Whether you're launching a new venture, expanding your operations, or making changes to an existing business, understanding what approvals you need is key to getting things right from the start.
The City of Stirling is committed to making the approvals process as clear and accessible as possible. This page brings together the essential tools, resources and contacts to help you navigate your next steps.
Find out what you need
The approvals required for your business will depend on your industry, location, and the nature of your operations. To help you get started:
- Use the SBDC Business License Finder
This tool helps you identify the licences, permits, and council approvals relevant to your business type and location - City of Stirling Planning Wizard
Get tailored advice on whether you need development (planning) approval for your business activities.
Select your business type
Businesses can range from a small office that is run out of your home to large hospitality venues. Depending on the type of business you wish to set up, you may be required to apply for approval or get permission from the City.
Review the business type most relevant to you below.
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.
Common approvals explained
Depending on your business, you may need one or more of the following:
- Planning (development) approvals - required for most new businesses and changes to existing businesses that affect land use, signage, or building layout. You can:
- View the City’s three-step guide for development approvals
- Use the planning wizard for guidance
- Speak directly with our planning team.
- Building permits - If you're constructing, renovating, or fitting out a space, you’ll likely need a building permit. This ensures your premises meet safety and compliance standards. Check out the City’s building advice.
- Health approvals - Essential for businesses in industries such as:
- Food service (cafes, takeaways, food trucks)
- Personal care (tattoo, beauty, skincare)
- Childcare and aged care.
To operate your business in accordance with legislation and codes of practice, there are a number of environmental health approvals you require. Find out more about health approvals and food safety training.
Food businesses must also obtain a Trade Waste Permit from Water Corporation.
Operating permits
Depending on your business activities, you may need:
- Footpath Trading Permits for outdoor dining
- Temporary Food Stall Permits for markets and events
- Liquor and Gaming Approvals from relevant state authorities.
Pre-lodgement advice
The City offers planning services and guidance. It also has a pre-lodgement service for applicants to get advice and understand the application process better. This helps in addressing concerns and making the process transparent. Book a pre-lodgement meeting with the City’s planning or building team. This service helps identify potential issues early and can save you time and money.
Request a pre-lodgement meeting
Lodging your application
The City's online lodgement service allows customers to easily lodge a building permit or development application online in a few simple steps.
Once you’re ready, you can lodge your application online with our online portal making it easy to submit and track your application.
Once the City receives your application, officers will check your submission to confirm it is complete and ready for assessment. If further information is required, the City will contact you to request this information.
