Overview
If you plan to start a new or are taking over or expanding an existing business, you may need Council permission. You need to be aware of a range of permits and registrations that you may need, including:
- Planning
For use of a building or land, undertaking building works, displaying signs, meeting car parking requirements and other statutory planning requirements. There may also be an existing planning permit for the land you wish to amend.
- Building
Building permits for construction, development of land, use of a building for business, displaying signs, meeting requirements of cultural heritage and bushfire overlays and other statutory planning requirements.
- Environmental Health
Registrations and certificates for wastewater and septic systems, food premises, accommodation premises, hairdressers, and beauty and tattoo premises. Approval usually takes 4-6 weeks.
- Local laws and footpath trading
Includes footpath trading permits, mobile food trading permits, parking permits and domestic animal business permits. Approval usually takes 2 weeks.
There are standard fees that apply to all permit types. Team members from the relevant department/s will contact you after you submit your application to confirm the final fees.
When your application is assessed, you may receive a request for further information. Please respond promptly to any requests, as a slow response may delay a decision.
Checklist before applying for permits
Before applying for business permits, ensure you are prepared and have all the required documents. You should also use our Permit Assessment Tool to help indicate what type of permits you may need.
- 1. Explain your business to us
To help us determine the type of permits and registrations you require, you must describe what products or services you intend to supply, where you will operate and from what premises, your hours of operation, how many people you plan to employ and an estimation of how many customers you forecast. Include your immediate requirements and your anticipated future needs in your plan.
Business Victoria has assets to help you write a business plan.
- 2. Connect to our Business Permit Service
Before you submit your application, connect with the Council’s Business Permit Service via businesspermits@casey.vic.gov.au. The Service will help you identify which permits or permissions your business may require.
- 3. Meet with Council officers
Occasionally, we may need to schedule a business pre-application meeting with you. During this meeting, staff from relevant departments will assist you in evaluating the suitability of your proposed location, identifying the necessary permits and registrations, estimating associated costs, and determining if any additional information is required.
- 4. Gather required documentation for your application
You will be required to provide documents as part of your permit application. We recommend that you prepare these documents asap, and you may be required to bring them to a pre-application meeting. Documents include but are not limited to:
- Floor plan with proposed and existing use and development
- Site plan with proposed and existing use and development
- Copy of title
- Public Liability Insurance (Certificate of Currency)
Resources and further reading
Use the following industry and government resources to learn more about how to operate a business in Victoria.
- Writing a business plan | business.vic.gov.au
- Help to set up a business | business.vic.gov.au
- What licenses do you need | ablis.business.gov.au
- Financial record-keeping requirements | ato.gov.au
- Request a copy of your land title | landata.online
- Requirements for supplying liquor | vic.gov.au
- Seek advice from Small Business Mentoring Service | sbms.org.au
- How you can use and develop your property for business | Planning schemes
- Search for a planning report | planning.vic.gov.au
- How you are allowed to use your place of business | Casey planning schemes
- Search you planning property report | planning.vic.gov.au