Health approval
There are a number of environmental health approvals you require to operate a business in the food, beverage and hospitality, and personal care (skin penetration) industries.
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Whether you're launching a new venture, expanding your operations, or making changes to an existing business, it's important to understand which approvals you need before you begin. The City of Stirling is committed to making this process clear and accessible, bringing together the essential tools, information and contacts to help you navigate every step.
The approvals required for your business will depend on industry, location and the type of activities you plan to undertake. This page will help you identify which approvals apply, how to check your requirements, and where to go for advice.
Find out which approvals apply to you
These tools give personalised guidance based on your business type, location and proposed activities:
- The SBDC Business License Finder helps you identify the licences, permits and registrations relevant to your business type and where you plan to operate. It’s a useful first step if you’re unsure which rules apply to your industry or if you're comparing different business ideas.
- The City of Stirling Planning Wizard provides personalised advice on whether your business activities are likely to need development (planning) approval. By answering a few simple questions about your proposed location and activities, the tool guides you towards the relevant forms and information you may need.
Common approvals explained
Different types of approvals may apply depending on your business activities, the premises you choose, and whether you’re making any changes to a building or its use. The overview below outlines the four main approval categories used by the City of Stirling.
Planning approval, also known as Development Approval, is required for most new businesses and for any changes that affect how land or buildings are used. This may include opening a new business in an existing premises, changing the type of activity carried out on a site, modifying the internal layout of a building, or installing new signage.
Planning approval ensures your proposed business activities comply with local zoning requirements, support safe and appropriate land use, and minimise impacts on the surrounding community. Some low‑impact or like‑for‑like business activities may not require approval, depending on the location and the type of use.
The City of Stirling’s Planning Wizard tool can help you understand whether your business is likely to require approval and outline the steps involved.
After planning approval is granted, you may still need building, health or other permits depending on your business type and fit‑out requirements.
Health approvals apply to businesses that handle food and beverages, provide personal care or skin penetration services (such as tattooing, beauty or skincare treatments), or deliver care services including childcare and aged care. These approvals ensure your premises, equipment and operations meet public health and hygiene standards under relevant legislation.
Health requirements may include food safety practices, hygiene and sterilisation processes, waste management, and fit‑out specifications designed to support safe and compliant service delivery.
Food businesses must also obtain a Trade Waste Permit from the Water Corporation before discharging wastewater into the system.
Changes to your business, such as new services, modified food production, or alterations to treatment or kitchen areas, may require you to update or apply for a new health approval.
After receiving your health approval, you may still need additional building or planning approvals depending on your business type and fit‑out. Most health‑regulated businesses will also receive routine inspections to ensure ongoing compliance, and some may have annual renewal or inspection fees.
Depending on your business activities, you may need specific operating permits to legally trade within public areas or to undertake certain types of commercial activity. These permits help ensure your operations are safe, accessible and compliant with local laws.
Common operating permits include Footpath Trading Permits for outdoor dining or product displays and Temporary Food Stall Permits for markets or events. Some businesses may also need approvals for commercial filming or photography, alfresco dining, or temporary structures.
In addition to local government permits, certain activities may also require approvals from state or national authorities, such as liquor licensing or other specialised regulatory approvals.
You can use SBDC’s Business Licence Finder to discover operating permits that may be required to start, run and grow your business.
You may need a building permit if you are planning to construct, renovate or fit out a commercial space. This includes structural changes, internal alterations, and the installation of new fixtures or services. In most cases, planning approval is required before you can apply for a building permit.
Building permits ensure any work carried out at your premises meets required building standards and safety requirements, and that your fit‑out is compliant before you open for business. Even minor fit‑out works may require a permit depending on the type of construction or services involved.
Changes to your building design, internal layout, or services during construction may also require an amended or additional permit.
The City of Stirling’s Planning Wizard tool tool can help you understand whether your business is likely to require a building permit, or you can find more information on the City’s Building Advice page.
Business types: What to consider
Different types of businesses may have specific considerations based on the activities they carry out, the premises they use, or the services they provide. The examples below offer general guidance to help you understand how the approval categories above may relate to your business. For personalised advice, use the tools at the top of this page or explore the approval categories in more detail.
Home offices
Home offices are not permitted to employ anyone who is not a member of the household and is not permitted to have any custom/trade signage or involve any food preparation.
Home occupations
Home occupations are permitted to have some custom/trade signage. However, they are limited to the use of 20m2 of floor area and may not employ anyone who is not a member of the household.
Home businesses
Home businesses are permitted to employ up to 2 people who are not members of the household and are limited to the use of 50m2 of floor area. Some custom/trade signage is permitted.
