Food and beverage businesses

Once you have chosen a business address, please confirm the site's zoning using the City's Online Maps. Zoning can be identified using the Planning and Development Module.

Once a site has been selected, locate 'TPS2 Zoning' in the column on the right-hand side of the screen to identify the zone.

City of Rockingham online mapping

The preferred land zone for restaurants and cafes include the following:

• Primary Centre City Centre (excluding Primary Centre Campus and Primary Centre Urban Living)
• District Town Centre
• Commercial

There are exemptions under the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 for restaurants and cafes provided that:

• the land to be used is located in a Commercial, City Centre and/or Mixed Use zone;
• the use is capable of being approved under the Town Planning Scheme;
• no new permanent buildings or structures are required (with the exception that car parking bays are permitted); and
• the site/land is not a Heritage Protected Place.

The City must be notified within seven days of the restaurant or cafe commencing operation that it is exempt from the need for Development Approval. To request an exemption, please complete the below exemption letter and attach it to your small business enquiry.

Note: Although the proposed restaurant or cafe may be exempt from the need to obtain Development Approval, Building and Health approvals may still be required.

Standard Building Permit process

In general, any work involving additions and/or alterations will require a Building Permit. In most cases, proposed partitioning works for shops, office and warehouse fit-outs will affect the way the building complies with an applicable Building Standard and will require a Building Permit.

Applications for commercial properties (Class 2 to Class 9 buildings) must be made as an Application for Building Permit - Certified (BA1). The applicant will need to engage in the services of an independent building surveyor to assess the proposal and provide a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3).

An Application for Building Permit - Certified (BA1) is accompanied by a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3) and can be made for any class of building and incidental structure. The City has 10 business days to determine a permit for a certified application.

A Building Permit application must be accompanied by:

• A completed Application for Building Permit - Certified (BA1);
• A completed Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3); 
• Copies of all relevant plans and specifications; and.
• Payment of required fees.

You can use our online portal, Rock Port, to lodge your application. First time users will need to create a new account for the online lodgement of a building application. Existing users can log in with their existing Rock Port account. Alternatively, you can submit your application in person at our Administration Office located on Civic Boulevard, Rockingham.

Submit a building application

Where a simple fit-out is proposed, with cosmetic renovations such as painting and decorating, and only moveable furniture is being installed, a Building Permit will generally not be required.

New or changes to existing signage on the facade of a building or installations over glazing will require a Building Permit.

Visit the Building Commission website to access all building permit application forms.

Building Commission website

Starting a new food business

Before starting a new food business it is recommended that you contact us for advice before submitting your application. Submit your small business enquiry here.

Your application for health approval must include a floor plan and elevations of the food preparation, food storage and food service areas. All structural details are required, including the location and types of equipment, the surface finishes, fixtures and fittings. You must include all areas of your food premises, such as any additional food storage areas, the bin storage location, cleaners' store and location of staff and patron toilets (if provided). The number of tables and chairs must also be provided, as well as any alfresco dining.

Along with your details plans your application also needs to include the following:

• A completed Application for Registration/Notification of a Food Business form;
• A copy of your menu or a list of the foods to be sold or provided;
• Evidence of application for Water Corporation Trade Waste Permit; and
• Payment of required fees.

As a new and developing business there is a number of useful resources and information available intended to provide additional support and guidance.

Small Business Development Corporation

The Small Business Development Corporation is an independent statutory authority with its mission to deliver and facilitate relevant, practical support to small businesses and to foster the development of policy conducive to the growth of the small business sector. The Small Business Development Corporation is working towards creating a strong and enterprising small business sector in Western Australia.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA is a member-driven organisation providing quality information, professional services and support for businesses. Its mission is to make it easier to do business in the state and ensure that WA is a place where businesses of all shapes and sizes can succeed.

Australian Government

Business.gov.au is an online Australian Government resource which provides a wide range of business information and assistance with regard to starting a business, running a business or exiting a business. This site also offers grants and assistance for business owners at all stages of their business timeline.

Australian Business License and Information Service

The Australian Business License and Information Service helps business operators and people considering starting a business to identify the types of licenses, permits, approvals, regulations and codes of practice required or in place for the relevant state, territory, local and Australian government.