Community Local Law
The Community Local Law covers things like caring for your property, using public spaces, animals, waste and bins, building works, events, when a permit is needed and more.
Use this page to understand your responsibilities, what’s allowed, and how Council manages and enforces these rules.
This Community Local Law replaces the previous General Local Law and takes affect from 1 September 2026.
On this page
Shaping the Community Local Law together
To ensure the Local Law reflects the needs of Yarra today and into the future, Council undertook a comprehensive review of the existing Local Law and invited residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders to provide their experiences, concerns and priorities.
The review considered all community feedback alongside legislative requirements, operational experience and emerging local issues, helping to create a new Local Law that supports safety, accessibility, neighbourhood amenity and community wellbeing.
The previous General Local Law was adopted in 2016 and was due to expire on 1 September 2026.
To ensure Council can continue to effectively govern the municipality and respond to local issues, a new Community Local Law was required.
Over a 10 year period, communities change, new challenges emerge, and expectations evolve. Reviewing the Local Law provided an opportunity to ensure it reflects the needs of today's community while supporting the future needs of Yarra.
We wanted the new Community Local Law to be shaped by the community from the beginning.
Rather than drafting a new Local Law first and then seeking feedback, Council started by asking residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders about the issues they were experiencing and what was important to them.
This approach helped Council better understand local priorities and identify where improvements may be needed.
Community feedback helped us understand:
- what was working well
- areas where rules could be improved
- emerging local issues
- opportunities to make the Local Law clearer and easier to understand
Following this consultation, Council reviewed the existing Local Law and developed a draft Community Local Law that reflected feedback received on matters within the scope of the Local Law.
The draft Community Local Law was then released for a second round of community consultation, giving residents, businesses and stakeholders an opportunity to review the proposed changes and provide further feedback.
Council carefully considered all submissions before deciding on the final version of the Local Law.
The Community Local Law 2026 was adopted by Council on 9 June 2026 and commenced on 1 September 2026.
The new Community Local Law was developed through a comprehensive review process that included:
- reviewing the previous Local Law
- analysing community and stakeholder feedback
- considering legislative requirements and best practice
- undertaking a legal review
- assessing operational and enforcement experience
- identifying opportunities to improve accessibility, safety and community outcomes
The result is a modern Community Local Law that supports our community while protecting public spaces, accessibility, neighbourhood amenity and community wellbeing.
Yarra City Council has introduced a new Community Local Law to support the community and make Yarra a safe, accessible and vibrant city.
Overview of the Community Local Law
The Community Local Law sets out everyday rules that help keep our neighbourhoods safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
It explains how property, public places and certain activities are managed across the municipality. The Local Law also outlines when permits are required, what responsibilities apply to residents, businesses and visitors, and how Council enforces these rules.
Overall, it supports community wellbeing while balancing individual use with shared responsibilities.
The Community Local Law is guided by principles and objectives that explain what the Law is designed to achieve and how it is applied. Together, they ensure the rules are fair, practical, consistent and used in the public interest.
These principles and objectives focus on:
- Good governance – clear and accountable rules applied transparently
- Accessible places – supporting universal access and clear paths of travel
- Wellbeing and inclusion – keeping people safe and supporting public health
- Community amenity – protecting neighbourhood enjoyment while allowing activity
- Safety – managing risks to people, property and the environment
- Economic support – enabling responsible business activity while protecting amenity
Together, they guide how Council manages the municipality to support safety, access, fairness and a strong community.
This section sets the foundation for Yarra's Community Local Law by explaining what it's called, why it exists, when it starts, where it applies, and the key definitions used throughout the Local Law.
- It is officially called the Community Local Law
- It starts on 1 September 2026 and remains in force for 10 years, unless revoked or replaced
- It applies throughout all of Yarra City Council
- It includes key definitions that explain how the Local Law is interpreted and applied
This part sets rules for how private property is maintained to protect safety, accessibility and neighbourhood amenity.
It covers things such as:
- displaying property numbers
- overhanging vegetation
- significant trees
- unsightly properties
- waste and bins (domestic, hard waste and commercial waste)
- camping
- deliveries,
- open‑air burning
- minor residential works
This part regulates activities carried out on Council land to ensure shared spaces remain safe and accessible.
It includes rules for:
- outdoor dining
- roadside trading and street collections
- busking and commercial fitness activities
- charity bins and political advertising
- events, festivals, filming and
- noise in parks
Most organised or commercial activities on Council land require a permit.
This part manages how vehicles, equipment and other items are used or placed on roads, footpaths and Council land.
It covers:
- heavy vehicles in residential areas
- vehicle repairs and parking permits
- vehicle crossings and skip bins
- obstructions, hazards and shopping trolleys
- damage to Council assets
- drainage and building over drains
The focus is on safety, accessibility and protecting public infrastructure.
This part sets rules for responsible animal ownership and protecting public spaces.
It includes:
- cleaning up animal waste
- limits on how many animals can be kept
- standards for housing animals
- rules about feeding animals in public places
These rules help protect community health, amenity and wellbeing.
This part manages how building works are carried out to protect Council assets and neighbourhood amenity.
It includes requirements for:
- asset protection permits and bonds
- approved building times
- waste management and site cleanliness
- toilets on building sites
- preventing pollution and protecting drainage
This part sets rules around the consumption of alcohol in public places to support safety and community wellbeing.
It includes:
- time‑ and location‑based restrictions
- prescribed areas
- special event restrictions
- directions that may be given by Authorised Officers
- exemptions for licensed venues and approved events
The approach prioritises safety and support, particularly for vulnerable people.
This part explains how the Local Law is enforced and administered.
It outlines:
- powers of Authorised Officers
- notices to comply
- impounding of items
- fees and penalties
- how urgent situations are managed
Enforcement aims to be fair, proportionate and transparent.
This part explains how permits work under the Local Law.
It includes:
- when a permit is required
- how to apply
- how applications are assessed
- permit conditions and bonds
- amendments, cancellations and exemptions
Schedule 1 sets out the penalties that apply to offences under the Community Local Law.
It lists:
- the infringement penalty amounts that may apply
the maximum court penalties for more serious or repeated offences
If a section is not listed in Schedule 1, an infringement penalty still applies and will default to one penalty unit. Schedule 1 identifies offences where a higher penalty applies.
The purpose of penalties is to encourage compliance, protect safety and amenity, and ensure the Local Law is applied fairly and consistently.
Penalty amounts are based on penalty units, which are set under State legislation and updated annually.
Your guide to the Community Local Law