Outdoor dining and trading permits
Outdoor dining and trading can help create vibrant, welcoming streets and support local businesses by activating footpaths and public spaces. In Darebin, businesses may require a permit to place furniture, signs, goods or other items on Council land, including footpaths, nature strips and on-street parking spaces.
Council’s Outdoor Dining and Trading Policy(PDF, 2MB) and Outdoor Dining and Trading Design Guidelines(PDF, 13MB) have been developed to support safe, accessible and well-designed outdoor trading areas for businesses, pedestrians and the wider community. Businesses are encouraged to review these documents before applying to ensure their proposal meets the relevant requirements.
Permits may be required for activities including:
- Outdoor dining
- Footpath trading
- A-frame signs
- Display of goods
- Parklets
- Outdoor furniture and planter boxes.
Depending on the proposal and location, additional approvals may also be required.
Footpath trading
Footpath trading allows businesses to use part of the footpath directly outside their premises for activities such as outdoor dining, displaying goods or signage. Well-designed footpath trading can contribute positively to the activity and character of local shopping areas while supporting local businesses and creating more active public spaces.
All footpath trading areas must maintain safe and accessible access for pedestrians and comply with Council’s Outdoor Dining and Trading Policy(PDF, 2MB) and Outdoor Dining and Trading Design Guidelines(PDF, 13MB). Applications are assessed with consideration given to accessibility, pedestrian movement, safety, streetscape outcomes and impacts on surrounding businesses and road users.
Businesses are responsible for ensuring all furniture, signage and trading items remain compliant with permit conditions and are maintained in a safe and suitable condition at all times.
Apply for footpath trading
Parklets
Parklets are small public spaces installed within on-street parking areas, designed to support outdoor dining, greening and more vibrant local shopping streets. They can include features such as seating, planting and accessible design elements, creating welcoming spaces for customers and the broader community to enjoy.
In Darebin, parklets are designed to balance business activation, accessibility, safety and streetscape outcomes. Businesses interested in installing a parklet are encouraged to review our Outdoor Dining and Trading Policy and Outdoor Dining and Trading Design Guidelines before submitting an application. Council’s Better Approvals Team can also provide guidance throughout the application and assessment process.
Parklet application process
1. Check if your location is suitable
Before applying, review Outdoor Dining and Trading Policy and Outdoor Dining and Trading Design Guidelines to understand location, accessibility and design requirements for parklets.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit a Parklet EOI (below), including the required plans, drawings and supporting documents.
3. Initial assessment
Council will assess the proposed location and advise if the site is considered suitable. Additional information or changes may be requested during this stage.
4. Design and permit approval
Once the proposed design is approved, any required external approvals, traffic management requirements and permit conditions will be finalised before a construction permit is issued.
5. Install the parklet
The parklet must be constructed in accordance with approved plans and permit conditions.
6. Final approval
Once construction is complete, final documentation and photographs must be provided to Council. An operational permit will then be issued.
7. Renewal, ownership changes or removal
Parklet permits are issued for 12 months and can be renewed annually. Businesses must notify Council of any ownership changes or if the parklet is being removed.
Apply for a parklet
Frequently asked questions
Will parking spaces be removed?
Parklets are typically located within existing on-street parking spaces. Potential impacts to parking and traffic conditions are assessed as part of the application process.
How will Council assess my parklet application?
Parklet applications are assessed against Council’s Outdoor Dining and Trading Policy(PDF, 2MB) and Outdoor Dining and Trading Design Guidelines(PDF, 13MB) , with consideration given to accessibility, safety, streetscape outcomes and impacts on surrounding road and footpath users.
Assessment may involve consultation with internal Council departments, as well as external authorities such as the Department of Transport and Planning or Yarra Trams, depending on the location and proposal.
Council may request further information or design changes during the assessment process to ensure the proposal meets all relevant requirements.
Are there fees associated with a parklet?
Yes. Parklet fees are set by Council each financial year as part of the published Fees and Charges schedule. Fees are calculated based on the size of the parklet and the location of the business precinct.
Parklets are generally charged at a percentage of the annual average retail rent for the area:
- Primary areas: 50%
- Secondary areas: 40%
- Revitalisation areas: 20% (or a standard applicable rate determined by Council)
Businesses are also responsible for costs associated with design drawings, approvals, construction, installation, maintenance and any required asset relocations or external authority approvals.
Do I need approvals from external authorities?
Depending on the location, approvals may also be required from external authorities such as the Department of Transport and Planning or Yarra Trams.
How long does a parklet permit last?
Parklet permits are generally issued for 12 months and can be renewed annually, subject to compliance and approval requirements.
Who is responsible for maintaining the parklet?
The business owner is responsible for ensuring the parklet remains safe, compliant and maintained in line with permit conditions.
Can a parklet be removed?
Yes. Parklets are not permanent structures and can be removed if no longer required. Removal costs are the responsibility of the business owner.
More information
Phone: 03 8470 8888
Email: BBA@darebin.vic.gov.au