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                    Outdoor dining permits

                    People eating outdoors at a restaurant table
                    Outdoor dining permits allow restaurants and cafes to extend their seating area onto the footpath or in an altered parking bay (parklet). This enhances the vibrancy of our streets, supports local businesses and gives customers the best experience of city dining.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​To make outdoor dining safe for everyone, a permit is required under the Activities Local Law 2019. These permits allow for temporary furniture, umbrellas, planters and more, and come with conditions to abide by.  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

                    Updates to outdoor dining and parklet permits
                    We’ve created a new digital permit system – our Services portal - making it easier for you to apply for and manage your permits. From May to September 2023, we’ll transfer all existing permits onto the new system. If you have a permit, you’ll receive an email from us explaining the process, along with your new permit document.

                    Check if you’re eligible

                    For full eligibility criteria, review the outdoor cafe guide (PDF 4.6 MB) and parklet specifications (DOC 21.5 MB). You may be eligible for an outdoor dining permit if your business meets the following criteria:

                    • You have a lawfully existing ground floor food premises (cafe or restaurant) with indoor dining and a street frontage.
                    • You have a ‘working kitchen’ or food preparation area (liquor only establishments are not eligible).
                    • The premises has a clear and unobstructed view of the outdoor dining area from the inside to ensure effective monitoring.
                    • You have consulted with residents and neighbouring businesses if they will be impacted.
                    • You have public liability insurance for $20 million.
                    • You meet all the requirements detailed in the outdoor cafe guide (PDF 4.6 MB)​
                    • You have a suitable area within the building to store outdoor dining furniture at the close of each day's trade.
                    • You (the permit applicant) either own or manage of the business i.e. you are someone we can talk with about making sure your outdoor dining area meets the requirements.

                    Before you apply

                    We recommend you read the outdoor cafe guide (PDF 4.6 MB), the outdoor dining guidelines (DOC 4.7 MB) and the parklet specifications (DOC 21.5 KB) (if applying for a parklet) to ensure you meet all our requirements. You’ll also need to provide documents in support of your application.

                    The full requirements and conditions are provided during the application process. Please ensure you’ve read and are prepared to abide by the permit conditions before you submit your application.

                    How to apply

                    To start an online application, you’ll need to log in with your registered customer account. Find out more about how to register and log in​.

                    You’ll need to attach supporting documents as part of your application and pay the application fee. Application fees are not refundable or transferable. 

                    You’ll see a permit fee estimate on the fee summary page which you do not pay at this time. We will assess your application and confirm the permit fee required.

                    Footpath permit applications can take 20 to 30 business days to be issued, and parklet permit applications can take between 30 to 45 business days.

                    If you are a new business, have recently purchased an existing business, or wish to make changes to your existing permit, you can submit a new application or permit amendment.

                    Supporting documents

                    ​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 require​ments 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).  
                      F​or 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​.

                    Fees 2023-24

                    ​At the Council meeting on 27 June 2023, we adopted the 2023-24 Annual Plan and Budget, including these outdoor dining permit fees:

                    Permit fees

                    ​Type of outdoo​r dining permit
                    Fee per square metre per year
                    ​On a footpath in the central city
                    ​$109
                    ​On a footpath outside the central city
                    ​$32
                    ​On a footpath in Docklands
                    ​$25 
                    ​In a parklet in the central city
                    ​$555.55
                    ​In a parklet outside the central city and in Docklands
                    ​$128
                    ​In non-standard locations such as median strips, nature strips and other spaces
                    ​$216 

                    Fees to apply, amend or renew a permit

                    Type of outdoor dining permit
                    ​Fee
                    ​On a footpath
                    ​$207
                    ​In a parklet
                    ​$621
                    ​In a non-standard location
                    ​$621

                    Note: The outdoor dining (non-standard) application fee is $621. $207 is payable at time of application with the remaining $414 will be payable after your application is assessed.​

                    Jersey barrier length fees

                    Jersey barrier length
                    ​Fee per metre per year
                    ​6 metres​$190.53
                    2 metres$571.59

                    Note: Jersey barriers have been provided by the City of Melbourne for parklets installed via the Melbourne Recovery Fund. From 1 July 2023, the cost of hiring these jersey barriers for existing parklet permit holders will be included in the renewal of the parklet fees.​

                    To understand which area your business is located in, please view our outdoor dining permit precinct areas map:

                    Map of City of Melbourne municipality showing outdoor cafe permit areas of central city (encompassing the Hoddle Grid and a small area north and south of the grid - indicated by orange shading); Docklands (indicated by pink shading) and the remaining area outside central city (indicated by aqua shading).

                    Amend, extend or cancel an outdoor dining permit

                    ​Footpath permit

                    If your permit was issued after 13 November 2022 with a permit number ODF-2023-xxxxx,  log in to your City of Melbourne Services account and navigate to the My Permits page. You can apply for a refund as part of the cancellation process. Application, amendment and renewal fees are not refundable or transferable. 

                    If your permit was issued before 13 November 2022 with a permit number OC xxx, follow the additional steps listed below.

