We're often asked what business activities people can run from home. Below is a list of some common activities we're asked about.
This doesn't cover every situation though, so we recommend you talk to us for development advice before setting up a new business.
| Can I...... | Answer |
|---|---|
| Bake cakes or breads and sell them? | Yes, but you need approval |
| Operate a food catering business from home? | Yes, but you need approval |
| Make food to sell at a market or deliver to customers? | Yes, but you need approval |
| Make furniture, clothes or other items and sell them? | Yes |
| Import furniture, clothes or other items and sell them? | Yes, but for online retail sales only |
| Buy loose food items and package them for resale? | Yes, but you need approval |
| Sell wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages? | Yes, but for online retail sales only. You will also need a liquor license - see the Office of Liquor and Gaming website for details. |
| Do hairdressing or barbering at home? | Yes |
| Operate a beauty salon at home? | Yes, but if it involves waxing or any other skin penetration procedures, you must get approval. |
| Do massage therapy at home? | Yes, but if it involves acupuncture, needling or other skin penetration procedures, you must get approval. |
| Do tattooing (body art), piercing (body), botox injections, blood testing, derma filling / injectables, colonic lavage or body art (implantation, branding scarification or intense pulsed light) at home? | No. Council doesn't allow these uses at home. |
| Operate a personal fitness trainer business in my home? | Yes, if it is small scale. If it involves group classes you can get a licence from Council to use public spaces for these activities. |
| Operate a family day care or bed and breakfast accommodation? | Yes, in some cases. You should check with Council's Duty Planner. |
Please remember, even if a business activity is allowed at your home, it must not interfere with the amenity of the neighbourhood. You also have to comply with any relevant rules and regulations.
If you're not sure, please check with Council's Duty Planner.