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Business Permits - City of Perth

Licenses & Permits

The City of Perth is a fantastic place to open a business. With close proximity to offices and transport, it is located in the centre of Western Australia's capital city. But before opening a business, it is important to understand the approvals, licenses and permits required to operate within the City of Perth.

  • Food business

    The City registers and inspects food businesses operating in the city. There are minimum standards by which these premises must operate in relation to food safety and maintenance. If you wish to establish or purchase a food business in the City of Perth, it is recommended that you contact the City for advice prior to entering into contractual arrangements or undertaking any significant works. The construction, operation and maintenance of food businesses are subject to the requirements of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

    Food Business Notification

    Please complete the Food Service Notification Form if your business:

    • Is carried out by a charity or community group and does not involve the handling of potentially hazardous foods
    • Is carried out by a charity or community group and food is for made on location immediate consumption after being appropriately cooked e.g. sausage sizzle.
    • Consists solely of selling food that is not potentially hazardous foods and is contained in a closed package so that it cannot be handled while conducting the food business e.g. shelf stable pre-packaged/sealed food.
    • Consists solely of providing complimentary drinks or sampling in conjunction with another business. 

    No fees apply.

    Food business registration

    Please complete the online Food Business Registration form if you have purchased an existing business and will make no change to the premises or operations of the business.

    The following fees may apply:

    • $99 application fee
    • $51 assessment fee
    • $103 pre-inspection fee

    Once registered, the following inspection fees will apply based on your risk rating:

    • $257.50 per high-risk routine inspection  
    • $257.50 per medium-risk routine inspection
    • $134 per low-risk routine inspection

    Food business approval

    Please complete the online Food Business Approval form if you are making changes to a kitchen such as changing equipment, cupboards or flooring (does not include changes to walls or ventilation/ roof. You will be required to upload a floor plan showing where food is stored or handled and a materials schedule.

    If you are fitting out a new food business, making changes to a kitchen which include changes to walls or ventilation (roof), or making any changes to the outside of the building, please phone the City for advice. You will require a building permit and may require planning approval prior to applying for your Food Business Approval. Once you have submitted your building permit you will be required to complete the online Food Business Approval form.

    The following fees may apply:

    • $97 application fee
    • $51 assessment fee
    • $102 pre-inspection fee

    Once registered, the following inspection fees will apply based on your risk rating:

    • $257.50 per high-risk routine inspection  
    • $257.50 per medium-risk routine inspection
    • $136.50 per low-risk routine inspection
  • Temporary food vendors

    Businesses planning to operate a food stall or food truck at an event in the city must:

    • Hold current Food Act registration with the local government where their food business is located.
    • Lodge a Temporary Food Vendor application form to the City along with the relevant applicable fee.
    • Comply with the City’s stall holder guidelines.

    Annual Food Vendor Permits are $46 (plus inspection fees at $50 per inspection).

    The City may conduct an inspection of your stall/vehicle prior to the event or on the day of the event.

    For alternative payment and application options, please contact the City of Perth on (08) 9461 3333.

  • Food safety training

    Food Safety Training

    All food handlers and people working with food are required to be competent in terms of food safety skills and knowledge. Food Safe Online is a free online interactive food safety training course. Input this code when you are prompted for payment: FSPERTH361.

    The food safety training covers basic food safety skills and knowledge. It is recommended that all existing and new food business employees complete this online training course prior to undertaking food handling activities. You will receive a printable certificate once you have completed the course.

    This training is available in Vietnamese and Simplified Chinese.

    Food Allergens

    Food allergies can be life threatening. As the food business, you have a responsibility to your customers to be aware of the allergens present in the food you serve. This includes avoiding cross-contamination and providing accurate information about the food's ingredients.

    A free online training course and a variety of useful resources have been launched by the National Allergy Strategy for Food Businesses and their staff to help manage allergens in their food service. To find out more, visit Food Allergy Training.

    Food Safety Posters and Stickers

    The City has a range of educational resources and materials to assist businesses to consolidate learning.

    You are encouraged to download and print the following signs and posters to put up around your workplace:

    City of Perth Food Safety Posters
    City of Perth Food Safety A6 Stickers
    City of Perth Food Safety A6 Stickers Artwork

    If you require any educational materials or assistance, please contact the City’s Health Services via Environmental.health@cityofperth.wa.gov.au

  • Outdoor dining

    Food businesses wishing to operate an outdoor dining area on public land (eg. footpath) are required to obtain an Outdoor Dining Permit from the City of Perth. Outdoor Dining areas are subject to compliance with the City’s Outdoor Dining Policy and Local Law.

    Please contact Activity Approvals team on (08) 9461 3333 for more information on Outdoor Dining Permit.

  • Liquor licensing

    If you are applying for a liquor licence, you may be required to submit an application for a Certificate of Local Government (Section 39). Please check with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries if you are unsure. You will need to upload a copy of your red line plan and an application fee will also apply.