                    Parklet permit

                    If your permit was issued after 4 December 2022 with a permit number PKT-202x-xxxxx,  log in to your City of Melbourne Services account​ and navigate to the My Permits page. You can apply for a refund as part of the cancellation process. Application, amendment and renewal fees are not refundable or transferable. 

                    If your permit was issued before 4 December 2022 with a permit number OC xxx, follow the additional steps listed below.

                    Additional steps

                    You’ll need to: 

                    1. Create a City of Melbourne Services account​ (if you don’t already have one). 
                    2. Start an application for either Outdoor dining (footpath) or Outdoor dining (parklet). 
                    3. Answer Yes to the question, ‘Have you held an outdoor dining (footpath) permit in the past 12 months?’ 
                    4. Enter your existing permit number in the ‘What was your previous permit number?’ field. If you don’t know your previous permit number contact us on 9658 9658. 
                    5. Complete the rest of the questions on the application form. 
                    6. Attach all required supporting documents. 
                    7. Pay the application (amendment) fee and submit the application. 

                    You’ll see a permit fee estimate on the fee summary page which you do not pay at this time. We'll review your amendment request and will request payment if additional space is required. Any permit fees that can be transferred from your original permit will be transferred. If the new fees are less than what has been paid, we will notify you that you can apply for a refund of the overpaid permit fees. 

                    More information

                    Frequently asked questions

                    Can I occupy the public space in front of an adjoining property?

                    To operate outdoor dining in front of a neighbouring property, you must obtain a letter of consent from the owner or Body Corporate and occupier of that property.  An example letter of consent can be found in the Resources section.

                    Refer to page 25 of the outdoor cafe guide (PDF 4.6 MB)​.

                    Who owns the parklet?

                    All parklets installed in the City of Melbourne are owned by the permit holder and ongoing costs (including cleaning, maintenance repair and removal) are the responsibility of parklet permit holders. 

                    Graffiti cleaning will remain the responsibility of the City of Melbourne.

                    Can I make alterations to my parklet?

                    Any alterations must be approved in writing by us and any changes must be made in accordance with the  parklet specifications (DOC 21.5 MB)

                    You will need to submit an application​ to amend your permit and include information about the changes you intend to make to your parklet. Any costs associated with changing the infrastructure is responsibility of the permit holder.

                    Are parklets part of the City of Melbourne’s outdoor dining program moving forward?

                    Yes, parklets have been a successful component of revitalising the hospitality industry and will be part of the outdoor dining program moving forward. 

                    The cost of establishing​ and maintaining parklet infrastructure will be the responsibility of the hospitality business. We no longer provide parklet infrastructure for permit holders.

                    ​We've established a list of parklet infrastructure suppliers (DOC 61 KB)​, who can assist with maintenance of existing parklets, or supply of new parklet infrastructure.

                    What if I no longer want my parklet?

                    Please contact us if you no longer need your parklet and wish to remove all associated infrastructure. The permit holder is responsible for removing the parklet and its infrastructure, as well as any costs. We no longer provide parklet infrastructure for permit holders or a service to remove the parklet. We can assist you by providing the names of companies who can remove parklets and associated infrastructure.​

                    How can I get more information about outdoor dining permits?

                    For more information about footpath and parklet permits and supporting information, please see the resources section below. 

                    You can also ask us a question. Use 'Outdoor dining permit' as the subject. Remember to include your current permit details if applicable.

                    How can residents have a say?

                    ​When we assess each application, we consider the impacts on residents. We can also support businesses with consulting neighbouring properties when needed. City of Melbourne engages with residents’ associations and groups about outdoor dining, ensuring the city reopens safely for all.

                    We’ve created a dedicated customer service line for residents. Call 9658 9658 and press 2 for resident queries.

                    Resources

                    • Outdoor cafe guide (PDF 4.6 MB) – Covers the best practice design guidelines and requirements for establishing and managing outdoor cafes in public spaces within the City of Melbourne. Please note that the referenced Activities Local Law 1999 has since been updated to the Activities Local Law 2019.
                    • Outdoor dining guidelines (DOC 4.7 MB) – details about the application process, assessment criteria and decision-making framework for approving applications and issuing a permit.
                    • Parklet specifications (DOC 21.5 MB) – parklets must be constructed in line with the technical specifications detailed in this document. 
                    • Outdoor dining parklet suppliers (DOC 65 KB) – hospitality venues may select one of these companies and contractors to construct parklet infrastructure.
                    • Site plan requirements (DOC 371 KB) – each application must include a site plan. This document outlines the requirements and provides example site plans for footpath and parklet dining.
                    • Furniture reference guide (PDF 7.2 MB) – this is your guide to COVID-safe furniture options. The City of Melbourne does not endorse the suppliers mentioned, but provides these as suggestions for investigation.
                    • Apply for a liquor licence – once received, your outdoor dining permit will help fast-track your liquor licence for your new or extended outdoor area.
                    • Example letter of consent (DOC 49 KB) – it is strongly recommended that applicants consult with, and seek consent from, neighbouring residents and businesses that may be impacted by the proposed outdoor dining area.
                    • Get 'no smoking' signs for your outdoor dining area – these must be displayed so customers are reasonably likely to see one or more signs when entering, or from within, the outdoor dining area.
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