Street trading and activities

A street activity involves the use of public footpaths and land for commercial, charitable and entertainment purposes. Street activities can be a valuable use of public space and can add life and vibrancy to shopping strips.

A permit is needed to ensure these activities are run safely and unobstructed access is maintained for people to move safely along footpaths and outdoor spaces.

Most street activities will require a permit issued by Council and, in some cases, a planning permit and liquor licence may also be required.

Street activities generally fall under one of three categories:

Commercial

Real estate advertising signs on Council land
street activities: display of goods, tables, chairs, awnings, blinds and ancillary equipment such as umbrellas, screens and heaters street selling by local businesses

Charity and community

advertising billboards on Council land
fundraising (sale of goods, raffles)
highway collections
door-knock programs

Entertainment

performances
artworks
busking activities.

Activities not permitted as street activities on Council land include:

canvassing
spruiking
pledge programs
clothing bins.

Application guidelines

The following guidelines will assist when applying for a Street Activities Permit:

Street Activity Policy Guidelines(PDF, 2MB)

When you apply, Council will consider what the activity will bring to Maroondah and give priority to activities that encourage and support local business and community groups. Council cannot permit any activity that will compromise pedestrian or traffic safety.

Applicants should also familiarise themselves with the Street Activities Policy before applying for a permit.

Apply for a permit

Street activities - tables and chairs, goods display, a-frame, shelters, barriers etc

Street activities include: table and chairs, goods display, a-frame sign displays, shade shelters/umbrellas, free-standing barrier screens, pot plants/planter boxes and queuing for licensed premises.

Apply for a Street Activities permit

Street performance and busking fees

Applications will be considered on merit and street performers may be required to provide reference and/or samples. Approved sites and times are shown on the permit application.

Apply for a Street Performance (busking) permit

Street art

Apply for a Street Art permit

Street selling

Council will support street selling by local businesses where the activity encourages healthy lifestyles, enhances the vibrancy of the area, encourages local business and is not in direct competition with other traders.

Apply for a Street selling permit

Community advertising billboards on Council land

Advertising billboards for approved non-profit Maroondah based community events may be considered at designated sites on Council land.

Apply for a Community advertising billboards on Council land permit

Real estate advertising signs on Council Land

A permit is needed for the placement of temporary real estate agent signs (A-boards) to be placed on the nature strip at or near a property for which the agent is acting. No sign may be placed on the road, on any roundabout, traffic island, or where it creates any hazard to pedestrian or vehicle safety.

Apply for a Real estate advertising signs on Council Land permit

Fundraising

General fundraising
Sale of organisation goods
Raffles
Doorknocks
Highway Collections/tin shakes
Community food stalls and sausage sizzles

Apply for a Fundraising permit

Permit fees

There are fees associated with street activities and these are determined by Council on an annual basis. Fees will be based on amount of land occupied and space made available for any given activity.

Charities and not-for-profit community organisations will (in most cases) be exempt from paying fees.

View our Fees and Charges page for further information on fees.

Public liability insurance

Anyone applying for a permit to conduct activities or place items in a street activity zone must have current Public Liability Insurance for the activities specified in the permit, in the name of the trader and providing coverage of at least $20 million.