Business Permit Finder
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Business Approvals Merri-bek (BAM)
Business Approvals Merri-bek (BAM) helps identify the Council permits you need to start a business. Many new businesses require a permit or registration to operate, and some may need more than one.
If you’re unsure which permits or registrations apply to your business, BAM can help. Watch our BAM video to find out how the process works.
Step 1 - Tell us about your business
Tell us about your business by completing the BAM questionnaire below. Business permits and registrations are site specific, so once you've identified a potential site, it’s the right time to find out which approvals are required.
Step 2 - We'll support you
You’ll be contacted within two business days with advice on the permits you need.
If multiple permits or registrations are needed, we can arrange a free permit check-in meeting with relevant Council departments to discuss your requirements. However, pre-application meetings with Planning are separate and will incur a fee.
Step 3 - Commercial priority
Commercial priority is a separate stream for commercial planning applications. Commercial priority applications are assessed faster so you can open your business sooner.
A planning application qualifies for commercial priority if it meets all three eligibility criteria:
- The proposal is for a new or expanding business.
- You have had a meeting with the relevant departments. This can be by arranging a preapplication meeting with our Planning Unit, or a Business Approvals Merri-bek (BAM) meeting with officers from multiple departments.
- The proposal is supported by Council. The application must meet the policies outlined in the Merri-bek Planning Scheme.
Complete planning permit applications (which have no omissions) are prioritised and processed within 60 days (if no objections are made).
Find out more about Commercial priority for planning applicants:
Helpful resources
The ‘Open for Business’ industry permit guidelines and factsheets provide valuable information on the types of permits and registrations you may need and provides an overview of the permit process.
Building permits
*Please note*
It is recommended that you seek advice from a private Building Surveyor. At this stage, Council is unable to process any Building permit applications.
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) maintains a list of all registered Building Surveyors in the State. You can use their Building Practitioner Search webpage to search for a building surveyor by name, type of work, suburb, postcode or any combination of the above.
Need further advice?
If you require further advice, contact Council’s Economic Development team on 8311 4131 or email business@merri-bek.vic.gov.au