A team member from each relevant Council department will be assigned to your application. A team member from the relevant department may contact you directly (or where appropriate, team members from the other regulatory departments), and will:
- Advise on the expected timelines to assess your application.
- Confirm the final fees and payment details.
- Request further information (if required).
To check on the status of your application, contact the Economic Development team on 03 5722 0888 or via economicdevelopment@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
Indicative time frame
The time it takes for approval depends on the type of permit/s you need. Refer to the Business Approvals Journey Map and information below for indicative timeframes.
Permit payments
There are standard fees that apply to all permit types. The details of your application will determine the exact fees and charges. A team member from the relevant department will contact you after you submit your application to confirm the final fee and payment details.
Requests for further information
You may receive a request for further information when your application is assessed. Please be prompt in responding to any requests, as a slow response may delay a decision.
Planning Assessment
Can take up to 12 months
A Planning Permit may be required from the Planning Department to operate a home business, change the use of an address, install or use sheds, install signage, undertake external building modifications, and sell liquor.
- Where multiple permits are needed, a current valid planning permit is commonly required to obtain building and environmental health permits.
- Depending on the complexity of your business and its proposed location, a planning permit can take [two to twelve] months to process.
- If there is insufficient detail in your initial application, Council may request further information within the first 28 days from lodgement. Please respond to any requests promptly to avoid further delays.
- If advertising is required for your application (which is often the case for Planning and Building applications) additional fees will be incurred. During the advertising period Council seeks comments on the application from neighbours who may be impacted by the proposal.
- Approvals from external regulators e.g. Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) may be required.
- Objectors and applicants have the right to seek a review of Council decisions through the Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal (VCAT), which can add to the final decision timeline.
Building Assessment
Can take up to 2 months
A Building Permit is required before the commencement of building works, which includes construction of new buildings and demolition and/or alteration of existing buildings. Other important factors that can be impacted include accessibility requirements e.g. wheelchair access and ramps.
A Building Permit is likely to be needed if your application involves any of the following:
- alterations to external windows and doors
- building extensions
- adding or removing canopies
- alterations to permanent structures
- adding or removing partitions or walls
- addition or alteration of steps and ramps
- addition of mezzanines.
Environmental Health Assessment
Can take up to 2 months
Environmental Health registration and certificates are required for several business types including:
- food (production / wholesale / retail / food storage)
- home-based business
- hair and beauty (including tattooing, dry needling, acupuncture)
- health and fitness
- tobacco
- prescribed accommodation
- wastewater and septic systems.
Other types of businesses may also require a Health registration, so it is important you contact Council early to understand what could be required.
Registrations and permits
Council may request further information within the first 10 days from lodgement. Please respond to any requests promptly to avoid further delays. On-site inspection(s) are likely to be carried out. Health registrations require a final on-site inspection before you can start trading.
Local Laws Assessment
Can take up to 2 weeks
Approvals from the Local Laws Department may be required for the following: