Footpath Trading

Footpath trading is defined as using the footpath for commercial activities, including:

Sale of goods and products
Outdoor dining
Displaying signs and other items (Does not include real estate agent portable 'A' boards)

You need a Footpath Trading Permit or Box Hill Mall Footpath Trading Permit (for use in Box Hill Mall) if you want to place tables and chairs, goods and products, outdoor heaters, an advertising sign, planter boxes, umbrellas, screens, promotional items or any other material on the footpath.

Before Applying

The footpath trading guidelines below and Disability Discrimination Act (1992) outline the rules and conditions for placing goods on footpaths. They also explain permit zones and other restrictions related to footpaths.

Footpath trading guidelines ( PDF 547.5KB) - For the Whitehorse municipality except Carrington Road
Box Hill Mall footpath trading guidelines (for Carrington Road, Box Hill) ( PDF 1.6MB)

Footpath Permit Zones

In order to provide unobstructed access for pedestrians, the following zones have been created.

Pedestrian zone
Trading activity zone
Kerbside zone
Exclusion zone.

These zones are outlined in the diagrams below.

More details can be found in the footpath and trading guidelines including definitions of the zones and specific measurements that you must adhere to in accordance with the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (1992).

Annual Fees (GST Exempt)

To be renewed every year in September.

To apply for a permit to temporary extend your outdoor trading permit, please visit the COVID Response: Outdoor Trading Page.

For All Areas Except Box Hill Mall (from 1 September 2021)

One selection $155.00
Two selections $275.00
Three selections $390.00
Four selections $500.00
Five selections $600.00

Selections available

A/Board (one sign 1m high x 600mm wide)
Goods on Display
Tables, Chairs & Umbrella
Plants
Barriers
Other

Box Hill Mall (from 1 September 2021)

The fee payable is calculated on the number of total linear metres multiplied by linear metre.

$550 per linear metre

Selections available

Goods on Display
Tables, Chairs and Umbrellas
Barriers
Other

Footpath Trading Permit conditions (including Box Hill Mall)

Footpath Trading Permit conditions

The use of footpath trading permits are subject to the following conditions:

The permit fee must be paid before use
The applicant must supply valid copies of the required documentation
The permit is only valid at the nominated site location stated on the permit
The permit is only valid for the time period stated on the permit
The permit is not transferable. Permits are not to be leased, sold or given away.
Permit holders must display the permit sticker provided in the front of the building so it can be seen from the street.
No form of advertising of a permit for rent, lease, sale profit or other beneficial or fraudulent consideration of causing such an advertisement to be published is permitted
At the conclusion of the permit period a new application form must be submitted
Permits are required for A-frame display boards, planter boxes, goods on display, tables, chairs, umbrellas and barriers or any other material
Footpath trading furniture and fixtures must be of a high standard in terms of design, appearance and style as well as being deemed appropriate and sympathetic to the streetscape. All items must be sturdy, reliable and suitable for their intended use. All footpath trading furniture and fixtures must be approved by Council.
Approved items such as café screens, retractable awnings and gas heaters attached to existing buildings or verandas must be capable of removal or relocation within 24 hours
Council will NOT allow the installation of permanent structures, including electrical lighting and sound systems
Permits are for a maximum period of 12 months
Permits are subject to annual renewal and payment of a renewal fee set by Council
Permit applications must meet the requirements of the general footpath trading guidelines or specific footpath trading guidelines for Carrington Road, Box Hill
Permit holder must display permit sticker provided in the front of the building so it can be seen from the street
Permits do not allow for exclusive use of an outdoor space and in some instances access may be required for a public event or permitted activity at Council’s discretion
The permit may be suspended by a member of Victoria Police or by an authorised Council Officer for any reason at any time. No permit fee will be refunded.

Apply Online - Footpath Trading Permit

Apply Online - Box Hill Mall Trading Permit

Lodge an Application?

You will need the following details to submit a new application:

A copy of your Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency (mandatory) for $10 million from your insurance company
Site plan (mandatory). For online applications please submit a scanned copy of the site plan
Any images or supporting documentation for your application
Application fee (mandatory)

Once you have submitted an application form, Council will arrange to inspect your premises to assess the permit application. After the assessment if your application is successful, a permit will be sent to you. If your application is unsuccessful, you will be notified in writing.

If you want to install in-ground furniture sockets you must also apply to undertake works in the road reserve.

Apply Online

In-ground Furniture Sockets

Download the following information and form if you want to install in-ground furniture sockets:

Renewing Your Permit

If you have an existing footpath trading permit, Council will send you a renewal notice from early September each year.

It is a mandatory requirement that you submit a current certificate of currency from your insurance company with $10 million liability as part of your renewal and pay the required fee.

Payment for the renewals can be made online.

Payment reference id will be supplied by Council.

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