FAQs

Footpath trading activities include:

• Tables and chairs for additional dining space
• Umbrellas, blinds, heaters and wind barriers
• A-Frame signs, teardrop banners and/or flags
• Display of goods or cooking food on the footpath

Footpath Activities refers to the use of the footpath for business activities.

A Parklet is a temporary extension of a hospitality business's dining area onto a road. 

Yes. Items cannot be placed on the footpaths unless a permit has been issued by Council under its Community Local Law.

Where there is sufficient width on the footpath, a business may apply for a permit to trade directly in front of or immediately next to their building

Permit holders must ensure their trading area is safe, compliant and does not obstruct pedestrians. (e.g. ensure tables and chairs remain in the trading zone and keep prams, bikes and personal items out of the pedestrian zone.

The footpath is divided into four zones that ensure safety and accessibility. These are:

• Pedestrian Zone
• Trading Zone
• Kerb Zone
• Access Zone

The Trading Zone sits between the Pedestrian Zone and the Kerb Zone. Its width depends on the total footpath width, required pedestrian clearance and any nearby public infrastructure (bins, seats bike racks etc.)

No. A clear pedestrian zone must be maintained. The policy requires a continuous and accessible path of travel along the property boundary.

Only with written permission from the neighbouring business and Council approval. The agreement of the neighbouring business does not automatically imply Council approval.

An Access Zone must be left between two trading areas to allow pedestrians to move between the footpath and parked vehicles. The Standards specify the required width.

Generally, no. Public infrastructure that is already in place will not be moved or removed to accommodate footpath trading. Exceptions may be considered on application.

No. Items must be removed at the end of each trading day unless specifically exempt (e.g. approved permanent glass screens). This is currently being reviewed as part of the consultation process.

Items must be durable, windproof and portable.

The business is responsible for any restoration work caused by equipment or fittings.

Yes, but only one per premises unless otherwise approved. Signs must not be fixed to the footpath and must comply with size requirements.

Umbrellas must be secured, must not extend beyond the Trading Zone, and must be removed in strong winds or storms. They must also comply with Australian Standards.

Heaters must be licensed under a permit, comply with Australian Standard AS 1956, and be located only within the Trading Zone. Building approval is required for fixed heaters.

Blinds require building approval, must be retractable, must not include advertising, and must not intrude into the Pedestrian or Kerb Zones. They must not obstruct sight lines within 10 metres of an intersection.

Screens must comply with the advertising rules and dimensions in the Standards. They must stay within the Trading Zone and be used to contain tables and chairs.

Possibly, but only under specific conditions approved by Council’s Environmental Health department. (e.g. the footpath must be at least 3.2 metres wide, cooking can occur only once a week - Friday or Saturday), and no sales can occur on public land.