Step 1 - Footpath Trading Policy

Make sure you take the time to read our Footpath Trading Policy. It lists all eligibility criteria, requirements and conditions.

If your footpath is less than 2.5m wide, you will not be eligible for a footpath trading permit.

Step 2 – Complete your Footpath Trading Site Plan

You must complete a footpath trading site plan and provide it as an attachment when applying online. The site plan will form part of your permit and if you are looking to serve liquor with your footpath trading you will need it for your redline extension.

We have created some templates for you to use to make it easier. They include examples and the information we require when submitting it.

If you are planning on using your neighbour's footpath, you will need to also include this area on your site plan along with written permission. Refer below for more information on extending your footpath trading outside your neighbour's premises.

Download the most applicable site plan for your shop frontage:

• Single Frontage
• Corner 1
• Corner 2
• Using Neighbours Frontage (extension)

Step 3 – Gather the rest of the required information

When completing the application form online you will need to attach:

• a current copy of your public liability insurance (also know as a Certificate of Currency) with a minimum of $20 million coverage
• written permission from your neighbour (if you are planning to use the area outside their business)
• site plan (this will need to include were you want to place your items, all items you wish to place, dimensions of items, distance from shop front and kerb and in context outside your business)

Step 4 – Online Application

The online application will ask some questions around the footpath area, your business and more. You will need to provide your company/proprietor details, trading name, address and attach all the information as stated above.

You will also need to pay an application fee to submit your application.

Online Footpath Trading Application

Fees are charged per item placed on the footpath outside your business. All fees are GST free.

Fee Period: 01 July 2023 - 30 June 2024.

If you need to add or remove items from your existing footpath trading permit, you will need to complete a site plan to indicate the placement of items and how many items you are proposing to have. You will then need to submit this as part of a variation application.

We have created templates for businesses to use to make this easier, please see below and download the most applicable one for your shop frontage. Site plans must include all items, have dimensions and be in context outside your business.

• Single Frontage
• Corner 1
• Corner 2
• Using Neighbours Frontage (extension)

Once you have completed your site plan or any other necessary information, you can submit an application. It's important that you have your current permit number as this will link your variation to your existing permit.

Submit a Variation

You can apply to use your neighbour’s footpath area to serve your customers with their permission. Businesses are limited to the use of their adjoining neighbour’s footpath either side, you are unable to extend further.  

How to apply to extend your footpath trading

Step 1 – Written Permission

 Provide written permission from the owner/operator of the neighbouring premises. The written permission should express ‘no concerns’ in relation to your business utilising their footpath trading area.  

We have created an example letter to assist.

written permission example letter

Step 2 - Complete your Site Plan

If you are applying as a new business, you will need to apply above. Make sure you include this proposed area on your site plan and attach your written permission when making a new application.

If you are applying with an existing permit you will need to complete a new site plan that includes your existing footpath trading and the proposed area outside your neighbours along with the written permission. 

We have created some templates for you to use to make it easier, they include examples and the information we require when submitting it. See above under 'Applying for a footpath trading permit'.

Step 3 - Submit site plan & written permission (existing permits only)

Once you have the following information ready, you can submit the information online:

• your site plan that includes your existing area and the proposed new area outside your neighbours
• have written permission from the owner/occupier

Please ensure you have your existing footpath trading permit number when submitting the information. This will link your application to your existing permit.

Submit footpath extension request

Step 4 - Inspection & Approval

Once you have submitted your application all the information will be assessed, if we have all the necessary information your application is referred to an Authorised Officer for a site inspection.

The Officer will contact you and organise a time for an inspection. They will go through and make sure all the proposed items fit within the area and also comply with the footpath trading policy.  

Once approved, you will need to pay the invoice for your items and your permit will be issued by email and you can commence trading.

Serving Alcohol

If your business is licenced for alcohol and you intend to serve alcohol on the footpath, you will need to extend your redline plan with Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) and Yarra City Council’s town planning department, as your customers will not be able to consume liquor in the extended area until you extend your redline into the approved area.

You can update your details by simply submitting an online request.

Please ensure you include your existing footpath trading permit number so that your request can be linked.

Please let us know if any of the following have changed:

• Email address (We will be sending correspondence electronically unless otherwise advised)
• Contact details (phone, mobile or postal address)
• If you have recently closed or sold your business

UPDATE MY PERMIT DETAILS

BUSINESS CLOSURE

Please note footpath trading permits are NOT transferable between owners/proprietors. If you have recently taken over a business, you will need to submit a new application.

A temporary public space licence is required if you wish to do any of the following activities on our footpaths, roads, parks and reserves:

• fundraising collections
• handing out promotional activity
• food stall such as a sausage sizzle or cake stall
• intersection collection
• community stall at the Gleadell Street market

What are the fees for a temporary public space licence?

Fees are calculated depending on the type of temporary public space licence required. All fees are GST free.

How do I apply for a temporary public space licence?

Follow the steps below to prepare your application:

Step 1

Download and complete an application for Temporary Public Space Licence Agreement form.

Step 2

Attach any applicable information that may be required such as:

• Letter of permission from occupiers of any premises where you will be placing items on the footpath.
• Certificate of currency for your public liability insurance, minimum $20 million. Insurance must cover the date of the event and it must name the occupiers of any premises you have permission to place items in front of.
• If setting up goods on council land a site plan must be provided.
• If distributing leaflets or a product please supply a waste management plan.
• Letter of Authority to fundraise if raising funds on behalf of any charitable or non for profit organisation.
  
  

Step 3

Lodge your application with Yarra City Council:

• Online
• email: [email protected]
• in person at one of our customer service centres

There are a number of conditions you must consider when applying to place items on the footpath, road, park or reserve including:

• A fee is applicable to all non-charitable organisations.
• This licence is not available for the commercial selling of goods by traders and is only available for fundraising and specific like events.
• Activities are conducted during normal business hours only, including weekends.
• Applicants are generally allowed three licence/permits per annum, however in prime sites this may be reduced to one because of the volume of requests.
• Promotional companies representing the interests of another organisation or company may only receive a maximum of 12 licences per year.
• In the instance that a stall is to be placed on the footpath, the applicant must obtain written permission from the occupant of that premise outside which it is to be placed.
• Details of proposed activities must be forward to council at least 10 working days prior to the date of commencement.
• An out of hours Local Law inspection fee may apply.