A Home-based business is any business that is operated from a residential address by a person who lives at that address.
Do I need a planning permit for my home based business?
A planning permit is not required for a ‘Home Based Business’ in a residential zone, if the following requirements in Clause 52.11 of the Latrobe Planning Scheme are met:
- the person conducting the business uses the dwelling as their principal place of residence
- no more than two people who do not live in the home based business are at the business at any one time
- the net floor area in conducting the business including the storage of any materials or goods does not exceed 100 square metres or one-third the net floor area of the dwelling, whichever is less. The net floor area of the dwelling includes out-buildings and works normal to a dwelling
- the business does not impose a load on any utility greater than normally required for domestic use
- the business does not adversely affect the amenity of the neighbourhood in any way including:
- appearance of any building, works or materials used.
- parking of motor vehicles
- transporting of materials or goods to or from the dwelling
- hours of operation
- electrical interference
- storage of chemicals, gasses or other hazardous materials
- emissions from the site
- No motor vehicles may be adjusted, modified, serviced or repaired for gain
- Only one commercial vehicle (a commercial goods vehicle, commercial passenger vehicle or tow truck) not exceeding 2 tonnes capacity and with or without trailer registered to a resident of the dwelling may be present at any time. The vehicle must not be fueled or repaired on the site
- Only goods manufactured or serviced in the home based business may be offered for sale online
- Materials used or goods manufactured, serviced or repaired or offered for sale in the home based business must be stored within a building
- No goods manufactured, serviced, repaired or offered for sale may be displayed so that they are visible from outside the site
- Any goods offered for sale online must not be collected from the dwelling
If the requirements are met in a residential, Rural Living Zone or Mixed Use zone, no Planning Permit is required to conduct a home based business. If your land is in a different zone, please contact the Planning Department to discuss your situation.
Permit required
A planning permit can be issued in some circumstances where the proposed home occupation cannot meet the above requirements.
A permit may be granted for a home based business:
- which allows no more than three people who do not live in the dwelling to work in the home based business at any one time
- which has a floor area not exceeding 200 square metres or one-third of the gross floor area of the dwelling, whichever is the lesser
- which allows no more than one additional commercial vehicle (a commercial goods vehicle, commercial passenger vehicle or tow truck within the meaning of the Transport Act 1983), not exceeding two tonnes capacity and with or without a trailer registered to a resident of the dwelling, to be present at any time.
Displaying sign for my home business
A advertising for a home based business may require a planning permit depending on its size, type and location. It is always advisable to contact the Planning Department to see whether your sign will need a permit or if it is prohibited in the zone.
Before you start your home business
Check with Council's Planning team, Health Department and Local Laws Department to see what permits are required for your business. It is also recommended to speak with your neighbours about your intention to start a business to flag any issues which may arise.