A-board permit
What is it?
An A-board permit allows you to place or display an advertising board on the footpath immediately outside your business (premises).
It’s valid from 1 July to 30 June (or part thereof) each year.
Who is it suitable for?
Businesses that can apply for a permit:
- operate a business (premises) with a footpath immediately in front of it
- have public liability insurance.
They are often:
- accommodation business
- food businesses
- beauty, hair and body art businesses
- renting, hiring and real estate businesses
- and more.
Will I need more than one?
How many permits, licences, and registrations you need depends on your business.
If you think you might need more than one permit, use our Business Permit Finder to determine the permits you need.
Fees
Footpath trading permits are valid from 1 July to 30 June each year.
You can find more fee information:
Footpath Trading Fees 2023/24 (PDF 215 KB)
You will get an invoice when your complete application is received. A card payment fee applies.
Before you apply
Council ensures footpaths are safe and accessible to everyone in the community. When you apply for a permit, you can ask Council to move public infrastructure.
This includes:
- litter bins
- bench seats
- bicycle hoops
- and more.
If you want to do this, you'll need to show how it benefits the community in your application. Plus, you'll need to cover any costs associated with moving public infrastructure.
Costs include:
- relocation costs
- reinstatement costs.
Read our Footpath Trading Guidelines, available below. You can speak to a team member about footpath trading regulations.
If you trade on the footpath without a valid permit, you may receive a fine.
When you apply
Follow these steps to apply on My Port Phillip:
Step 1. Register or log in using registration details
Step 2. Apply for a permit
Step 3. Select permit type
Step 4. Address
Step 5. Lodge
Step 6. Confirmation - accept terms and conditions of use
Step 7. Summary - attach any required documents
Step 8. Payment - securely pay by credit card.
Download a paper form
You can also submit your application along with all required documents via email, post, or in person.
After you apply
Application fees are invoiced when your complete application is received by Council. A card payment fee applies.
Assessment time
A-boards assessments may take 10 business days. (This is from the time your complete application is received.)
It is important that you submit all required information to avoid delays. The time required to assess your request will depend on how complex it is.
Decision process
If your permit is approved, you will receive:
- an endorsed plan showing the permitted trading area
- Footpath Trading Permit
If your application is refused or you are dissatisfied with the permit decision, you can request a review. These are considered by the City Permits Panel (DOCX 43 KB).
Contact us
Footpath Trading team
Online: My Port Phillip
Email: footpathtrading@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 9209 6844