Outdoor dining and trading permits
Want to display goods outside your business, trade on footpaths or extend to a parklet (for outdoor dining) in the City of Darebin? You will need a permit to do so. Learn more and apply for footpath trading and outdoor dining (parklets) permit.
In March 2024, Council adopted a new Outdoor Dining and Trading Policy(PDF, 2MB) with the new fee structure being deferred until the 2025/26 financial year. This delay allows Council to communicate changes to businesses and prepare them for the new fee calculation method, based on square metre rates for different precincts, starting 1 July 2025. In the interim, a parklet fee of $2.50 per day per bay will apply until 30 June 2025.
The updated Policy, along with the Outdoor Dining and Trading Design Guidelines(PDF, 13MB) are now in effect, offering businesses guidance on establishing or renewing permits for outdoor dining areas, including parklets. These updates aim to enhance public space activation in business precincts and streetscapes, ensuring that outdoor dining is equitable and accessible for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users.
(including outdoor dining on footpaths)
We encourage local businesses to help activate our city with footpath trading. Footpath trading refers to, but not limited to, outdoor dining including outdoor tables and chairs, outdoor umbrellas and advertising signage such as A-frames, stands and racks. Refer to our Outdoor Dining and Trading Design Guidelines(PDF, 13MB) for more information on:
- outdoor dining on footpaths
- standards for portable and real estate signs
- allowable items and standards for footpath placement
How to apply for footpath trading
To apply for footpath trading complete an application via the Business Permits Application Portal.
Apply for footpath trading
Parklets (to extend outdoor dining)
Parklets increase ‘greening’ of retail centres and positively contribute to the local character and create vibrant public space.
If a business is applying for a parklet, parking spaces in the immediate area may be affected and these impacts are considered when an application is being assessed. Application drawings, other associated costs and construction is the responsibility of the business owner.
It is the business owner's responsibility to maintain structures to an acceptable compliant level as per their permit conditions. Parklets are not permanent and can be removed should a business decide they no longer want or need the parklet. Any removal costs will be the business owner’s responsibility.
How to apply for a Parklet
Parklet Expression of Interest
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a permit?
Under Darebin City Council’s General Local Law Number 1 2015, a permit is required to display goods or trade on footpaths in Darebin.
What is the revised process for neighbouring consent?
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.
What will be the new method for calculating outdoor dining permit costs and associated footpath trading items starting in July 2025?
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).
How we assess your application
We will assess your application with consideration of:
We will also check that it adheres to the current building and planning schemes.
More information
Phone: 03 8470 8888
Email: business@darebin.vic.gov.au