Apply for an outdoor dining permit or renewal

Outdoor Dining Permit & Goods Display

North Sydney Council is responsible for managing footpaths within the North Sydney local government area.

To ensure pedestrian access and safety is maintained, a permit is required for an outdoor dining or goods display area on the footpath. 

Do I need a permit?

You must have a permit before placing any items on a public footpath, including:

  • Outdoor dining tables and chairs
  • Goods on display
  • Promotional materials

You must receive a permit before placing any outdoor dining tables and chairs and promotional materials on a public footpath.

Council determination of a Permit 

In determining whether to approve a Permit Application, the decision of the Council is final. In some circumstances the Council may grant a trial period of up to 12 months to help determine a location’s suitability for an outdoor dining or goods display area. Following the trial period, Council may vary the design, operations and/or conditions of an approved permit on renewal (or to revoke the permit if it is deemed by Council to be an unsuitable site). As well as determining a development application, if required, the Council may also impose appropriate conditions under any development consent granted in satisfaction of a development application. In most circumstances a permit application and a development application can be determined concurrently.