instruction had said to 'provide a completed planning permit application' - would lodge a planning permit app sit here or earlier?
- Current copy of the title for the land. Including copies of any covenants and agreements. This should be no older than 30 days. View more property and land titles information at land.vic.gov.au
- Scaled and dimensioned drawings/plans. This should clearly document your proposed development, including a site plan, demolition plans, floor plans and elevations, as a minimum.
- A written response to the relevant provisions of the Ballarat planning scheme.
- The prescribed fee. Summary of planning and subdivision fees
Any relevant supporting technical documents, including but not limited to:
- a Heritage Impact Statement (HIS)
- a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP)
- Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Statement, including a Built Environment Sustainable Scorecard (BESS) assessment
- Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA)
- Flood Impact Assessment
- Drainage/Stormwater Assessment
- Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI)
- Arboricultural Report
- Biodiversity Impact Assessment
- Noise Impact Assessment
- Written Consent of the Public Land Manager
Please note: Section 47 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 states that where a permit is required to use or develop land, an application must be made to the Responsible Authority in accordance with the Planning and Environment Regulations 2015 (refer Regulation 13). Section 47 states an application must include (inter alia) advice regarding the estimated cost of the development (provision exists on the application form to input this amount) together with the prescribed fee and the information required by the Ballarat planning scheme. The documentation required by the Ballarat planning scheme is dependent upon the nature of the proposal.
Planning fees
View the City of Ballarat Summary of planning and subdivision fees
Planning fees are dependent upon the application type and nature of the proposal. Fees are updated on 1 July each year by the State government. The City of Ballarat is able to set its own fees in relation to certain application types.
Public notice, advertising and feedback
Application decision making process
Following the assessment process, the City of Ballarat will issue either:
- A planning permit, subject to conditions
- A Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit, subject to conditions
- A refusal to Grant a Planning Permit.
Where the permit applicant or a registered third party does not agree with the City of Ballarat’s decision, an ‘Application for Review’ may be lodged with VCAT, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Visit vcat.vic.gov.au to learn more.
Application timeframes
In accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987, a decision should be issued within 60 days of the receipt of an application.
Provisions exist to ‘stop the clock’ where further information is required and this can often delay the process:
- Delays may also be experienced waiting for referral comments
- Organising mediation meetings
- Negotiating improved outcomes.
- The complexity of a case may also cause delays, particularly if the resolution of certain issues requires the input of a variety of stakeholders, including other government agencies.
A fast-track planning approvals process also exists. This is known as the ‘VicSmart’ approval pathway and is reserved for smaller cases satisfying particular qualifying criteria.
To apply you must submit:
- A completed: Application for a VicSmart Planning Permit
Standard timeframe for these applications are within 10 business days. Provisions exist to ‘stop the clock’ where further information is required and this can often delay the process
Further information regarding VicSmart applications can be found in the relevant zone and overlay(s) that apply to a site and Clauses 59 and 71.06 of the Ballarat planning scheme.
Conditions
All planning permits include conditions. Often these conditions require the submission of documents for further approval. Once submitted, these documents will be assessed and if in accordance with relevant conditions will then be endorsed to form part of the permit.
Sometimes documents need to be referred to other City of Ballarat departments and government agencies for further consideration. This can sometimes delay the approval process.
Documents submitted in accordance with planning permit conditions:
- Email: Statutory Planning Team, planninginfo@ballarat.vic.gov.au
To prevent delays, please clearly reference the planning permit number and the condition(s) in accordance with which the documents are being submitted in the subject line of your email.
Documents submitted in accordance with engineering conditions:
- Email: Development Engineering Team, engineering@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Next steps
When these documents have been endorsed and the City of Ballarat Planning Permit Application Process is complete, it is good to consider what other permits may be required. These might include: