Health approval
There are a number of environmental health approvals you require to operate a business in the food, beverage and hospitality, and personal care (skin penetration) industries.
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This page provides information about what you may need to consider when starting a business in the City of Stirling.
Taking an idea and turning it into a business can be exciting. However, you’ll need to make sure that you:
- Have a business plan
- Possess all of the required permits
- Register your business with all of the relevant authorities.
It’s also a good idea to do some research on how many other businesses already exist in your sector, and the type and number of people who live in each suburb.
To help you take the necessary steps to starting your business, follow the steps provided below:
Business research
Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC)
The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) also has a step-by-step guide, checklists, tools and all the resources you need to start a small business in the City of Stirling.
For more information, please visit the SBDC website.
REMPLAN
To find data relating to the City of Stirling's economy, jobs and business insights, visit the Remplan website.
Outdoor dining areas - Footpath Trading and Activation Permit
The City recognises that outdoor eating areas (alfresco dining) can make a significant contribution to the vitality and ambience of public places. They offer opportunities for social interaction or quiet reflection while helping to stimulate the local business economy.
Businesses can apply for a Footpath Activation Permit and if the activation area is in accordance with the policy, the City will issue the business with an activation permit which is valid for the life of the use of the activation area.
A permit is not required to place one 'A' Frame sign on the footpath to support your business.
Select your business type
Businesses can range from a small office that is run out of your home to large hospitality venues. Depending on the type of business you wish to set up, you may be required to apply for approval or get permission from the City.
Review the business type most relevant to you below.
Home offices
Home offices are not permitted to employ anyone who is not a member of the household and is not permitted to have any custom/trade signage or involve any food preparation.
Home occupations
Home occupations are permitted to have some custom/trade signage. However, they are limited to the use of 20m2 of floor area and may not employ anyone who is not a member of the household.
Home businesses
Home businesses are permitted to employ up to 2 people who are not members of the household and are limited to the use of 50m2 of floor area. Some custom/trade signage is permitted.
For more information on home offices, home occupations and home businesses, please read the Home Office, Home Occupation and the Home Business Information Sheet for guidance on any required approvals.
Home food businesses
We suggest you read our Guidelines for Food Preparation in Residential Premises for Sale to the Public then visit the health approvals page for your next steps. Please contact the City for guidance on any required approvals. Once you have the necessary approval, you must complete and submit a Food Premises Notification Form.
Food, beverage and hospitality businesses are vital to the community by increasing tourism and boosting the economy. After you get all the necessary approvals from the City's Planning and Building approvals and other organisations (like Water Corporation for trade waste), please visit the health approval page for your next steps. This page will tell you about the rules, training, and approvals you need before opening.
Outdoor dining areas
The City recognises that outdoor eating areas (alfresco dining) can make a significant contribution to the vitality and ambience of public places. They offer opportunities for social interaction or quiet reflection while helping to stimulate the local business economy.
Businesses can apply for a Footpath Activation Permit and if the activation area is in accordance with the policy, the City will issue the business with an activation permit which is valid for the life of the use of the activation area.
A permit is not required to place one 'A' Frame sign on the footpath to support your business.
Temporary food vans/stalls/stands
A Permit to Provide Food at Events allows registered food businesses and not-for-profit organisations to trade at City of Stirling run/approved events. This permit is valid for one specified financial year and can be renewed each year.
We suggest you read our guidelines Minimum Standards for the Use of Temporary Food Premises for One or Two Day Events, ensure your public liability insurance is up-to-date and visit the health approvals page for your next steps.
If you run a buisness that offers personal care services like beauty therapy, waxing, tattoos, manicures, pedicures, or piercings, you need to follow specific health requirements. These requirements cover how your place is designed, how clean it is, and how you control infections.
First, check if you need Planning and Building approvals for your business location and set up. For more details on legislative and notification requirements, visit the health approvals page.
For more information, please phone our Customer Contact Centre.
The City has developed new, personal and group training guidelines. This is to help manage increasing requests for access to public open space and sporting grounds, by personal and group trainers.
To be eligible for a personal trainer or group fitness operator permit within the City of Stirling, you must have the following:
- Approved qualifications endorsed by Fitness Australia and/or VETAB providers such as TAFE, universities and nationally recognised training institutions/colleges
- A current senior first aid certificate
- Proof of current professional registration with Fitness Australia or the relevant peak body
- Current public liability insurance ($10 million minimum) and professional indemnity insurance for the life of the permit.
Personal training permits
| Permit types | Group size | No. of reserves per permit | Maximum hours per week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small group | 1 - 4 people | 1 | 18 hours |
| Medium group | 5 - 10 people | 2 | 18 hours |
| Large group | 11 - 25 people | 3 | 18 hours |
Personal training seasonal permit fees
| Permit fees | Winter (1 April - 30 September) | Summer (1 October to March) | 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small group (1 - 4 people) | $225.00 | $425.00 | $550.00 |
| Medium group (5 - 10 people) | $550.00 | $750.00 | $1,100.00 |
| Large group (11 - 25 people) | $1,100.00 | $1,300.00 | $2,200.00 |
Bootcamps and short fitness session fees
| Group type | Cost per session |
|---|---|
| Small group | $5.00 per session |
| Medium group | $10.00 per session |
| Large group | $20.00 per session |
Personal training application process
- Step 1 - Read the Personal Training and Commercial Group Fitness Guidelines
- Step 2 - Read the Personal Training Policy
- Step 3 - Read the Frequently Asked Questions
- Step 4 - Submit an enquiry via the Reserves or beach booking form
- Step 5 - Your form will go to the Recreation and Leisure Services department for processing.
You'll be advised of the outcome of your application within five working days.
Planning approval
You will need to establish if you require planning approval before you can start your new business:
- Check that your proposed premises has current development approval for how you intend to use it. For example, does your tenancy have approval to operate as a restaurant or is it currently approved for use as a grocery shop?
- Determine the suitability of your proposed premises regarding zoning, parking requirements and other details relating to its intended use
- If you wish to build new premises or change the use of existing premises, you must submit a development application
- Or if you wish to serve food outdoors or have an alfresco dining area.
For more information, please phone our Customer Contact Centre.
Get help finding the approvals you need to develop a property
Building approval
If you'd like to build or develop a premises for your business, but you don’t know what kind of building permit or approval you will require, please see develop your property.
If you need advice or guidance, the City’s building surveyors and planning officers are here to help.
For more information, please phone our Customer Contact Centre.
Planning and building service request
The City can investigate planning and building service issues that fall under compliance:
- Business from home
- Commercial vehicle parking
- Dangerous or unsafe buildings
- Overlooking / privacy issues
- Departure from approved plans
- Swimming pools / spa barrier
- Unauthorised structures
- Unauthorised signage
- Unauthorised land use
- Unauthorised cut and/or fill.
To submit a development services planning and building service request, please complete the following form:
