A Planning permit is not required to run a home based business if the following requirements outlined in Clause 52.11 of the Whitehorse Planning Scheme are met: 

• The person conducting the home based business uses the dwelling as their principal place of residence. 
• No more than two people working at the business who do not live in the dwelling.
• The total floor area used in conducting the business, including the storage of any materials or goods must not exceed 100 square metres, or one-third of the total floor area of the dwelling, whichever is the lesser. The total floor area includes structures associated with the dwelling such as garages and sheds.
• The business must not impose a load on any utility greater than normally required for domestic use.
• The business does not adversely affect the amenity of the neighbourhood in any way including: 
  • The appearance of any building, works or materials used. 
  • The parking of motor vehicles. 
  • The transporting of materials or goods to or from the dwelling. 
  • The hours of operation. 
  • Electrical interference. 
  • The storage of chemicals, gasses or other hazardous materials. 
  • Emissions from the site. 
• No motor vehicle is adjusted, modified, serviced or repaired for gain. 
• Only one commercial vehicle (a commercial goods vehicle, commercial passenger vehicle or tow truck within the meaning of the Transport Act 1983), not exceeding 2 tonnes capacity and with or without a trailer registered to a resident of the dwelling may be present at any time. The vehicle must not be fuelled or repaired on the site. 
• No goods other than goods manufactured or serviced in the home based business may be offered for sale. This requirement does not apply to goods offered for sale online. 
• Materials used or goods manufactured, serviced or repaired in the home based business must be stored within a building. 
• No goods manufactured, serviced or repaired may be displayed so that they are visible from outside the site. 
• Any goods offered for sale online must not be collected from the dwelling.

If any of the above requirements are not met, a planning permit is required to be lodged prior to commencement of the business. Refer to the Home Occupation Checklist for what documentation is required when submitting a planning permit.

Checklist for Home Occupation ( PDF 295.37KB)

Please note: A permit may be required for signage associated with your home occupation business. For further information refer to Signage.

If you are planning to alter or change the use of an existing building or carry out structural works you will require a Building Permit. Contact Councils Building Services Unit on 9262 6303.

There are several types of home based business registrations you may require to obtain, including Food Act Registration and Public Health and Wellbeing Registration.  To register you need to;

1. Submit an enquiry form
   
   On this form you will be able to select to apply for pre-registration which includes a floor plan assessment and progress inspections prior to registering.  This ensures that your premises complies with relevant standards and minimises the risk of having to undertake costly remedial works.

   For personal care and body art, please complete the New Premises Enquiry Form ( PDF 376.75KB)

   For a food business please complete the Food Premises Enquiry Form ( PDF 498.91KB)

   Councils Environmental Health Unit in conjunction with Councils Planning and Building Units will review your enquiry form.  Following the review, you will be given confirmation whether a Planning Permit, Property Information Request or Building Permit will be required.
   
    

2. Apply for any required Planning and/or Building permits
   
    
3. Fit out your premises
   
   Undertake any works to your premises to ensure it complies with the relevant legislation;

    - Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 and the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 for personal care and body art premises

    - Food Act 1984 and Food Standards Code for food premises.

4. Obtain a Certificate of Final Inspection or Occupancy Permit (if required) from a building surveyor.
   
   These documents must be submitted in full prior to a final inspection being undertaken by the Environmental Health Unit.
   
    
5. Application to Register
   
   You will be given permission to trade after: 

• A final inspection has been conducted
• You have lodged of an Application to Register form
• You have made payment of the applicable fee

Once you have registered, you will be required to renew your registration each year.

Registration runs from 1 January - 31 December each year.  You have the option of renewing your registration online via the e-Health Portal

For further information on how to renew your registration, please visit Renewal of Registration