    The following fee will apply:

    • $84

Other businesses

  • Public buildings

    The City approves and inspects public buildings operating in the City. Public buildings include licensed premises, function rooms, private educational facilities, large outdoor events and sporting clubrooms. Public buildings have minimum operating standards for hygiene, fire and electrical safety and accommodation capacity. 

    The construction, operation and maintenance of public buildings are subject to the requirements of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911, the Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992 and the Building Code of Australia. If you have established or purchased a premises in the City of Perth, we recommend contacting the City before entering contractual arrangements or undertaking any significant works. 

    You can use the Online Health Approval form if you:

    • Have purchased an existing business and will operate the business exactly the same way and are making no changes to the building
    • Operate an existing public building and you want to have your Maximum Accommodation reassessed
    • Are fitting out a new public building or are making changes to the premises (Planning approval and Building permits may also be required)

    You will be required to upload a floor plan showing the proposed changes. The application will time out after 20 minutes so please ensure you have all the information required to lodge your application (consult the Public Building Guidelines for owner’s operators and builders and designers).

    Once you have completed your online health approval application and the fit-out is complete, please submit a Health Approval Inspection Request.

    The following fees may apply:

    • $99 application fee
    • $103 inspection fee
  • Lodging houses

    The City licenses and inspects backpacker lodging, hostels, transitional/crisis accommodation and other short stay accommodation operating in the City. There are minimum standards by which these premises must operate in relation to hygiene, fire and electrical safety and the number of people that can be accommodated in the premises.

    If you wish to establish or purchase a lodging house in the City of Perth, it is recommended that you contact the City for advice prior to entering into contractual arrangements or undertaking any significant works. The construction, operation and maintenance of lodging houses are subject to the requirements of the City of Perth Health Local Law.

    You can use the Online Health approval form if you:

    • Have purchased an existing business and will operate the business exactly the same way and are making no changes to the lodging house.
    • Are making changes to a lodging house, such as refurbishing the kitchen and does not include changes to walls or ventilation (roof).
    • Want to have your capacity reassessed without changes.
    • Are fitting out a new lodging house.

    If you are making changes to the premises, such as changes to walls or ventilation (roof) or to the outside of the building, please phone the City for advice. You will require a building permit and may require planning approval prior to applying for your Health Approval. Once you have submitted your building permit you will be required to complete the Online Health Approval.

    Please note you will be required to upload a floor plan showing the proposed changes. Please ensure you have all the information required to lodge your application (consult the Lodging House Guidelines for owner’s operators and builders and designers)

    Once you have completed your online health approval application and the fit-out is complete you will be required to book a Health Approval Inspection Request.

    The following fees may apply:

    • $97 application fee
    • $295 licence fee
    • $295 annual renewal fee
    • $103 inspection fee
  • Skin penetration

    A skin penetration procedure is a procedure in which the skin or a mucous membrane is cut, punctured, torn or shaved. It includes body art such as tattoos, piercing, scarification or branding, dermal anchors and some beauty therapies such as waxing, shaving, tweezing, acupuncture.

    If you're fitting out a new skin penetration premises or making changes to the premises which include changes to walls or ventilation (roof) and changes to the outside of the building, please phone the City for advice. 

    You will require a building permit and may require planning approval to be submitted before completing the Online Health Approval. The approval form requests you upload the floor plan detailing location of fixtures, such as hand basins and sinks, and material used for shelving and flooring. The application will time out after 20 minutes so please ensure you have all the information required to lodge your application. You can consult the Code of Practice for Skin Penetration Procedures for more information. 

    Once you have completed your online health approval application and the fit-out is complete you will be required to book a Health Approval Inspection Request.for more information.

    The following fees may apply:

    • $51 application fee
    • $103 inspection fee

Additional fees

Environmental Health FAQ

  • What is food business registration?

    Food businesses whether operating from a fixed location (e.g. café, restaurant) or a temporary location (e.g. food stall or food truck) need to be registered with the local government in which they are based. For temporary or mobile food premises this means the local government in which the food truck or stall is garaged/stored. To be eligible for registration you must meet the requirements of the local government in which you are located.

    Charities may be exempt from food business registration requirements as well as operating fees. Please contact the City for further information.

  • I want to operate a food stall or food truck at an event in the City of Perth. Do I need approval?

    Yes. You will need to complete a temporary food vendor application form. Along with your completed application form you will need to submit -

    • Copy of your Food Act registration certificate (Not your ASIC business name certificate);
    • Copy of your public liability insurance policy certificate of currency;
    • Application fee (fee and payment options are specified on the application form); and
    • Any other information specified in the form.

    Provided your application and supporting documentation is satisfactory, a permit will be issued on or before the date of the event following an inspection of your stall/truck by an officer of the City.

  • I want to buy a food business in the City. Is there anything I need to know?

    The following City of Perth fees apply to fixed location food businesses in the City of Perth -

    • Registration fee (once off) $97
    • Annual Surveillance fees charged quarterly pro rata $268-$515 (depending on risk classification)
    • Pre-settlement desktop inspection fee $97

    Firstly the City recommends you engage a competent settlement agent at the outset of business negotiations to ensure a smooth as possible business handover. If you purchase a food business you will need to obtain a new food business registration rather than simply transferring the existing registration over. As annual surveillance (inspection) fees apply to the operation of food businesses in the City, you should factor in start-up fees in the range of $97. Please note that surveillance fees are charged pro rata on a quarterly basis.

