Before you open or make changes to a business premises, you may need planning approval, a building permit, or both. These are separate processes managed by different parts of the City.
You may need planning approval if you are starting a new business, changing how a property is used, or making changes to the outside of a building. Planning approval is assessed against the City's Local Planning Scheme.
Contact Planning: (08) 9550 3748 or [email protected]
You may need a building permit if you are constructing, extending, or renovating a building — including fit-outs, structural changes, or a change in class to an existing premises. Most building work requires a permit before work begins.
Contact Building: (08) 9550 3749 or [email protected]
Outdoor or alfresco dining refers to tables, chairs, or other structures set up on public land (such as a verge) for people to eat or drink.
For alfresco dining on City owned/managed land you will need to complete an alfresco dining permit application through the customer portal. With the application you will need to include:
The City encourages the use of public areas as a means of enhancing the vibrancy and community activation of our public spaces, whilst managing the competing needs and interests of pedestrians, consumers and local business proprietors.
All Mobile Traders require a Trading Permit to trade within the City of Mandurah.
Mobile Traders are encouraged to locate within the pre-approved locations indicated in the Trading Permits Guidelines, however, alternative locations may be considered by the City of Mandurah. Please note there is an exclusion area in which is stipulated in our guidelines.
Application information
All trading permits are valid for a maximum of 12 months. The valid permit is required to be displayed and/or produced upon request.
Once approval has been granted for either type of permit, a permit fee will be required to be paid prior to the commencement of operations.
The City of Mandurah invites experienced Commercial and Aquatic Operators to submit proposals to trade at approved locations across the City Centre, Waterfront Precinct, and throughout the district for the 2025/2026 trading period. The City welcomes proposals that supports resident wellbeing, enhances the visitor experience, and contributes to the growth of small businesses.
Operators are asked to provide a detailed overview of their proposed operations—including goods or services offered, preferred location(s), operating hours, structures or vehicles involved, and any supporting materials such as site plans or images. Public liability insurance with a minimum cover of $20 million is also required.
Following the closure of the initial EOI process, there is now no fixed deadline for submissions. Applications will be accepted and assessed upon receival, offering flexibility for operators throughout the summer season.
Please refer to the Guidelines for further information and locations.
These businesses have specialised requirements to ensure the safety of staff and clients.
Health approvals are required for the following types of businesses, due to their skin penetration component:
Health application process:
From 4 June 2024, the old Hairdressing Establishment Regulations 1972 were repealed, and hairdressing businesses must now follow the Guideline for the management of public health risks associated with the hairdressing and barber industry.
Under these new guidelines, the City’s Health Services no longer approve or routinely inspect hairdressing premises. Please note, this relates only to the City’s Health Services and you should contact [email protected] and [email protected] to determine any other approvals that may be required.
The City of Mandurah is a film friendly city, and recognises the benefits and challenges for the screen industry. We have a dedicated Film Liaison Officer who can guide you through the process and work with you throughout to ensure that the needs and interests of the local community are balanced with your filming product.
A few benefits that we would like to work with you on include:
Filmmakers looking to film in Mandurah should start with the Filming in Mandurah application to assist the City with understanding the requirements of your project.
If you want to chat about your upcoming project,or have any questions relating to filming in Mandurah please contact our Film Friendly Officer on 9550 3622.
Commercial vessels may only berth at commercial jetties where authorisation to do so has been granted by authorised officers under the City of Mandurah Jetties, Waterways and Marina Local Law 2010.
Within the City Centre Waterfront precinct, there are two commercial jetties:
Mandjar Bay on the Eastern Foreshore, between the Estuary Pool (Kwillena Gabi Pool) and the Mandurah Traffic Bridge; and
Stingray Point Jetty, located at the end of Stingray Point reserve.
‘Expression of Interest’ processes are run on a regular basis, please email [email protected] to register your interest.
The Commercial Jetties Information Sheet includes detailed information about commercial jetty licences. For additional queries, or to register your interest please contact [email protected].
Find more information on commercial boat pens.
Unauthorised use of a City of Mandurah commercial jetty should be reported via City of Mandurah Online and create customer request for illegal parking, with all relevant evidence attached.
Incidents involving private infrastructure should be reported directly to Australian Maritime Safety Authority via Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
The City of Mandurah Online portal is the main way to lodge, track and pay for applications.
Rules and approvals for installing advertising and business signage.
Learn about the registration/notification process for food businesses, along with other necessary approvals and requirements.
