Footpath trading
You need a footpath trading permit to place items on the footpath outside your business. Find out more on this page.
Who can apply?
Eligibility requirements
Footpath trading applications will only be considered by Council where the following eligibility requirements are met.
Footpath trading is not permitted on footpaths that are less than 2.5m wide, as they cannot accommodate the required zones without obstructing pedestrian movement.
Businesses must be able to meet the minimum required setbacks for each relevant zone.
| Footpath Section | Footpaths Less Than 3.5m Wide | Footpaths 3.5m or More |
|---|---|---|
| Walkway Zone | Minimum of 1.5m from the building line/shop front towards the kerbside. | Minimum of 1.8m from the building line/shop front towards the kerbside. |
| Trading Zone | Remaining area once walkway, kerbside and access zones are identified and requirements are met. | Remaining area once walkway, kerbside and access zones are identified and requirements are met. |
| Kerbside Zone | • Minimum 0.4m from the kerb of the road. • Minimum 0.7m from a loading zone. • Minimum 1.5m from an accessible parking bay. | • Minimum 0.4m from the kerb of the road. • Minimum 0.7m from a loading zone. • Minimum 1.5m from an accessible parking bay. |
| Access Zone | • Minimum 0.5m from each side of where the building/shop front ends. • Minimum 1m access gap must be provided every 3m for large trading areas. | • Minimum 0.5m from each side of where the building/shop front ends. • Minimum 1m access gap must be provided every 3m for large trading areas. |
Outdoor dining furniture is only available to businesses where the primary activity of business is the service of food and beverage and those which are registered under the Food Act 1984.
Council may consider seating for other types of businesses on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you are not a food or beverage business but still want outdoor dining furniture and we can try to assist you.
Yarra City Council has introduced an updated Footpath Trading Policy to support local businesses while ensuring footpaths remain safe, accessible and easy to navigate for everyone.
Footpath trading fees
How fees work
The application and inspection fee is charged when you submit a new application.
Additional fees apply for each approved item placed on the footpath. Your total permit fee is based on the number and type of items included in your approved footpath trading area.
Example: If your application includes one advertising sign (licensed), two tables less than 800mm, and four licensed chairs, the applicable fees will be:
- Application and inspection fee: $68
- Licensed advertising sign: $215
- Two tables less than 800mm: $194 ($97 × 2)
- Four licensed chairs: $360 ($90 × 4)
Total payable upon submission will be $68, and total payable upon approval will be $769.
Advertising signs & Goods displays
If you are applying for an advertising sign (A-frame) and/or goods display only, these permits are automatically issued. You will be required to pay the application and inspection fee, as well as the applicable item fee(s) listed below. Once payment has been received, your permit will be emailed to your nominated email address.
Example: If your application is for one advertising sign (licensed), the applicable fees will be:
- $68 application and inspection fee
- $215 item fee
Total payable upon submission will be $283.
If you are applying for an advertising sign or goods display in addition to outdoor dining furniture or other footpath trading items, you must complete the outdoor dining application. These applications require assessment before a permit can be issued. In this instance, you will only be charged the application and inspection fee at the time of application. Any additional item fees will be invoiced once the application has been approved.
Current footpath trading permit fees
Fees apply to most items placed on the footpath as part of your approved trading area. All fees are GST free and are current until 30 June 2027.
A non-refundable application and inspection fee applies to all new applications.
| Item on footpath | Fee |
|---|---|
| Non-refundable application/inspection fee | $68 |
| Advertising sign - (licensed) | $215 per sign |
| Advertising sign - (unlicensed) | $149 per sign |
| Goods display | $499 per display |
| Heaters | $133 |
| Planter boxes/tubs | $69 |
| Awnings | $261 |
| Other miscellaneous items | $69 per item |
| Table - less than 800mm | $97 per table |
| Table - greater than 800mm | $110 per table |
| Chair (licensed) | $90 per chair |
| Chair (unlicensed) | $28 per chair |
| Screens/barriers | Free |
| Umbrella(s) | Free |
Documents you need
We will require supporting documentation as part of your application to be able to do an assessment and approve a footpath trading permit.
