Business parking permits

A Business Parking Permit allows you to park in bays that have a 'Business Zone' sign within the area specified on your permit. A Business Parking Permit is for permanent businesses, not temporary ones.

You can read our Parking Management Policy (PDF) to find out more.

Who can apply for a business parking permit

You can apply for a Business Parking Permit if you operate a business with an address in the City of Merri-bek. Each property can have up to 2 permits. If multiple staff members use the permits, you can transfer the permits between cars.

Where can I park with a business parking permit?

The current list of designated business parking locations can be found in the Business parking permit list of parking locations (DOC). These are subject to change. 

Please check the signs and park within the business parking permit areas. Ensure you comply with the Victorian road rules and display a valid permit in permit signed areas to avoid fines.  

How much does a business parking permit cost?

Business parking permits expire each year on 31 July. 

Business parking permit costs are:

  • $147.50* for your first permit. 
  • $221.50* for your second permit.  

Pro-rata rates apply if you apply after the 1st of February. The pro-rata fees are:

  • $73.80* for your first permit.
  • $110.50* for your second permit.

*prices subject to change.

I would like to apply for a Business Parking permit

When you apply for a business parking permit, you will need the following documents to prove that you run a business at that address:

  • Business registration document (ABN details) or a utility bill in the business name (we will not accept mobile phone bills)
  • Rates notice in the business name or lease agreement in the business name

Before you apply, make sure you have these documents ready.

Apply online 

You can register as a user and sign in to access our 'My accounts' section on our eServices website. As a registered user, you can keep track of requests and applications on any device and don't need to re-enter your personal information.

To apply complete the following steps:

  1. Apply for a First Business Parking Permit on our eServices website
  2. Attach the required documents (business registraton (ABN) or utility bill (excluding mobile) and rates notice or lease agreement)
  3. Pay the fee online by Visa or MasterCard
  4. If you require a Second Business Parking Permit you can then also apply for this on our eServices website

Apply in person or by mail

To apply for the permit in person or by mail, fill in the Parking permit application form (PDF 192Kb) and:

  • bring the completed form along with your supporting documents and cheque or money order to one of our Customer Service Centres. You can find the locations for these centres on our Contact us page.
  • mail the completed form along with your supporting documents and cheque or money order to Merri-bek City Council, Locked Bag 10, Brunswick 3056

We will then review your application. If it is successful, we will send you your permit in the mail. If it is not successful, we will let you know.

Once you have received your permit, you should put it in the plastic holder provided by us, on the lower left-hand side of the interior of your car’s windscreen.

When do business parking permits expire?

Business parking permits expire each year on 31 July. They need to be renewed by this date each year. We will notify you by email or post when it is time to renew your permit.

You can pay for your the renewal of your Business Parking permit on our eServices website. You can also renew by post, phone or in person at one of our Customer Service Centres.

You must observe timed parking restrictions until you receive your new permit.

I would like to renew my Business Parking Permit

We send renewal notices along with invoices in the mail or via email when it is time to renew your permit.

Once payment has been received we will post out your new business parking permit. Please allow 10 business days from date of payment to receive your permit in the mail. 

Renew and pay online

To renew your permit and pay online:

  1. Go to our eServices website
  2. Pay online by Visa or MasterCard.
  3. You will need the 'Application number' on your renewal statement to compete the renewal.

You can register as a user and sign in to access our 'My accounts' section on our eServices website. As a registered user, you can keep track of requests and applications on any device and don't need to re-enter your personal information.

  • Pay business parking permit with a Visa or MasterCard over the phone 24 hours using Council's secure automated system.

    1. Phone 9240 1111 and press 1 for phone payments. Then press 7 to pay 'licencing tax invoices' and follow the voice prompts.
    2. You will need to provide the ‘Application number' located on your renewal statement and your Visa or MasterCard details.
    1. Separate the payment slip at the bottom of your invoice and mail it with your cheque or money order to Merri-bek City Council, Locked Bag 10, Brunswick 3056, before the due date.
    2. Make the cheque or money order payable to ‘Merri-bek City Council’ and cross it 'Not negotiable'. Do not include cash in the mail.

    Council does not provide a receipt for payments received by mail. Keep the top section of the invoice for your records.

    1. Bring your invoice to a Council Customer Service Centre.
    2. You can pay by Visa or MasterCard, EFTPOS, cheque, money order, or cash. The minimum payment for all card transactions is $10 and there is no cash out facility

Lost or damaged permits

If you lose or damage your business parking permit, you must fill in a statutory declaration. You can then:

Please note: you will need to pay a replacement fee of $30.70 for each permit you need replaced.

Once we have received your statutory declaration, we will send you an invoice so that you can pay for you new permit. You can pay using the details listed on the invoice. After this is paid, we will send you a new permit.

Until you receive your new permit, you must park legally and observe parking restrictions in the street.

Loading Zones 

Loading Zones can only be used by eligible vehicles. The types of vehicles that can use a Loading Zone are:

  • A courier vehicle displaying a courier vehicle sign* that is dropping off, or picking up, goods.
  • A delivery vehicle displaying a delivery vehicle sign* that is dropping off, or picking up, goods.
  • A vehicle constructed predominantly for carrying loads (e.g. a utility or van) that is dropping off or picking up goods.
  • A bus that is dropping off, or picking up, passengers.
  • A commercial passenger vehicle, that is dropping off, or picking up, passengers.
  • A taxi that is dropping off, or picking up, passengers.

*For vehicle signage requirements, please visit https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/business-and-industry/design-and-management/designing-loading-zones

How long can an eligible vehicle be in a Loading Zone?

If the Loading Zone sign does not indicate a time limit, an eligible vehicle can use it up to 30 minutes. If the sign indicates a time limit, then the driver must adhere to the time limit indicated on the sign.