To register your premises with Council you must first:

1. Provide the Environmental Health Unit with a copy of your Planning Permit or Property Information Request.  
   
   This confirms that the proposed land use complies with the planning scheme and legislation.
   
   Council’s Planning Department can be contacted on ph: 9262 6303.

2. Provide the Environmental Health Unit with a copy of the Building Permit with the endorsed plans. 
   
   Where a building permit is not required, provide written documentation from a building surveyor stating that a building permit is not required
   
   Private building surveyors can be found at the Victorian Building Authority.

3. Provide the Environmental Health Unit with a New Food Premises Form  ( PDF 498.91KB)
   
   From July 1 2023, an establishment fee is payable on all New Food Premises. Fee is to cover costs associated with administration, progress inspections, final inspection, plans assessment (where provided, internal referral process (Planning / Building / Health) and on-going professional advice to support compliance. 

4. Fit out your premises
   
   Undertake any works to your premises to ensure it complies with the Food Act 1984 and The Food Standards Code.

5. Obtain a Certificate of Final Inspection or Occupancy Permit (if required) from a building surveyor.
   
   These documents must be submitted in full prior to a final inspection being undertaken by the Environmental Health Unit.
   
    
6. Application to Register
   
   You will be given permission to trade after: 

• A final inspection has been conducted
• You have lodged of an Application to Register form
• You have made payment of the applicable fee

All food businesses are classified according to the activities being conducted.  Class 1, 2 and 3 food businesses must register with their Council.

Class 4 businesses are not required to register but must notify Council.  

If you are a Class 4 business you will need to complete the Notification Form. ( PDF 247.33KB)

If you would like further information on Classification of your Food Business please visit Department of Health and Human Services Classification.

Once you have registered, you will be required to renew your registration each year.

Registration runs from 1 January - 31 December each year.  You have the option of renewing your registration online via the e-Health Portal

For further information on how to renew your registration, please visit Renewal of Registration

Obtaining appropriate planning approval(s) from Council can play a critical part in the success of any business enterprise – whether you are starting a business, expanding a business, changing the nature of business activities or the location of your premises. Refer to Businesses in Commercial and Industrial Areas for further information.

If you are planning to alter or change the use of an existing building or carry out structural works you will require a Building Permit. Contact Councils Building Services Unit on 9262 6303