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                    Local laws

                    Man putting cardboard into a recycling bin
                    City of Melbourne operates local laws that include controls relating to land management and other activities. These local laws determine when activities require permits for residents and others.

                    There are two local laws that specifically affect residents: the Environment Local Law and the Activities Local Law.

                    Environment Local Law

                    The Environment Local Law 2019 promotes responsible land management through the Environment Management Plan, which sets performance standards designed to involve the least burden and the greatest advantage to the community.

                    Activities covered by the Environment Management Plan which may affect residents include: 

                    • storage and disposal of waste and recyclable materials
                    • burning of materials in the open and open fires
                    • generation of noise or offensive odours and fumes.

                    Activities Local Law

                    The Activities Local Law 2019 has provisions that aim to protect the amenity of public places for all citizens. Residents should be aware that some activities are not allowed under the provisions of this local law.

                    The following activities are controlled by local laws:

                    • removal of animal waste by the animal’s owner
                    • protection of trees
                    • fencing of vacant land and erecting fences at intersections
                    • placing unauthorised advertising signs
                    • naming of roads and numbering of premises.

                    There are also provisions in the local law that require a permit relating to:

                    • placing street art in, or within view of, a public place
                    • placement of goods in a public place
                    • selling goods or services in a public place
                    • conducting any filming or a special event
                    • performance of music (busking) or similar activities in (or adjacent to) a public place
                    • causing an obstruction of pedestrian or vehicular traffic
                    • placing furniture or advertising boards in a public place
                    • building works and dangerous or unsightly premises
                    • water activities
                    • vehicles in public places
                    • waste containers in a public place.

                    Homelessness protocol

                    Council and Victoria Police have announced a formal operating protocol to address rough sleeping in the city. 

                    Council continues to work with the Victorian Government and housing and homelessness agencies on medium and long-term solutions to homelessness.

                    The protocol and our ongoing work to address homelessness means we can act quickly to protect  public safety and amenity, while also ensuring that the most vulnerable people in the city have access to the services they need.

                    Read the protocol (PDF 228 KB).

                    Offences under local laws

                    If the local law prohibits a person from doing something ‘unless in accordance with a permit’, someone doing that activity without a permit is guilty of an offence, and an authorised officer may serve an infringement notice on the person or corporation responsible. Penalties associated with infringements are set out in the relevant Schedule of the local law.

                    Learn more about the individual local laws and related permits by following the links below or contacting us on 03 9658 9658. 

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