Refer to the
outdoor cafe guide (PDF 4.6 MB), the
outdoor dining guidelines (DOC 4.7 MB) and the
parklet specifications (DOC 21.5 MB) (if applying for a parklet) for specific requirements of the supporting documentation you must provide in your application.
Site plan
Your application must include a site plan showing the outdoor dining area layout with proposed furniture and equipment. Please refer to the
site plan requirements for an outline of the requirements and examples of a site plan.
Additionally, for parklet permits:
- You must provide a detailed design of the parklet from a structural engineer.
- The site plan should extend 10 metres on either side of the parklet footprint.
- Refer to the
parklet specifications (DOC 21.5 MB) for an outline of the requirements and examples.
Photos
Your application must include photos of the area and items included on your permit:
- Show the entire area where outdoor dining or parklet will be located.
- Show all furniture including tables, chairs, umbrellas, planter boxes, gas heaters and screens.
- For parklets, include the parking space, traffic conditions, location relative to buildings, adjacent properties, driveways, residential dwellings and existing features on the footpath.
Tables and chairs
Tables and chairs must comply with requirements set out in the
outdoor cafe guide (PDF 4.6 MB). Refer to page 32 for further details.
Umbrellas
When considering umbrellas for outdoor dining there are several key requirements that must be adhered to.
- Umbrellas must be properly secured in the pavement using an in-ground socket to prevent them blowing over in strong winds.
- In ground socket to secure umbrellas to the ground must be stainless steel, have an auto shut lid to prevent tripping and comply with the dimensions outlined in the Outdoor cafe guide (PDF 4.6 MB).
For a full description on umbrella requirements please refer to pages 38 to 40 of the Council's outdoor cafe guide (PDF 4.6 MB).
- The footing installation must be in-ground socket and sleeve system.
- In-ground sockets must be constructed from full stainless steel to reduce likelihood of deterioration, damage and corrosion.
- Sockets must not pose a safety hazard on the footpath after removal of umbrella and must be completely flush with footpath surface.
- An engineer’s Certificate of Compliance - Design Form 11 under the Building Act 1993 is required to be submitted.
- Umbrellas must have:
- 19 mm x 19 mm stainless steel or aluminium arms
- 44.5 mm stainless steel central pole
- Incorporated braided stainless steel wire (500 kg breaking strain capacity)
(Timber umbrellas are unsafe and pose a significant risk in the public space and must not be used )
Umbrellas should be square in shape, to take up the least possible space; Fabric or matte-finished.
The overall height should not be higher than 2800 mm – for the canopy clearance, not less than 2200 mm measured from the lowest edge to the pavement.
Parklets and footpath dining areas where there is an operational service pit in the designated outdoor cafe area restricting the use of semi-fixed umbrellas, non-fixed umbrellas must be securely anchored with heavy weights, base plates or used in conjunction. with sand bags (subject to approval by the City of Melbourne).
- Umbrella base plates should be safe, simple and compact to avoid causing a trip hazard
- Base plates to be a minimum 28 kg
Drop-down blinds, enclosures and canopies are not permitted.
Umbrellas connected together by zippers or similar are not permitted.
Any umbrella approved by the City of Melbourne must be folded down and secured properly on windy days and removed completely from the public place on days of days of high wind,
Screens
Applications for screens (parallel to kerb and perpendicular to kerb) are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Refer to page 34 of the
outdoor cafe guide (PDF 4.6 MB) for further details.
Planter boxes
Refer to page 44 of the
outdoor cafe guide (PDF 4.6 MB) for further details.
Gas heaters
Gas heaters must be in accordance with AS 4565-2001(AG405) Radiant Gas Heaters and AS 5601/AG 601-2000 Gas Installations.
Gas heaters must be self-contained, stable and free standing. They must conform to the appropriate industry standard and occupational health and safety requirements. All gas heaters must have a registered Australian Gas Association Number (AGA No.) or SAI Global approval which must be provided to the City of Melbourne.
Manufacturers’ recommended clearances from combustibles must be observed.
Refer to page 43 of the
outdoor cafe guide (PDF 4.6 MB) for further details.
Menu board
The design and appearance of a menu board must be approved by the City of Melbourne before use. A menu board must include the menu only as no advertising or specials are permitted.
Refer to page 42 of the
outdoor cafe guide (PDF 4.6 MB) for further details.
Letter of consent from neighbouring residents and businesses
We strongly recommend that applicants consult with and seek consent from neighbouring residents and businesses that may be impacted by the proposed outdoor dining area. You can use this
example letter of consent (DOC 49 KB) as a template.
Public liability insurance
We’ll ask for a valid certificate of currency for public liability insurance of at least $20 million.
Find out more about our
public liability insurance requirements.