Learn about the registration/notification process for food businesses, along with other necessary approvals and requirements.
Definitions
- Food business: A food business is any entity - commercial, charitable, community or home-based - that is involved in the handling of food intended for sale, or the sale of food, even if it only involves a one-off occasion. This includes food trucks, food stalls, commercial premises, and home businesses.
- Alfresco: Outdoor or ‘alfresco’ eating refers to an area in which tables, chairs and other structures are provided for the consumption of food or drink on public land, such as within the verge.
Overview of requirements
Below is an overview of the health, planning, and building requirements for a food business. Please also see the 'other requirements' and 'registration exemptions and notification requirements' sections for additional details.
- Planning approval: Development (planning) approval may be required depending on the business location and the permitted land use. Refer to the Development (planning) approval page for detailed instructions, including application form, checklist, and fees.
- Building approval: A building permit is required for constructing a new building or additions to an existing building. Fitouts to an existing building may require a building permit. Refer to the Department of Energy Mines industry Regulation and Safety Bulletin (PDF). An Occupancy Permit may also be required.
- Environmental Health approval: Notification of a food business is required. Most food businesses will also be required to register, unless they are exempt.
Important notes:
- Initial contact: Before proceeding with your applications, we strongly recommend contacting the City via email to discuss your specific project. This initial consultation allows us to provide tailored guidance on the approvals required and the recommended order for application submissions. This step is crucial to ensure that you follow the correct process for your business needs.
- Alfresco dining: If your outdoor dining setup does not comply fully with the Alfresco Activities Local Planning Policy, Development (Planning) Approval is required. Note: Where the alfresco dining proposal meets all Alfresco Activities Local Planning Policy provisions, Development (Planning) Approval will not be required. However, a completed Alfresco Activities Self-Assessment Checklist (see below) is required to be submitted with your outdoor eating permit for review by the City. For detailed guidelines, refer to the Alfresco Activities Local Planning Policy below.
Registration exemptions and notification requirements
Some food businesses may not need to be registered as a food business, but all food businesses must still notify the City.
Exempt businesses include:
- Fundraising with food: Sell food for charity or community causes, where the food is either non potentially-hazardous or, if potentially-hazardous, is sold for immediate consumption after cooking (for example, sausage sizzles or soft drinks)
- Packaged non potentially-hazardous foods: Only sell pre-packaged items like cereal, soft drinks or confectionery
- Complimentary drinks: Offer free drinks as part of another service.
Important note: Even if exempt, you must still complete the food business notification process.
Other requirements
- Food prepared in a residential kitchen: If you're using your home kitchen you may need home business approval. Most residential kitchens aren't up to the standards set by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, so you're generally limited to preparing low-risk foods such as cakes (without potentially-hazardous toppings), biscuits, and jams. Learn more about Home-based business approvals.
- Food handler training: Operating a food business requires all staff to be trained in safe food handling practices to ensure the production of safe food. Staff should be well-informed about food safety risks and proper practices. Find out how to enrol in food handler training below.
- Food labelling: All packaged foods for sale must include labels that comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. For detailed labelling requirements, visit Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
- Outdoor (alfresco) dining: An outdoor eating permit is required to operate an outdoor eating area that is located on land that the City owns or manages.
- Selling your food business or ceasing operations: If you're selling your food business or shutting down, you must cancel your food business registration. Follow the provided instructions below for cancellation.
Registration/notification of a food business
Important note for food trucks and stalls: Registration must be completed through the local government where your business is garaged or stored. A single registration is required and is valid across all of Western Australia.
How to apply for an outdoor eating permit (alfresco)
An Outdoor Eating Permit is required to operate an outdoor eating area that is located on land that the City owns or manages.
The following outlines the application process.
Food safety handler training
Learn about food safety standards and access free training courses to ensure compliance and enhance food handling practices.
On Friday 8 December 2023, Australia introduced a new food safety standard, Standard 3.2.2A – Food Safety Management Tools. This standard is designed to enhance food safety across various sectors, including food service, catering, and retail, by reducing food-borne illnesses caused by improper food handling.
The standard requires that most food businesses ensure their food handlers are trained and that they appoint at least one trained food safety supervisor. Businesses handling unpackaged, potentially hazardous ready-to-eat foods must also maintain records of specific food business activities.
For comprehensive details about these requirements, visit the Department of Health's Food Safety Management Tools for Food Businesses webpage.
Cancel food business registration
If you're selling your food business or shutting down, you must cancel your food business registration.
Select your preferred lodgement method below:
- Online (preferred): submit your application along with the relevant required documentation to (PDF forms are not required for this option):
Alternate methods:
- In person: Download and complete the form below and submit at the City of Joondalup Customer Care Centre, 90 Boas Avenue, Joondalup.
- Mail: Download and complete the form below and mail to PO Box 21, Joondalup WA 6919.
More information and contact
Want to know how food businesses are monitored or how to make a complaint? Visit Food safety page.
For more information about approval of a food business, including food business notification or registration, please contact the City on 9400 4000 or info@joondalup.wa.gov.au.