Starting or growing your business
Before you start or change your business, you need to check if you’ll need approval from Council or other providers. Some businesses require permits from Council, such as a Planning permit, Food Registration, Health Registration or Outdoor Trading permits.
Business Concierge Service
Connect directly with Council's Business Concierge who will guide you through obtaining relevant permits. To access this service, give us a call on (03) 5772 0333 or email businesssupport@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
Council has developed a New Business Toolkit(PDF, 4MB) that is packed with helpful new business information and resources.
You can also access additional information and resources for new or existing businesses by clicking on the links below.
Guide to starting a business
Starting a business Tool Kit
Grants and Sponsorships
Not sure about which permits you may need?
We’ve designed a self-assessment tool to help you understand what permits your business may require.
Business Self-Assessment Tool
It takes less than 5 minutes to complete the self-assessment and it will give you clarity about the next steps you need to take. Once you’ve completed it, we also encourage you to provide us with the results so we can give you further support (at the end of the self-assessment there will be an option for you to submit it to Council via email).
Permit application process
New or established businesses may need one or more permits to operate
Providing upfront information for all your business plans including future intentions will help us to better assess your application and make sure you receive the right permits.
Please keep in mind that incomplete information or any changes made after your application has been submitted may result in delays or a resubmission of your application.
Below is a high-level overview of a straightforward permit application:
Permit Application Process Overview(PDF, 250KB)
Providing as much information as you can, will help your business and our process
We can only assess your application based on the information you provide, so if you change your plans, or forget to tell us about a part of your business plan, we may need to reassess your permit application and/or you may be required to apply for a different permit. This is why completing the self-assessment tool and sending it through to us is a great idea.
Planning
If you are considering working from home, moving your business from home to another area, undertaking building and works or business signage, you may need a planning permit. Please note, you may also need a building permit for the proposed works (even where a planning permit may not be required).
Apply now for a Planning Permit
For more information, visit the Planning section of our website, give us a call on (03) 5772 0333 or email businesssupport@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
Building
You must have a Building permit before any work can begin. Please note you may also need a Planning permit for the proposed works (even where a Building permit may not be required).
Please visit our customer portal, select Building then Apply for Building Permit.
Apply for a Building Permit
For more information, visit the Building section of our website, give us a call on (03) 5772 0333 or email businesssupport@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
Food, hairdressing, beauty, accommodation and septic tanks permits
If you are planning on operating a food, hairdressing, beauty treatment, electrolysis, ear and body piercing, colonic irrigation, tattooing or prescribed accommodation business, you are required to be registered under either the Food Act 1984 or Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.
If you are changing or installing a septic tank as part of your business, you are required to apply for a Health Permit.
Apply now for a Health Permit
For more information, visit the Health Regulations section of our website, give us a call on (03) 5772 0333 or email businesssupport@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
Heritage overlay
If your premises has a 'heritage overlay' you may need to get a Planning permit for any changes you plan to make, including external changes, erecting or making changes to signs, front fences, painting, internal alterations and removing or pruning trees.
For more information, visit the Zones and Overlays section of our website, give us a call on (03) 5772 0333 or email businesssupport@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
Works within a road reserve and stormwater/drainage discharge
If you are carrying out works (including construction, driveway access, road cross over, excavation, planting, landscaping) on a road, road reserve or public place you may need an Asset Protection permit.
If you are changing or creating a stormwater or drainage discharge point you may need an Asset Protection Permit.
Apply now for an Asset Protection Permit
For more information, visit the Roads, Streets and Bridges section of our website, give Council a call on (03) 5772 0333 or email businesssupport@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
Farm gate sales
If your property is located within the Farming Zone or Rural Activity Zone you may be able to sell produce from your property.
Farm gate sales are known as ‘primary produce sales’ under the planning scheme and are defined as: land used to display and sell primary produce, grown on the land or adjacent land. Learn more about farm gate sales.