Running a business in a public place

To run your business at one of Council's open spaces, you will need to apply for a permit. These businesses might include:

  • personal training
  • boot camps
  • yoga
  • regional tours
  • dog training
  • hiring goods, such as paddleboards
  • ongoing commercial photography, such as family portraits every Saturday at the same location

Council regulates outdoor businesses to make sure they operate safely and are considerate to other people using public spaces.

Businesses that sell goods or food and drinks need different permits. Find out more selling goods in public places and food business licences.

You need to submit your application at least eight weeks before you start your activity.

Once all supporting documents have been provided, your application will be reviewed and assessed under Local Law No 1 (Administration) 2011. Schedule 8(c). We may consult with key stakeholders. It may take up to 30 business days from assessment to decision once all supporting documents have been provided.

Council is trialling the Moreton Bay Pop Ups Program. The program encourages businesses to pop up in pre-approved, specific areas in the Moreton Bay Region. Find out if your business can operate as part of the Moreton Bay Pop Ups Program.

If your business or location is not part of the program, continue with this application.

How to apply

Step 1.Complete a risk management plan

Complete the Risk management plan template(DOCX, 927KB).

Step 2.Prepare a site plan

You will need to prepare a detailed site plan, including site dimensions, using the Permitted business in a public place site plan template(DOCX, 70KB).

Step 3.Take out public liability insurance

Evidence of a current public liability insurance policy to the value of $20,000,000 should be provided with your application. 

Step 4.Collect supporting documents

Depending on your business, you may also need to provide:

  • the details of any third-party operators
  • any other relevant government licences, registrations or approvals, such as a blue card or Marine park permit. 

Step 5.Review conditions

Make sure you review and understand the conditions for a Permitted business in a public place permit. Specific conditions may be added after your application has been assessed.

Step 6.Review fees and charges

In accordance with Council's fees and charges, a non-refundable application fee of T970 is payable at the time of application. Council will contact you for payment.

Other fees are payable when your permit is approved or renewed. These fees are:

  • a T968 annual commercial fee. This fee is charged on a pro rata monthly basis to 30 September
  • a T969 annual renewal fee.

The renewal period for a permit is from 1 October to 30 September.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from paying fees if evidence is provided.

Step 7.Complete an application

Download and complete the Permitted business in a public place application form(PDF, 307KB) and submit along with your supporting documents:

The applicant for an approval must be a legal entity, such as a person, private company, public company or incorporated association. A partnership, cooperative, unincorporated association, body corporate, strata corporation, trust or political party is not a legal entity and cannot be considered the applicant.

Please note

  • Special mowing or additional servicing of the area is not provided. Council maintains its parks and gardens on a routine maintenance schedule.
  • Parks are public places and a permit will not guarantee exclusive use of the park.
  • Annual and major events held in parks will at times take precedence over your activities.
  • Exercise stations located in parks are for public use only.
  • All goods, equipment and materials must be removed from site each day.
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