Footpath trading permit

Footpath Trading Policy

Our Street Activities Policy and Guidelines guides the management and use of footpaths by the community and businesses.

All retailers that operate a business beside Council-controlled footpaths must abide by the Street Activities Policy, Guidelines and any conditions specified on the Footpath Trading permit.

Our Street Activities Policy and Guidelines aims to:

• balance local business activities with the need to provide clear, safe access for all pedestrians of all abilities
• encourage footpath trading that contributes to the vibrancy of commercial areas including shopping centres
• provide clarity for traders about appropriate use of local footpaths

Apply for a permit

When applying for a Footpath Trading Permit, which includes table and chairs, display of goods and A frame signs, the following steps must be followed:

• Download and read the Street Activities and Policy and Guidelines
• Download and complete the permit application form (below) or complete the online application form
• Prepare a proposed site plan and details of what will be displayed (optional). Please note this is a requirement up until 30 June 2022.
• Arrange public liability insurance cover for at least $20 million indemnity and name Council as an interested party on the policy. Please note, up to $10 million cover is required up until 30 June 2022.
• For new Footpath Trading applications, Council can cover your Public Liability Insurance. (You must apply before 30 June 2021 to be eligible, and the cover will expire on 30 September 2021. Please note, this offer is only valid for the placement of Tables and Chairs).
• Organise the permit fee of:
  • $87 for an A Frame Sign (Please note: the City of Whittlesea is waiving all Footpath Trading Permit fees until July 2022 to support businesses to recover from the pandemic).
  • $102 for up to 2 Tables (Please note: the City of Whittlesea is waiving all Footpath Trading Permit fees until July 2022 to support businesses to recover from the pandemic).
  • $170 for 3 or more tables (Please note: the City of Whittlesea is waiving all Footpath Trading Permit fees until July 2022 to support businesses to recover from the pandemic).
  • $51 for each square meter of Goods Displayed, (for example, 2 square metres equals to $100) (Please note: the City of Whittlesea is waiving all Footpath Trading Permit fees until July 2022 to support businesses to recover from the pandemic).

Please specify exact square metreage on application form if you wish to display goods, along with appropriate payment

We accept cheque, cash, credit card or EFTPOS, but mailed applications can only be paid by cheque at City of Whittlesea Locked Bag 1, Bundoora MDC VIC 3083.

Tables and chairs, display of goods and A-frame permits

Businesses applying for a permit to place Tables and Chairs, Display of Goods and A-Frame advertising signs on the footpath must adhere to the following conditions:

• Tables & Chairs and Display of Goods can only be placed in the Trading Zone, directly outside the business, on the footpath, during the trading hours of the business. Please note, if you would like to place tables and chairs or display good outside of the trading zone, click here. This will only be permitted up until 30 June 2022.
• A Frame advertising signs can only be placed in the Trading Zone directly outside the business, on the footpath or nature strip, during the trading hours of the business. Please note, if you would like to place an A-Frame advertising sign outside of the trading zone, click here. This will only be permitted up until 30 June 2022.
• A Frame signs must not exceed 0.9m wide and 1.1m high
• A Frame signs must be removed during unsuitable weather conditions (e.g. windy weather)
• Cannot be permanently affixed to the footpath or nature strip
• Must be placed 1.5 metres from the shop front and 600mm from the curb.
• Tables & Chairs, Display of Goods and A Frame advertising signs must not be placed up against the shop front.
• For further conditions, please refer to the Street Activities Policy and Guidelines.

Application approval process

We will respond to your application within 3-5 business days and we will advise whether an inspection of the site is required before approving the permit. Due to Council's commitment to supporting local businesses during the pandemic, we will endeavour to process any new Footpath Trading application within 24-48 hours.

Renewing your permit

The permit expiry date is displayed on your Footpath Trading permit. A renewal letter and/or email will be sent out to the permit holder 2-3 weeks before the permit is to expire.

You must submit a new copy of your public liability insurance with your renewal application. You can renew your permit in the following ways:

• online 
• by mail to:
  City of Whittlesea
  Locked Bag 1,
  Bundoora MDC VIC 3083
• If you hold a current Footpath Trading permit, you will need to renew your permit. All fees will be waived until 30 September 2022. (Please note, you will still need to renew your public liability insurance as normal and supply a copy to Council).

Extend your footpath trading zone

Under the State Governments Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package, The City of Whittlesea would like to advise all businesses who currently hold a Footpath Trading permit, you can now apply to use your neighbour’s Footpath Trading Zone to Display your A-Frame advertising sign, Tables and Chairs and Display of Goods.