Footpath trading and outdoor dining permits

The fee structure and fee values for items placed on footpaths such as A-board, bench, table, planter box, etc.  will remain the same as the 2023/2024 fee structure. Existing permit holders will receive their renewal notices in July 2024 once Council adopts the draft budget for 2024-25. An interim fee structure for parklets has been introduced as defined within the policy, with parklets being charged at a rate of $2.50/day/bay, calculated from the permit invoice issue date until June 30, 2025.

For new applications - visit our Business Permits page to apply for a new Footpath Trading Permit.

You can apply for a parklet permit by completing the online application form

You can apply for a footpath trading permit by completing the online application form

Council will send a renewal notice to existing businesses with footpath trading permits once the draft budget for 2024-25 is adopted.

Please complete this application form and return it to Council for processing via email at mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au, by post to PO Box 91, Preston, VIC 3072, or in person at 274 Gower Street, Preston.

Under Darebin City Council’s General Local Law Number 1 20215, a permit is required to display goods or trade on footpaths in Darebin.

This is when the new method for calculating outdoor dining permits will be implemented. The new fee structure is based on calculating a square metre rate at specified percentages for different business precincts. See the Outdoor Dining and Trading Draft Policy for more information.

Business with existing permits will be provided with information on this when permits are due for renewal Councils website will be updated to include relevant information to assist business with this transition.

Existing and new applicants will be able to apply for a permit under the new fee structure online.

The policy was updated to ensure we have the best approach to managing outdoor dining so it is equitable and accessible for everyone.

The updated policy and guidelines provide clear and simple guidance to businesses that consider establishing new or extend existing outdoor dining and trading areas, including parklets.

From 1^st July 2025, we are introducing a new method for calculating outdoor dining permit costs as well as associated footpath trading items and these changes will be adopted across all permits in each of the activity centres across Darebin.

Fees and Charges will be determined by Council at the start of each financial year in accordance with the published Fees and Charges schedule.

Fees will be calculated as follows:

Outdoor dining on footpaths will be calculated on a square metre rate at the following percentages for different business precincts:

- a rate of 30 % of the annual average retail rents for the centre.

Outdoor dining on nature strips and in road spaces (Parklets) will be calculated on a square metre rate at the following percentages for different business precincts:

- a rate of 50% of the annual average retail rents in Primary areas.

- a rate of 40% of the annual average retail rents in Secondary area.

- a rate of 20% of the annual average retail rents in Revitalisation areas (or a standard applicable rate as calculated by Council).

Yes, this policy change will affect all current footpath trading permit holders, commencing in 2025/26. Your renewal notice will provide you with more information about this calculation for your business.

Applications can be made to occupy unused footpath space and/or car spaces in front of immediately neighbouring properties. For these applications:

Council will give written notice to the owners and occupiers of the adjoining property of the proposed application. This applies to neighbouring premises on street level only, not residents or businesses located directly or indirectly above the business in question.

Notified parties will have a minimum two (2) week period to make a submission before a Council decision is made. Council will consider any submissions/concerns received as part of its assessment of the application for a permit.

Applications must meet the access needs of all public space users and modes of transport to ensure their passage is convenient, safe, equitable and efficient. All proposals can be accessed, used, and enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. They also prioritise access for active modes of transport like walking and cycling over motor vehicles.

Council will liaise directly with government bodies to provide appropriate levels of feedback and assessment.

Council will give an indication to when that will be available.

No they will not, this will be the reasonability of the business owner.

Currently all applications are on hold till further notice.

Yes, our design guidelines have been developed to ensure parklets must be constructed to ensure accessibility for all our community members with DDA compliance requirements to be met in the design and construction of a parklet.

If a business is applying for a parklet, it does indicate that parking spaces in the immediate area may reduce to accommodate the parklet.

The decision-making guidelines will ensure that road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles is of the highest consideration and that the proposed parklet provides other benefits such as increased safety on our streets and improved greening and design outcomes for local businesses.

No, parklets are not permanent and can be removed should a business decide they no longer want or need the parklet, however any removal costs will be the business owner’s responsibility. It is the responsibility of parklet owners to always maintain structures to an acceptable compliant level.

Yes, visit our permits webpage for more information.