Does your business need approval?

Depending on the nature and location of your business, you may require approval before your business can proceed.

Types of business approvals and permits

Planning approvals, building permits, and licenses ensure businesses operate safely, legally and according with relevant regulations. These approvals protect public health and safety, promote fair competition among businesses, and help maintain a safe and healthy community.

Find out which approvals your business may need with the City’s Self-Assessment Tool.

Planning Approval (or Development Approval)

Planning approval, often called Development Approval, is needed for most new businesses. It’s also often needed for changes to existing businesses that impact the use of land or buildings.

The City assesses the proposed use of land or buildings against relevant planning policies and regulations to ensure it is appropriate for the area.

Find out more and start your application for your Planning Approvals.

Building Approval

Building approvals are typically required for any new construction or alterations to existing buildings. Building approvals ensure work carried out complies with relevant building codes and safety standards.

Find out more and start your application for your Building Permit.

Health Approval

Health approval is required for certain businesses, such as food businesses, to ensure they meet health and safety standards.

Find out more and start your application for your Health Approval.

Business permits

Depending on your business’ activities, the City can help you obtain other permits you need before you start operating your business:

  • Occupancy Permit: certifies a new or renovated building as suitable for occupancy and meeting all relevant building and safety codes.
  • Liquor Licence: enables businesses to serve alcohol to the public.
  • Trading Permit: allows businesses to operate outside of their normal trading hours or on public holidays.
  • Noise Permit: guides businesses generating excessive noise, such as music venues or construction sites.

Book an optional pre-application meeting

For the smoothest application process, the City offers an optional pre-application meeting with the Approvals Team to help you navigate the process with ease.

A pre-application meeting is particularly useful for innovative, tricky, or different proposals; giving you guidance and helping you address potential issues before submitting your application.

Please bring any relevant documents and plans to the meeting for the team to review.

Complete the online form to book your pre-application meeting.

For more information on business approvals and permits, contact the City.