Home Based Businesses

Home based businesses

Important information relating to starting, operating, or owning a home based business within the City of Bayswater.

Home based businesses

Home based businesses relate only to businesses operating from a dwelling, by an occupant of that dwelling. There are four distinct classes of home based businesses:

 

  • Home Office - a home occupation limited to a business carried out solely within a dwelling by a resident, but does not:
    • Entail clients or customers travelling to and from the house
    • Involve any advertising signs on the premises
    • Require any external change to the appearance of the residence.

 

  • Home Occupation - an occupation carried out in a house or on land around a house, by an occupier of the house which:
    • Does not employ any person not a member of the occupier’s household
    • Will not cause injury to or adversely affect the amenity of the neighbourhood
    • Does not occupy an area greater than 20 square metres
    • Does not display a sign exceeding 0.2m2 in area
    • Does not involve the retail sale, display or hire of goods of any nature
    • In relation to vehicles and parking, does not result in the need for a greater number of parking facilities than normally required for a single residence, or result in an increase in traffic volume in the neighbourhood. Does not involve the presence, use or need for a vehicle of more than 2 tonnes in weight, and does not include provision for the fuelling, repair or maintenance of motor vehicles
    • Does not involve the use of an essential service at a greater capacity than normally required in the zone.

 

  • Home Business - a business, service or profession carried out in a house or on land around a house, by an occupier of the residence which:
    • Does not employ more than two people not members of the occupier’s household
    • Will not cause injury to or adversely affect the amenity of the neighbourhood
    • Does not occupy an area greater than 50 square metres
    • Does not involve the retail sale, display or hire of goods of any nature
    • In relation to vehicles and parking, does not result in traffic difficulties as a result of the inadequacy of parking or result in an increase in traffic volumes in the neighbourhood, and does not involve the presence, use or need of a vehicle more than 3.5 tonnes in weight
    • Does not involve the use of an essential service at a greater capacity than normally required in the zone.

 

  • Cottage Industry - a trade or light industry producing arts and crafts goods that does not fall within the definition of a home occupation which:
    • Does not cause injury to or adversely affect the amenity of the neighbourhood
    • Does not employ any person other than a member of the occupier’s household
    • Is conducted in an out-building that is compatible with the main uses of land in the area
    • Does not occupy an area in excess of 50 square metres
    • Does not display a sign exceeding 0.2m² in area.

 

Home offices and home occupations do not need development approval, however home businesses (including family day care and parking of commercial vehicles), and cottage industries all require development approval before starting. The City's Home Based Business Policy outlines the requirements for home based businesses and will guide the City's decision when assessing an application for a home based business.

When applying for approval for a home based business, in addition to the standard development application form, a home based business application form will need to be completed and submitted. The City will typically advertise proposals for home based businesses, so it is recommended to discuss any proposal with adjoining landowners to address concerns before lodging your application.

Home based businesses (excluding home offices and home occupations) are subject to annual renewal once approved. This process involves payment of an annual fee (outlined in the planning fees schedule), and a reminder will be issued by the City when payment is due. If approval for a home based business is not renewed, the approval lapses and you will no longer be able to run a business from your home.

For further information please contact the City's Development Approvals on 9272 0622.

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