We actively encourage sustainable development within the city that will establish or expand business, employment opportunities, or local services.

Whether you are a small business starting out, or an established business wanting to expand we can help support and guide you through the process.

Below is a general guide on some things you may need to consider when starting up in Clarence.

Planning approval

One of the first things to consider in starting out your business is understanding if you require a planning permit. You can find out more about planning guidelines on our planning webpage and if you are uncertain, we offer free preliminary planning advice – simply complete the online form.

Changing the use of a building may not require planning permission, however if you are planning internal building and plumbing you may need a permit – see building approval.

Changing the use of my business

If you are changing the use of your business premises, for example changing from a cafe/restaurant to a retail space you will require a planning permit.

Health and safety

Health and safety regulations and practices apply to all industries in some way or another.

For businesses that involves a public health risk – skin penetration procedures, such as acupuncture, tattooing, piercing etc – you will need to apply for a license using one of the two forms below.

Food businesses

If you are selling food, you will need to register your food business with us. This includes information about mobile food business and temporary food stalls.

Visit the Food Business page for requirements, forms and information.

Heritage advice

If your business is within an historic or conservation area we provide a free heritage advisory service to business considering work that may affect heritage values on places with cultural significance.

Heritage advice is provided by appointment. Call our City Planning Team on 03 6217 9550 to arrange a time.

Outdoor business

Businesses that operate in public outdoor areas will generally need to have a license or similar agreement with council. Some common outdoor businesses that operate in Clarence are:

Street furniture

If you would like to place items on footpaths or council land (such as table and chairs) please do the following:

  1. Complete the Application to place temporary street furniture on footpath (PDF)
  2. Email to clarence@ccc.tas.gov.au

Signage, advertising and filming

Regulations around temporary signage on public land is determined by Public Place by-laws – the sets out the guidelines for the placement of all types of advertisement including; posters, sandwhich boards, notices, pamphlets and more.

We have a dedicated temporary signage area in Charles Hand Park, Rosny – to apply please complete this form.

Large scale and permeant sign structures require planning approval – please visit the planning permits webpage for more.

Please see the Signage on Council Owned Land and Facilities Policy and Guidelines for more details.

We support the use of locations in the City of Clarence to be used for film and photo shoots. If you are planning on filming visit the Filming in the City page for details.

Holding an event on council land

We are committed to supporting event activity that connects people across all sectors of the community as we as contribute to the cultural and economic life of our city.

If you’re wanting to host a public event on council land, we have a dedicated webpage which outlines key information and resources – please visit the Event requirements page .

You can submit your event by completing the events on council land form – please allow up to eight weeks notice where possible.

Business support and resources

Explore a range of support services, toolkits, training, grants and funding opportunities for Business in Clarence on the Business Support and Information page