Home Occupations

A planning permit is not required provided a home occupation meets the following mandatory requirements:

• The person conducting the occupation must use the dwelling as their principal place of residence.
• No more than one person who does not live in the dwelling may work in the occupation. (* See note)
• The gross floor area used, including the storage of any materials or goods, must not exceed 50 square metres or one-third of the gross floor area of the dwelling, whichever is the lesser. (* See note)
• The occupation must not impose a load on any utility greater than normally required for domestic use.
• The occupation must not adversely affect the amenity of the neighbourhood in any way, including:
  • the appearance of any building, works or materials used;
  • the parking of motor vehicles;
  • the transporting of materials or goods to or from the dwelling;
  • the hours of operation;
  • electrical interference;
  • the storage of chemicals, gasses or other hazardous materials; and/or
  • emissions from the site.
• No motor vehicle may be serviced or repaired in the occupation.
• Only one commercial vehicle, not exceeding 2 tonnes capacity and with or without a trailer, registered to a resident of the dwelling may be present at any time. The vehicle must not be repaired or fuelled on the site.
• No goods other than goods manufactured or serviced in the home occupation may be offered for sale.
• Materials used or goods manufactured, serviced or repaired in the occupation must be stored in the building.
• No goods manufactured, serviced or repaired in the occupation may be displayed so that they are visible from outside the site.

Note:

Not withstanding the requirements above, a planning permit may be issued for a home occupation which:

• allows no more than two persons who do not live in the dwelling to work in the occupation; or
• has a floor area not exceeding 100 sq.m. or one-third of the gross floor area of the dwelling, whichever is the lesser;
• allows no more than one additional commercial vehicle not exceeding 2 tonnes capacity and with or without a trailer registered to a resident of the dwelling, to be present at any time.

Other factors the Responsible Authority considers before granting a permit:

• Whether there is a need for additional parking or loading facilities;
• The effect of any vehicle parking, storage or washing facilities on the amenity and character of the street;
• Whether the site is suitable for the particular occupation and is compatible with the surrounding use and development; and
• Whether there is a need for landscaping to screen any outbuildings or parking/loading areas, or any other area relating to the occupation.

For further information
Contact Statutory Planning Services on 1300 88 22 33 or visit our offices in Braeside Avenue, Ringwood.