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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. 

business lady with tablet

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:

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 

Building

Food and Liquor

Planning

Regulations

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

Preparing for what you will be trading

What you are trading will determine the types of permits you need. We have compiled industry-specific guidelines to assist you in progressing your business. 

man and woman doing computer work in Hospitality venue

Better understand the permits required

View the fact sheets below to find the permits that relate to your business. 

If your industry is not listed below, please contact the Economic Development Team.

Hospitality

For cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars.

Do you need help getting started? For help walking you through the process view or download the Hospitality Businesses Guidelines

Beauty and Personal Services

For beauticians, hairdressers and more

Do you need help getting started? For help walking you through the process view or download the Personal Services Guidelines

Small Industry and Manufacturing

For small businesses who are making and creating, such as a micro brewery or food and beverage production

Do you need help getting started? For help walking you through the process view or download the Small Industry Manufacturing Guidelines

Music Venues

For nightclubs and live music venues

Do you need help getting started? For help walking you through the process view or download the Music Venues Guidelines

Recreation, Gyms and Entertainment

For businesses such as escape rooms, indoor golf, indoor rock climbing and more. 

Do you need help getting started? For help walking you through the process view or download the Recreation and Entertainment Guidelines

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 

Building

Food and Liquor

Planning

Regulations

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