New Community Local Law comes into effect 1 September
Yarra’s new Community Local Law starts on 1 September 2026. It replaces the current General Local Law and sets out some of the everyday rules that help keep our streets, parks and public spaces safe, accessible and easy to enjoy.
The new law is clearer and easier to understand. It also simplifies some processes, including reducing unnecessary paperwork where possible, so residents, businesses and property owners can more easily understand what applies to them.
Local laws help Council manage issues that affect everyday community life, including public safety, amenity, accessibility, waste, permits and use of public spaces. The new Community Local Law supports Yarra’s priorities for better access, a stronger local economy and protected community life.
The changes will affect different groups in different ways, and Council will run a staged education and awareness campaign from September to December to help residents, businesses and other affected groups understand what the changes mean for them.
What’s changing?
- For residents, key changes include bringing bins in by midnight on collection day and keeping overhanging branches and greenery clear of footpaths, roads and laneways.
- Businesses will have clearer rules for commercial bins, signage, goods displays and outdoor furniture, with some permits now automated to make approvals quicker and easier.
- Property owners may need to address unsightly or defaced vacant properties.
- Builders will need to keep waste and building materials off roads and out of stormwater drains.
- Supermarkets will need to ensure shopping trolleys are labelled and fitted with wheel locks to help prevent abandoned trolleys.
- The new law also introduces simpler processes for some activities, including a notification process for minor residential works that require occupation or obstruction of public land, such as painting a fence or cutting a hedge.
- Council’s focus will be on helping the community understand the new requirements and providing affected groups with practical information about their responsibilities.
- Residents, businesses and other affected groups are encouraged to find out what the changes mean for them and how they can meet their responsibilities.
- To learn more, visit our Community Local Law page.
Frequently asked questions
General
The Community Local Law is Council’s updated local law. It sets out everyday rules that help keep Yarra safe, accessible and well managed, including rules about waste, public spaces, permits, amenity and community safety.
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.
Council’s focus will be on education and awareness. The campaign will help residents, businesses and other affected groups understand the changes and what they need to do to meet their responsibilities under the Local Law.
Residents
The main changes for residents are that bins need to be brought in by midnight on collection day. Residents should also be aware that trees, shrubs and bushes must not overhang public places such as footpaths and laneways.
The maximum number of animals that can be kept has changed, with residents in flats, units and apartments now able to keep more pets, including up to two cats and two dogs. Residents should also be aware that trees, shrubs and bushes must not overhang and obstruct public places including footpaths and laneways.
Keeping greenery from overhanging public places helps keep footpaths, laneways and other public areas safe and accessible for everyone.
Hard rubbish scavenging is now permitted if it is done for reuse or repurposing and the remaining hard waste is left neat and undisturbed.
Business
Businesses will have clearer rules for commercial bins, signage, goods displays, outdoor furniture and semi-permanent structures. Some permits will be automated to make approvals quicker, easier and more consistent with footpath trading and parklet policies.
Commercial bins can be put out no more than three hours before the scheduled collection and must be returned to private land no more than three hours after they are emptied. Bins must also be kept clean, well maintained and clearly labelled so it is clear who they belong to.
Bins must also be kept clean, well maintained and clearly labelled so it is clear who they belong to. However, if this is not possible, then a permit may be required for to keep your bins out for longer.
Yes. Council may require a waste management plan, for example where more complex commercial trade waste needs to be managed. A new waste management plan template will be available on Council’s website to help businesses understand and meet their requirements.
Property owners
Property owners may need to address unsightly properties including defaced buildings on unoccupied properties. The new law includes provisions to help Council respond to these issues for both residential and commercial properties.
For some minor residential works that require occupation or obstruction of public land, such as painting a fence or cutting a hedge, a new notification process will replace the previous permit requirement.
Builders
Builders need to keep w mud, dirt and other matter from building material and vehicles off roads and out of the stormwater system. They must ensure that there is also adequate waste management and containment facilities on site to prevent spoil and runoff on roads and in the stormwater system. Damage must be reported and a pre-works notification completion prior to the commencement of works. Aset protection permits are now free for works <$10,000. B
Supermarkets and shopping trolleys
Supermarket shopping trolleys must be labelled with the business name and fitted with wheel locks to help prevent and manage abandoned trolleys. Council will allow some time for these mechanisms to be put in place.
Council now has the ability to impound abandoned shopping trolleys.