Street Furniture Permits

Hindmarsh Shire Council, under Hindmarsh Municipal Local Law, is responsible for ensuring roads, footpaths and public areas within the town precinct are safe for use by pedestrian traffic. Through the Street Furniture Permit application process, Council can assess safety aspects of the proposed furniture and ensure placement complies with Local Laws and other relevant legislation.

What is Street Furniture?

Street Furniture refers to items placed in public areas- particularly on footpaths or within road reserves- that are associated with a business or organisation.

These may include:

  • moveable signs (such as A-frame signs)
  • goods or items displayed for sale
  • advertising flags
  • wind barriers
  • tables and chairs

These items can enhance the visibility and accessibility of a business, but they must be placed safely and legally to avoid obstructing pedestrian traffic or creating hazards.

Why do I need a permit for Street Furniture?

A permit is required to ensure that any street furniture:

  • complies with Locals Laws and safety standards
  • does not obstruct pedestrian pathways
  • is appropriately insured and documented

Permit Application Requirements:

To apply for a permit, you will need to provide:

  • organisation or business details
  • a detailed site plan
  • a copy of your Certificate of Currence for Public Liability Insurance
  • details and descriptions of the proposed street furniture (ie: signs, tables, chairs)

General Permit Guidelines

In deciding whether to grant a Permit for placement of Street Furniture, Hindmarsh Shire Council may consider:

(a) compliance with Disability Discrimination Act 1992 requirements (the preferred offset from the building line is 2m, or 1.8m depending upon the width of the footpath)

(b) that furniture does not obstruct clear access to shop fronts, buildings, structures or emergency services infrastructure

(c) if it considers loading zone requirements and unloading points

(d) if it is setback sufficiently from the back of kerb to minimize the potential for vehicle damage due to reversing, unloading and overhang (typically 800mm or no less than 600mm)

(e) that it does not clutter or hinder access to other streetscape or park features (eg Way Finding signage, interpretive signage)

(f) that it avoids conflicts or issues with other uses or functions of the street or park

(g) that it is easily accessible so that it effectively performs the function that it is intended for

(h) the number of items such as tables and chairs are consistent with demand (eg the amount of pedestrian traffic, the proximity to other facilities or the frequency of use)

(i) if it considers social and interactive behavior patterns

(j) that it groups furniture together that have related functions where the furniture/goods/signs/flags will be displayed outside the applicant's premises

(k) whether the furniture/goods/signs/flags may be of such material, layout or construction, or in such a position which could be hazardous to pedestrians

(l) whether persons who may be liable for injury caused by the placing of the eating facilities are insured against that risk

(m) whether the applicant has provided a written indemnification of Council against liability arising from activities authorized by the permit or that Council has undertaken to provide this indemnity itself

(n) any other matter that Council considers relevant

 


Permit cost:

A lodgement fee of $150.00 is charged for a three-year permit.

How do I apply?

The Application for Street Furniture Permit must be filled out and all required documentation attached (as listed in the application checklist) prior to submitting the application to Council.
You can

  • email your completed application and associated documents to locallaws@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au
  • return them via post to: PO Box 250 Nhill VIC 3418, or
  • deliver them to any Customer Service Centre during normal operating hours

Once the application is lodged with Council, the applicant will be issued an invoice for payment of the associated fee.

APPLY HERE(PDF, 180KB)

For further information or enquiries, please contact Local Laws on (03) 5391 4444 or locallaws@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

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