If you are a registered food business and want to provide outdoor dining on a footpath, laneway, plaza, wharf or on-street parklet, you must obtain an outdoor dining permit.
Outdoor dining permit
The City of Greater Geelong has developed guidelines to help hospitality businesses expand their service into public spaces. The aim is to create inviting, safe, and vibrant environments that enhance the local streetscape and contribute to a thriving community.
Before you apply
Read the outdoor dining guidelines to understand the design standards, safety requirements and application process.
Outdoor Dining Guidelines
Geelong takes pride in its culinary delights and unique streets, and to enhance this experience, the City of Greater Geelong has developed guidelines to support hospitality businesses in expanding their service into public spaces when appropriate and feasible.
Together, we can create inviting and safe spaces, enhance local streetscape, and contribute to a vibrant and thriving community environment.
This document serves as a guide for businesses seeking to extend their services into public spaces for outdoor dining.
It provides:
- clear steps to navigate the permit application process
- minimum design standards for elements such as tables, chairs, barriers, lighting, and signage
- guidance on balancing trader needs with public safety and accessibility
These guidelines aim to support vibrant and safe outdoor dining while enhancing the overall experience for visitors and the community.
Next, decide if you are proposing standard outdoor dining or alternative outdoor dining.
Standard outdoor dining
Standard outdoor dining applies to tables and chairs located on an existing footpath outside your business.
Alternative outdoor dining
Alternative outdoor dining applies to tables and chairs located on parklets, laneways, plazas and other non-standard public spaces. These applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Application Process
Once you have read the guidelines and know if your application is for a standard or alternative permit, follow the process below to fill in the online form.
Step 1
Get your documentation ready ahead of time for your application.
Your application must include:
- A site plan (scale 1:100) showing existing and proposed conditions, including:
- Tables and chairs
- Signage
- Barriers or bollards (if applicable)
- Any other outdoor dining elements
- Details of all furniture, fittings and fixtures, including materials.
- A Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance with a minimum cover of $10 million.
- Evidence of Business Registration under the Food Act 1984 and authorisation to serve food and alcohol (if applicable).
- For premises with more than 20 seats, evidence of compliance with the Building Code of Australia and Food Standards Code for toilet and sanitary facilities.
- Evidence of safe pedestrian access and comply with all relevant accessibility and safety requirements.
Step 2
Submit your application and prepared supporting documentation via the online form below.
Your application will be assessed, and we will contact you if further information is required.
If you need further assistance with your standard outdoor dining, it may be beneficial to speak with the Officer who will be assessing your application on 03 5272 4500.
Step 1
Get your documentation ready ahead of time for your application.
Depending on your proposal, in addition to the information required for a standard outdoor dining permit, you may also be required to provide:
- Structural and safety approvals.
- Traffic and safety assessments.
- Site-specific management plans addressing utilities, drainage, stormwater and accessibility.
- Any other documentation identified during the pre-application process.
The Place Activation Officer will coordinate the assessment with relevant City departments.
Step 2
Submit your application and prepared supporting documentation via the online form below.
Your application will be assessed, and we will contact you if further information is required.
If you need further assistance with your standard outdoor dining, it may be beneficial to speak with the Officer who will be assessing your application on 03 5272 4500.
Step 3
You can request a meeting with the Place Activation team regarding your application when filling out the online form, if you choose to do so, an officer will arrange a meeting time with you.
During this meeting, an officer will:
- Discuss the suitability of your proposal and site.
- Identify any site-specific considerations.
- Advise on any additional documentation required.
- Coordinate preliminary advice from relevant City departments.
This can be a helpful step for more complex alternative dining requests.
Begin your application
Begin the process of applying for an outdoor dining permit
Examples of standard and alternative outdoor dining arrangements
alternative outdoor dining in laneway on Little Malop Street 
Example of standard outdoor dining 
Example of alternative outdoor dining Little Malop St 
Example of a comfortable outdoor dining set up 
Standard outdoor dining 
Example of an alternative outdoor dining parklet in James Street, Geelong
Click on an image to view details and enlarge
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