For more information on home offices, home occupations and home businesses, please read the Home Office, Home Occupation and the Home Business Information Sheet for guidance on any required approvals.
Home food businesses
We suggest you read our Guidelines for Food Preparation in Residential Premises for Sale to the Public then visit the health approvals page for your next steps. Please contact the City for guidance on any required approvals. Once you have the necessary approval, you must complete and submit a Food Premises Notification Form.
Food, beverage and hospitality businesses are vital to the community by increasing tourism and boosting the economy. After you get all the necessary approvals from the City's Planning and Building approvals and other organisations (like Water Corporation for trade waste), please visit the health approval page for your next steps. This page will tell you about the rules, training, and approvals you need before opening.
Outdoor dining areas
The City recognises that outdoor eating areas (alfresco dining) can make a significant contribution to the vitality and ambience of public places. They offer opportunities for social interaction or quiet reflection while helping to stimulate the local business economy.
Businesses can apply for a Footpath Activation Permit and if the activation area is in accordance with the policy, the City will issue the business with an activation permit which is valid for the life of the use of the activation area.
A permit is not required to place one 'A' Frame sign on the footpath to support your business.
Temporary food vans/stalls/stands
A Permit to Provide Food at Events allows registered food businesses and not-for-profit organisations to trade at City of Stirling run/approved events. This permit is valid for one specified financial year and can be renewed each year.
We suggest you read our guidelines Minimum Standards for the Use of Temporary Food Premises for One or Two Day Events, ensure your public liability insurance is up-to-date and visit the health approvals page for your next steps.
Food, beverage and hospitality businesses are vital to the community by increasing tourism and boosting the economy. After you get all the necessary approvals from the City's Planning and Building approvals, please visit the health approval page for your next steps. This page will tell you about the rules, training, and approvals you need before opening.
All businesses in the food handling and preparation industry must apply for a trade waste permit before discharging any waste into the wastewater system (in accordance with the Water Services Act 2012). Please visit the Water Corporation's Trade Waste website, or contact the Trade Waste team direct on 13 13 95 or tradewaste@watercorporation.com.au.
If you run a buisness that offers personal care services like beauty therapy, waxing, tattoos, manicures, pedicures, or piercings, you need to follow specific health requirements. These requirements cover how your place is designed, how clean it is, and how you control infections.
First, check if you need Planning and Building approvals for your business location and set up. For more details on legislative and notification requirements, visit the health approvals page.
For more information, please phone our Customer Contact Centre.
The City has developed new, personal and group training guidelines. This is to help manage increasing requests for access to public open space and sporting grounds, by personal and group trainers.
To be eligible for a personal trainer or group fitness operator permit within the City of Stirling, you must have the following:
- Approved qualifications endorsed by Fitness Australia and/or VETAB providers such as TAFE, universities and nationally recognised training institutions/colleges
- A current senior first aid certificate
- Proof of current professional registration with Fitness Australia or the relevant peak body
- Current public liability insurance ($10 million minimum) and professional indemnity insurance for the life of the permit.
Personal training permits
| Permit types | Group size | No. of reserves per permit | Maximum hours per week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small group | 1 - 4 people | 1 | 18 hours |
| Medium group | 5 - 10 people | 2 | 18 hours |
| Large group | 11 - 25 people | 3 | 18 hours |
Personal training seasonal permit fees
| Permit fees | Winter (1 April - 30 September) | Summer (1 October to March) | 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small group (1 - 4 people) | $225.00 | $425.00 | $550.00 |
| Medium group (5 - 10 people) | $550.00 | $750.00 | $1,100.00 |
| Large group (11 - 25 people) | $1,100.00 | $1,300.00 | $2,200.00 |
Bootcamps and short fitness session fees
| Group type | Cost per session |
|---|---|
| Small group | $5.00 per session |
| Medium group | $10.00 per session |
| Large group | $20.00 per session |
Personal training application process
- Step 1 - Read the Personal Training and Commercial Group Fitness Guidelines
- Step 2 - Read the Personal Training Policy
- Step 3 - Read the Frequently Asked Questions
- Step 4 - Submit an enquiry via the Reserves or beach booking form
- Step 5 - Your form will go to the Recreation and Leisure Services department for processing.
You'll be advised of the outcome of your application within five working days.
Pre-lodgement advice
You may find it helpful to speak with the City before lodging your application. The City offers a pre‑lodgement service where you can discuss your plans with the planning or building team, ask questions, and get guidance on what information you may need to prepare. This can help you identify any issues early and make your application process smoother and more transparent.