Below is a list of the documents to include in your application online.
You must provide a current Certificate of Currency for public liability insurance with a minimum cover of $20 million.
This helps ensure that appropriate insurance is in place to protect members of the public and your business in the event of an incident or claim.
You must provide a site plan showing the proposed footpath trading area and all items you intend to place on the footpath.
Your site plan should clearly show:
- The location of all proposed furniture, displays and other trading items.
- The dimensions of each item.
- The distance between items and the shop front.
- The distance between items and the kerb.
- The overall dimensions of the proposed trading area.
- Any access and pedestrian clearance areas.
To help you prepare your application, we have created site plan templates for different shop frontages. Download the template that best matches your premises:
- Single frontage [ PDF, 740.28 KB]
- Corner 1 [ PDF, 1.11 MB]
- Corner 2 [ PDF, 1.12 MB]
- Using your neighbour's frontage (extension) [ PDF, 1.17 MB]
A clear and accurate site plan will help us assess your application much faster.
If you would like to extend your footpath trading area into the frontage of an adjoining business, you must provide written permission from the owner or occupier of that premises.
When applying:
- Include the neighbouring frontage on your site plan, showing both your trading area and the extension.
- Attach written permission from the neighbouring business confirming they have no objection to you using their footpath trading area.
- Extensions are only permitted into the frontage of directly adjoining premises and cannot extend beyond the neighbouring property on either side.
To help you obtain permission, you can use our written permission example letter [ DOCX, 21.32 KB] .
You can also download our Using your neighbour's frontage (extension) [ PDF, 1.17 MB] plan.
Apply for a permit
Before you apply, make sure you have reviewed the eligibility requirements and gathered all required supporting documents, including:
- your site plan
- public liability insurance
- written permission from neighbour (if applicable)
When you apply online, you will be asked to provide details about your business, trading location and proposed footpath trading area. You will also need to upload the required supporting documents.
What happens next?
Once we receive your application, we will assess it against the Footpath Trading Policy and relevant requirements. We may contact you if we need additional information.
If your application is approved, we will issue your permit and approved trading area conditions. You must not place any items on the footpath until your permit has been issued.
How to pay
An invoice will be emailed to you, once your application for a permit has been assessed and approved.
Refer to your invoice or renewal notice for biller code and BPAY reference number.
Pay in person at one of our customer service centres between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Bank cheque or money order payable to Yarra City Council and send it to:
Compliance Administration
Yarra City Council
PO Box 168
Richmond, Victoria, 3121
Renew your footpath trading permit
Footpath trading permits expire on 30 September each year. We send renewal notices to permit holders in September with instructions on how to renew.
To renew your permit, you must:
- Provide a current Certificate of Currency for public liability insurance if your existing policy has expired or will expire before the new permit period.
- Pay the annual permit fees by 30 September.
Your renewal notice will include your payment reference number (beginning with FPT) and details of the available payment options.
To continue trading on the footpath without interruption, make sure your renewal is completed before your permit expires.
Failure to renew your permit or maintain current insurance may result in your footpath trading approval lapsing.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You must have a footpath trading permit before placing any tables, chairs, signs, goods displays, heaters, planters or other trading items on Council land
No. You must not place any items on the footpath until your permit has been issued and approved by Council.
If you are applying for just an advertising sign (A-frame) and/or a goods display, our permits are automatically issued once you apply and pay the fees.
Yes, provided:
- The neighbouring premises directly adjoins your business.
- You include the area on your site plan.
- You provide written permission from the owner or occupier confirming they have no objection.
You cannot extend beyond the frontage of an adjoining neighbour on either side.
Yes. If you would like to add or remove items from your approved footpath trading area, you must submit a variation application.
Your application must include:
- Your current permit number
- An updated site plan showing the proposed changes
- The type, quantity and location of any items being added or removed
Council may inspect the site to ensure the proposed changes comply with the Footpath Trading Policy.
If approved, any applicable fees must be paid before an updated permit is issued. You must not place additional items on the footpath until approval has been granted.
Business support
To find out what other support is available for your business, visit Business Victoria.
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