Home-based businesses – 18P application checklist

You need a permit for a home-based business if you want to vary staff numbers, vehicle numbers, floor space, or advertising signs. Find out more about requirements go to home-based businesses planning advice.

This page outlines the documents that you must have (mandatory inclusions) and other documents you might need to include. 

Before you start

• Confirm you need a planning permit
• Talk to us about your application

Mandatory inclusions

Certificate of Title

Certificate of Title from Landata copy (dated within the last three months) and with a copy of any registered covenants and/or Section 173 agreements.

Written report

We need details of (if relevant):

• land use - current and proposed
• buildings/works - any new proposed 
• hours of operation proposed
• staff/employees - maximum number 
• car parking - is additional parking or loading facilities needed
• site suitability for the particular business 
• compatibility with other surrounding uses and developments
• type of liquor licence being applied for (from Liquor Control Victoria)
• transport of materials or goods to and from the site
• goods - type to be stored, processed or produced on the site
• emissions (eg smoke, noise, smells, lighting) from the land generated as a result of the proposed use.

Photographs

Photographs of the subject site can be useful.

Floor plan 

The plan should show the total floor area in square metres for the whole residence and the designated floor area for the proposed home-based business.

Site plan

We need a plan of the existing site and the proposed buildings and works. This could all be detailed on one plan or as a site plan and a separate existing conditions plan.

Provide details and dimensions for what is relevant to your proposal:

• title boundaries - must be clearly shown and labelled
• existing and proposed buildings including setbacks to all property boundaries
• other site features such as swimming pools, tennis courts, retaining walls etc
• existing individual trees within 10 metres of all proposed buildings, including trees on nearby properties and the road reserve, structures and excavations - include set backs
• trees to be removed and retained - trees must be numbered and cross-referenced with the arborist report (if provided) 
• car parking areas and access ways including driveways 
• pits and pipes for the retention and discharge for stormwater management
• effluent disposal system location (for non-sewered properties)
• north point accurately shown.

Check permit application fees

When you submit your application online you will pay a fee. To find out how much your application type will cost go to planning fees.

If you have registered to use our online portal and have prepared all of the documents listed above, it’s time to submit a 18P application online.

Apply now