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Footpath trading permit guidelines and fees

Local business owners and shop owners are required to hold a current footpath trading permit if they wish to place tables and chairs, goods for display or advertising signs on the footpath. 

Why do we need footpath trading guidelines?

Local Law provisions for footpath trading activity have been in place since the mid 1990's and in that time, there has been a significant increase in footpath trading activity. Application of legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act through rulings by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission on accessible path of travel for people with vision impairment on footpaths has defined the current best practice. 

Bayside City Council is committed to supporting and enhancing the sustainable growth of local business and street activity, through regulating Footpath Trading via Council's Neighbourhood Amenity Local Law and Council's Footpath Trading Policy. The Local Law has been designed to ensure that footpaths are unobstructed and pedestrians have safe access to them at all times, while maintaining the visual amenity of our city's streetscapes.

Footpath trading in Bayside

Footpath trading guidelines

Bayside City Council’s Footpath Trading Policy requires that footpaths are unobstructed and pedestrians have safe access to them at all times.

Trading zone. All goods, A-frames, tables and chairs must be kerbside placed within the trading zone and removed from Council land at close of trading.

Image of the standard footpath trading areas

Barriers. Standard moveable café barriers do not require a footpath trading permit and may be placed where there are tables and chairs for safety reasons. If you are considering placing non-standard barriers or fixing barriers to the footpath, contact Council’s Footpath Trading Compliance Officer on 9599 4626.

Fixed Screens. Applications for permits for fixed glass screens must be accompanied by a detailed site plan.  Please see Council’s Footpath Trading Policy for further details.

Umbrellas. Umbrellas can be included when you apply to place tables and chairs on the footpath trading area.

Standard footpath trading areas

Where footpath width is between 2.5m – 3.5m

Pedestrian Zone: extends from building line for a minimum of 1500mm.

Kerb Zone - parallel parking: 400mm buffer from kerb.

Kerb Zone - angle parking: 800mm* buffer from kerb 

Where footpath width is between 3.5m – 4m

Pedestrian Zone: extends from building line for a minimum of 1800mm.

Kerb Zone - parallel parking:  400mm buffer from kerb.

Kerb Zone - angle parking: 800mm* buffer from kerb.

Where footpath width is 4m or wider

Pedestrian Zone: extends from building line for a minimum of 1800mm.

Kerb Zone - parallel parking:  400mm buffer from kerb.

Kerb Zone - angle parking: 800mm* buffer from kerb. 

*Note: The Kerb Zone for angle parking can be reduced to 600mm if a physical barrier separates it from the Trade Zone. 

Footpath trading permit and application fees

Permits are for a 12 month period and expire on the 31 August each year.

Application fee (non-refundable)

Fee: $93.50

Sign (moveable advertising sign e.g. A-frame)

Maximum quantity: 1.  Fee: $349

Goods (display tables)

Fee: $528 each

Tables and chairs per table (maximum 4 chairs per table)

1st & 2nd - Fee: $386 per table

3rd & 4th - Fee: $641 per table

5th & 6th - Fee: $873 per table

7+ tables - Fee: $1,145 per table

Fixed screens

Fee: 50% of tables fee

Apply for a footpath trading permit