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Home-based business

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Learn about setting up a home-based business and whether you need to lodge a development application.

What is a home-based business?

A home-based business can operate from a townhouse, apartment or house where the business is secondary to the residence.

Examples of home-based businesses:

Businesses that do not qualify as home-based:

  • cafe
  • industrial business
  • mechanic workshop
  • office (other than a home office)
  • shop
  • short-term accommodation (e.g. an Airbnb where the permanent resident is not on-site with the guest)
  • transport depot.

Assessing your home-based business application

To see if you need to lodge an application with Council, you can:

  • assess your home-based business proposal using criteria outlined in Section 9.3.10 Home-based business code in City Plan.
  • check City Plan online mapping
  • use our online self-assessable checklist to see if your proposal meets the accepted development criteria.
Complete the checklist

If the proposed home-based business complies with all of the acceptable outcomes of the Home-based business code, a development application is not required.

No confirmation is required from Council to commence an accepted development, provided the use is carried out in compliance with all the acceptable outcomes of the home-based business code.

If a development application is required

If your home-based business does not meet all of the requirements of the Home-based business code, you will need to lodge a development application.

You may wish to engage a consultant, private town planner, or other appropriately qualified professional for help with your project.

Learn how to prepare and lodge an application.

Tips for setting up your home-based business

Check for other regulations and licences you may need for your proposed business, such as:

  • a food business licence from Council if you are preparing food (e.g. a bed and breakfast)
  • body corporate rules and regulations.

If you need help lodging a development application, a consultant town planner can help by preparing a development application for you.

A private certifier must approve any building work, such as extensions. This is separate to Council's development approval for a home-based business.

Phone our Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263) for support and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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