For safety reasons, some footpath traders need to secure furniture to the footpath with a Council approved socket and sleeve system. This applies to umbrellas, café screens, and planter boxes.

The socket system must be a suitable proprietary product designed to support the structure. The system must have a hinged cover that can close flush with the footpath level when the furniture is not installed.

Approval Process for In-Ground Sockets

All traders who would like to conduct footpath trading first need to apply for a Footpath Trading Permit in accordance with the Footpath Trading Guidelines.

If traders need to instal in-ground sockets in the footpath for footpath trading, they will also need to apply to Council for Consent to Undertake Works in the Road Reserve (Road Opening Permit) ( PDF 200.32KB). The purpose of the additional permit requirement is to ensure that all works in the footpath are performed safely and the footpath is not damaged.

Note: Council does not arrange to instal or remove in-ground sockets. Traders will need to appoint a suitably experienced and qualified contractor to undertake the works. A $1,000 bond will be held by Council until the furniture/socket installation is removed and the applicable area reinstated to its original condition. It is the responsibility of the trader to arrange for the removal and reinstatement and then apply to Council for the return of the bond by providing a copy of the receipt for the bond.

To obtain the Consent to Undertake Works in the Road Reserve (Road Opening Permit), traders are required to provide the following:

• A copy of the appropriate valid Footpath Trading Permit
• A completed Undertake Works in the Road Reserve (Road Opening Permit) ( PDF 200.32KB) application form - in the section of the form for ‘Type of work’ – tick ‘other’ and write for example, ‘umbrella sockets’
• Details of the proposed in-ground socket system
• A copy of the site traffic management plan
• A copy of the Public Liability insurance certificate of currency for the contractor installing the sockets (minimum of $20 million - obtainable for their insurer).

You will also need to make the following payments to Council:

• The Consent (Permit) Fee for ‘minor works’
• A $3,000 security deposit bond

Further Information

• Footpath Trading Permit information - Contact Council’s Community Safety Department on 9262 6333
• Consent to Undertake Works in the Road Reserve information - Contact Council’s Engineering and Environmental Services Department on 9262 6177