Home Occupation

Overview of requirements

To operate a business from a residential property or mobile business operating from a residential property, approval must be obtained from the Shire of Harvey. Approval must be granted prior to commencing the business.

Please note: Running a ‘Home Office’ as a business from home is exempt under the Town Planning regulations for an Approval. 

Home office means a dwelling used by the occupier to carry out a home occupation where the occupation:

• Is solely within the dwelling
• Does not entail clients or customers travelling to and from the dwelling
• Does not involve the display of a sign on the premises
• Does not require any change to the external appearance of the dwelling.

How to apply for home occupation approval

1. Complete the Application for Development Approval – Home Occupation form below
2. Prepare a covering letter that includes:
   • The of business proposed
   • Anticipated hours of operations
   • Number of people expected to visit the property
3. Prepare plans detailing the location and dimensions of any existing and proposed structures, landscaping, vehicular access and carparking areas.
4. Submit the form, covering letter and plans with payment of the application fee ($222.00 subject to change) to the Shire of Harvey.

Important note: If operating a food business, other approval may apply. Please refer to our Food Business Safety and Approvals page.

Processing of applications

On receipt of an application for a home occupation, Shire Officers will notify adjoining landowners, who will be invited to comment on the proposal.

Subject to no objections being received, the application will be determined at a staff level. If, however, an objection to the proposal is received, a report will be prepared by staff and the application will be determined by Council.

Annual registration fee

An annual registration fee of $73.00 (subject to change) is payable for the renewal of each home occupation license that is issued for a business.

The fee shall be prescribed by Council and included in the annual Planning Schedule of Fees and Charges.

More information and contacts

For more information please contact us.