    In addition to a standard 'settlement report', a food business purchaser (and sellers for that matter) have the option of requesting a ‘pre-settlement’ desktop audit of a food business (fees apply). This is an effective way to either demonstrate compliance to prospective buyers or remedy existing issues prior to handover. If you are considering structural or layout changes to a newly purchased food business, it is recommended that you contact the City for advice prior to commencing work.

  • Can I sell baked goods or jams that I've made at home?

    Any person wishing to prepare food for sale in a residential setting must first obtain approval from the City. Although applications are assessed on a case by case basis, the City generally only permits the preparation of plain biscuits, plain cakes and normal sugar content jams and preserves. High risk or potentially hazardous foods are not suitable for home preparation if intended for sale. The City may require applicants to undergo food safety training and / or comply with other conditions prior to approval.

  • Can I keep poultry in the City?
    Can I keep poultry in the City?

    The City's Health Local Laws require persons wishing to keep poultry (as well as pigeons or doves) to first gain written approval from the City. Applications to keep poultry are to be made in writing and are to include a plan illustrating the size of the proposed enclosure, and the number of poultry proposed to be kept. Applications are required to be determined by Council. Please note that roosters are not permitted to be kept due to noise considerations.

    Applications will not be approved unless the following minimum requirements can be clearly demonstrated:

    1. adequate land area ensures that no poultry is able to approach within 15 metres of a dwelling house, public building or premises where people are employed or where food is stored, prepared, manufactured or sold;
    2. no poultry is able to approach within 18 metres of a street other than a right of way.
    3. all poultry must be kept in a properly constructed and securely fastened structure or enclosure; and
    4. the structure or enclosure is in a yard having an otherwise unobstructed area of at least 30 square metres
  • Can I keep bees in the City?

    Bee keeping is permitted in the City of Perth in accordance with the following requirements –

    • A maximum of 2 hives may be kept on residential lots;
    • More than 2 hives may be kept on 'non-residential' lots with written consent from the City;
    • A permanent and adequate supply of water is to be provided within 10m of the hives on the lot;
    • Hives are to be enclosed on all sides by a fence, wall or other enclosure;
    • Bees/hives are not to cause a nuisance to nearby properties.

    Bee keepers are required to register with the Department of Agriculture WA. More information on registering can be found on the Department's website. Bees swarms occasionally establish themselves in domestic settings such as letterboxes, eaves, sheds etc. An up to date list of swarm collectors registered with the WA apiarist's society is available on their website.

  • Can construction work be carried out in the City of Perth outside of 'normal' working hours?

    Noise from construction work is generally considered acceptable between the hours of 7am – 7pm Monday to Saturday. Under certain circumstances, construction work may have to be carried out outside of 'normal' hours due to site specific issues, traffic considerations etc. In assessing applications for out of hours construction work, the City considers factors such as - proximity of noise sensitive premises to the construction site; proposed duration of works; predicted onsite noise levels and the reason for out of hours works. Where the City approves out of hours construction work, it generally requires a noise management plan setting out noise control and monitoring measures as well as notification of noise sensitive premises near the construction site prior to works.

  • Can you give a brief summary of smoking laws in the City?

    Smoking is not permitted in the following public places in the City of Perth -

    • enclosed public places*;
    • outdoor eating areas;
    • Hay Street and Murray Street pedestrian malls;
    • Forrest place;
    • within 10m of playground equipment;
    • any other place designated as 'no smoking'.

    * A public place is an enclosed public place if it has a ceiling or roof and is greater than 50 per cent enclosed by walls, or other vertical structures or coverings.

    Owners/proprietors of food/beverage premises or otherwise publicly accessible venues are liable for smoking that occurs on their premises (i.e. are subject to the same penalties as the smoker) and must take reasonable steps to prevent smoke from entering their premises from outside. Liquor licensed premises (other than those covered by a 'restaurant' licence) may set aside a 'smoking zone' within an outdoor eating area provided certain conditions are met.

    For comprehensive information relating to smoking legislation in WA as well as access to no smoking signage and educational materials, visit http://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/S_T/Smoking-in-enclosed-public-places.

  • Why does my event need a public building approval

    The definition of 'public building' under the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911 includes 'places' as well as buildings. An outdoor concert for example is considered a 'public building' under the Act despite not being held inside a building per se.

    Public buildings including events are required to undergo a special approvals process under the Act and associated Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992. The City typically requires a suite of documentation to accompany applications for events including comprehensive risk and emergency management plans.

    As part of the approval process, the City imposes a variety of conditions on events to ensure the safety and health of event patrons is prioritised and the impact of the event on surrounding areas is minimised. For some events, the City may impose a 'cap' on the number of persons allowed inside the event in the interests of patron comfort and safety.

Forms

See also

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