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                    Place of Public Entertainment Occupancy Permit (POPE-OP)

                    If you want to hold an event over an area of more than 500 m2, you need a special permit. This is an occupancy permit for a place of public entertainment.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Public entertainment means an entertainment or meeting to which admission may ordinarily be gained by members of the public.

                    ​​​​​​​​​Find out more about organising events.

                    Have any queries? Please call 9658 9658 and ask to speak to any officer in the Building Control POPE Team.​​

                    When you should apply

                    Not sure whether you need a public entertainment permit?

                    Submit a pre-application by email to building@melbourne.vic.gov.au with the following information:

                    • ​A detailed site plan including the following minimum information:
                      • ​The event area boundaries and total area size
                      • All structures and entertainment zones. All structures must be numbered or referenced.
                    • A structures list including the following minimum information:
                      • Structures must be numbered or referenced to match the site plan
                      • Type of structure
                      • Structure floor areas 

                    For events seeking a community based organisation exemption, a Statutory Declaration must be completed by the organization head. The Statutory Declaration template will be provided by Council, upon your request.

                    Pre-applications must be lodged no later than 45 working days prior to the event date. This is will allow you at least 4 weeks to collate your supporting documentation for your POPE - OP application, should one be required.

                    No fees apply for a pre-application.​

                    When a public entertainment permit is required

                    You must submit your application for this permit within a minimum time before your event.

                    The application must include the application form and all supporting documentation.

                    When you need to submit your application depends on the maximum number of people planned for your event and the complexity of the event

                    If you don’t submit on time your application could be refused and you could appeal the decision to the Building Appeals Board.

                    Late Fees will apply if we process the late application or if the supporting documentation is submitted late.​

                    Less than 5000 people ​

                    You must submit your application at least 15 working days before your event.

                    5000 to 10,000 people 

                    You must submit your application at least 20 working days before your event.

                    More than 10,000 people 

                    You must submit your application at least 60 working days before your event.

                    Major events 

                    If you want to hold a major event, you must arrange a meeting at least 90 days before you apply for a permit. It’s likely we’ll need extra time to assess your application. 

                    A major event is one that could have a significant impact on the municipality. It could: 

                    • have many attendees 
                    • occupy a large space 
                    • last more than a few days. 

                     To arrange a meeting, email building@melbourne.vic.gov.au 

                    Events with road closures 

                    Approval of this Occupancy Permit excludes Road Closure permits. It is the event organiser’s responsibility to obtain road closure permit approvals from the relevant authorities, in addition to this Occupancy Permit.

                    Events that use temporary structures

                    If you are planning to erect a structure for a public entertainment event, you may need a permit. 

                    You must get a permit for your temporary structures before you get a permit for your event. 

                    Read more about a permit to erect a temporary structure

                    Events that use existing buildings

                    Existing buildings included in your event will require a detailed assessment against current building legislations fire safety, disability access and health requirements.

                    A copy of the relevant buildings existing Occupancy Permits must be provided to us for assessment.

                    This type of temporary approval can only be issued by the Council Municipal Building Surveyor (MBS).​

                    Note that these type of permits often requires you to engage the services of third party consultants such as Structural Engineers to confirm suitability of floor loads, Fire Engineers to assess extended travel distances, material selection for linings, etc. or Disability Access consultants for non-complying access for people with disabilities matters.

                    How to apply

                    Complete the application form for an Occupancy Permit:​

                    Attach all the relevant supporting documents and submit the form to building@melbourne.vic.gov.au

                    You can also submit the form in person or by mail. 

                    In limited cases, a private building surveyor can issue this permit.  

                    Apply in person 

                    To register in person, submit the form at: 

                    Melbourne Town Hall Administration Building
                    120 Swanston Street, Melbourne  

                    Apply by mail 

                    To register by mail, post the form to: 

                    Planning and Building City of Melbourne
                    GPO Box 1603 
                    Melbourne VIC 3001 

                    By private building surveyor 

                    A private building surveyor has limited authority to issue an occupancy permit for a place of public entertainment. They can only do this in conjunction with an occupancy permit for a building. 

                    They must have been appointed to issue the building and occupancy permits for this building.

                    Always seek confirmation from the Council Municipal Building Surveyor as to who could issue the permit.​​


                    Fees

                    How much you need to pay depends on the area of your event. 

                    If your payment is late, or you need extra structures or inspection time, you must pay additional fees. 

                    You must pay the fees before a permit is issued. 

                    No exemptions or dispensations are applicable to these fees. 

                    If you seek funding from the City of Melbourne, you should include these fees in your budget estimates. 

                    Event area of 500 m2 to 5000 m2 

                    • Your application fee is $1631.40
                    • This fee allows five structures and includes 2 hours of inspection. 
                    • You must pay at least two weeks before your event. If you pay late, there is a late fee of $815.70

                    Event area of 5001 m2 to 15,000 m2 

                    • Your application fee is $2719. 
                    • This fee allows 20 structures and includes 6 hours of inspection. 
                    • You must pay at least four weeks before your event. If you pay late, there is a late fee of $1359.50

                    Event area of 15,001 m2 to 25,000 m2 

                    • Your application fee is $4350.30
                    • This fee allows 30 structures and includes 8 hours of inspection. 
                    • You must pay at least six weeks before your event. If you pay late, there is a late fee of $2175.20

                    Event area of more than 25,001 m2 

                    • Your application fee is $6552.50
                    • This fee allows 50 structures and includes 12 hours of inspection. 
                    • You must pay at least eight weeks before your event. If you pay late, there is a late fee of $3279.

                    Additional structures 

                    • You must pay $180 for each structure over those allowed for your event size. 

                    Additional inspections 

                    • For additional inspections during business hours you must pay $157.80 an hour. 
                    • After hours or weekend inspections will be charged at $315.90 an hour. Please confirm prior to booking. 
                    Did you know?
                    You must have a current occupancy permit for your prescribed temporary structures before making an application for a place of public entertainment. These are arranged through the Victorian Building Authority.
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