What you need to know
Footpath Trading and Parklets
Footpath Trading Permit renewals
Please note, compliance checks will be undertaken from 1 July 2025 to ensure traders have current permits in place for footpath trading. Traders who currently do not hold a permit will not be penalised, however, will require a permit by 1 July 2025 to avoid any unwanted fines.
Trading Permits
Council owns and maintains the footpaths, roads and laneways in public spaces, and has a legal responsibility for the regulation of any activities undertaken in those spaces.
Council aims to provide a safe environment for people who move through the City of Moonee Valley, and this requires Council to provide clear unobstructed footpaths for the public. Council also supports local businesses by encouraging innovation and creative uses of road reserve, including footpath trading, parklets and laneway occupancy.
If you are operating a business within Moonee Valley and wish to place items on the footpath or host a parklet, you can apply for a Footpath Trading and Parklet Application form.
Traders who apply for or renew their permit now will not have to pay until July 2025.
| Zone | Clearance / Setback |
| Pedestrian zone The area that extends from the property line to the potential trading zone, to allow for continuous and accessible path of travel for footpath users |
1.8m clearance -Puckle Street Moonee Ponds -Union Road, Ascot Vale -Racecourse Road, Flemington -Racecourse Road, Kensington -Keilor Road, Niddrie 1.2m clearance for all other areas. |
| Kerb zone The area between the face of the kerb and the trading zone. This zone is important for the safety of pedestrians entering and exiting the road, including access to and from parked vehicles, and access to loading and delivery bays. |
0.5m clearance. |
| Trading zone The only area of the footpath that allows for commercial activity. |
1m clearance between abutting property boundaries (could be achieved by 0.5m on each side) If the trading zone is greater than 10m in length, a gap of 1m must be created in the centre to allow for pedestrian access to the kerb. |
| On-street parking zone Parklets occupy one or more on-street parking spaces that can be used for street dining, display of goods or activation offering public seating. |
Immediately adjacent to the kerb. |
Fees applicable from 30 December 2024
| Type | Annual Fee |
| Display of Goods | $164 |
| Advertising signs, small structures of displays | $82 |
| Temporary stalls | |
| Information stands and signs related to Local, State and Federal elections | No fee |
| Temporary activation/charity collectors | $82 per 3 day period |
Outdoor Dining
| Type | Annual Fee |
| Extra small 5 m2, seating for 2-5 people |
$164 |
| Small 6-15 m2, seating for 5-15 people |
$327.50 |
| Medium 16-25 m2, seating for 16-25 people |
$491 |
| Large 26-35 m2, seating for 26-35 people |
$737.50 |
| Extra large36 m2+, seating for over 36 people | $982.50 |
| Partial use of footpath, parklet or laneway where an area is interrupted by public infrastructure, or where Council agrees to an area either being used in a reduced capacity, or shared between multiple traders | Determined upon assessment of application |
Parklet Installation
| Where there is no existing parklet, or when an existing parklet is no longer safe and requires replacing, Council will charge a single one-off build and install fee. | |
| Single space parklet | $1050 |
| Double space parklet | $1312.50 |
| Triple space parklet | $1575 |
Please follow the below steps to complete your application:
- Before you apply for a Footpath Trading and Parklet permit, please read:
This is what your application will be assessed against.
- Prepare a Site Diagram. This can be hand-drawn and must show:
- The location and dimensions of the principal shop frontage, the adjoining shop frontages, the width of the kerb zone and pedestrian zone and the length of the trading zone.
- All existing fixed street and footpath features within or near the proposed footpath trading area, such as trees, light poles, rubbish bins, bike racks, public transport shelters, fire hydrants, signs, pits, car parking and parking restrictions.
You can view an example here – Frontage Site Diagram Example (PDF)
Download the most applicable site plan template to assist:
- Footpath Trading – Frontage Template(PDF)
- Footpath Trading – Corner Site Template (PDF)
- Take a photograph of your store frontage / trading area, including any carparking bays.
- Apply for Footpath Trading and Parklet Permit via our online application form
Please allow at least 20 working days for your application to be assessed.
Once all the required information has been received, Council will assess your application in accordance with the Policy and Guidelines, together with any other safety requirements applicable to your proposal.
Your application may be referred to multiple departments in Council to determine suitability and if it meets all requirements. Depending on the assessment, amendments to your proposal may be required.
If your proposal has not been approved, you will receive notification from Council.
If your proposal has been approved, you will receive notification from Council with a request for payment of the applicable fee. Please make sure you read all your permit conditions as this will outline everything you need to adhere to with trading on the footpath or within the parklet.
Once payment has been made, you will be mailed your permit sticker which must be affixed to the front window of your business (not on the door) and be readily visible at all times.
If you have been successful in your Parklet application, Council will engage with our supplier to commence installation and will liaise with you regarding the proposed installation date and requirements to prepare the site.
Please note, Footpath Trading and Parklet Permits are non-transferrable between business owners.
If you are taking over a business, you will need to apply for a new Footpath Trading and Parklet Permit.
If you have sold or are closing the business, you will need to notify us to cancel your permit.
Email council@mvcc.vic.gov.au to:
- add or remove items from your existing permit
- update your details
- cancel your permit.
Please ensure you include your existing footpath trading permit number so that your request can be linked.
Visit our Local Laws page for:
- Moonee Valley’s Activities and General Amenities Local Law 2018 -2028 – amended 2020(pdf, 683KB)(the Local Law)
- Application to Conduct Personal Training/Group Fitness Sessions on Moonee Valley Parklands and Open Spaces
- Mobile Food Vehicle Policy and Guidelines and Mobile Food Vehicle Application.
Visit the Business page on our website for further information and to get in touch with our friendly Small Business Engagement Officer.