Laws and permits for businesses

If you are starting a new food business, or taking over an existing food business, you may need a food business licence.

Council is responsible for regulating advertising devices in Brisbane. Find out about the types of advertising devices, if a sign is self-assessable or requires an assessment application, information for existing approval holders, and fees.

Some of Council's public buildings, bridges and other structures are available for themed coloured lighting or banners to help promote events or not-for-profit awareness.

If you are planning a festival, event or market, operating an amplified music venue, or filming or taking photos for commercial purposes, you may need a permit from Council.

Find the requirements for common mall activities, as well as information on our CitySafe CCTV network and malls' smoking ban.

Find out if you need an animal permit to keep cats and dogs, racehorses and livestock.

You may need a permit to work or use Council property, such as roadways and footways, for activities such as constructing or repairing a driveway or footpath.

Personal appearance services include beauty therapy, body piercing, hairdressing and skin penetration services (tattooing, scarring and implanting substances). 

Find Council's requirements to start a new market or a new market food stall.

You need to apply for an environmental authority to perform an environmentally relevant activity (ERA). ERAs are industrial or intensive agricultural activities with the potential to release contaminants into the environment.

Council regulates caravan parks and relocatable home parks under the Caravan Parks and Relocatable Home Parks Local Law 2000 to ensure they are maintained in a clean and hygienic condition and appropriate facilities are provided.

If you use a vehicle as part of your business, you may need a commercial vehicle parking permit to use a commercial loading zone.