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Footpath Trading and Access Policy

Footpath Trading forms a significant part of retail trading in many shopping strips around Monash. It allows for outdoor dining including tables and chairs, screens, umbrellas, display of goods and temporary advertising signs on public streets.

Council is committed to supporting retail traders in creating a dynamic and pleasant streetscape atmosphere. This approach is enhanced by providing pedestrian-friendly access to all persons.

The first stage of this policy was adopted by Council on 29 March 2011 for Glen Waverley and Oakleigh Activity Centres (excluding Eaton Mall) with the purpose of enabling equal access for all persons as defined in the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (1992). A further stage to extend the policy to other retail trading areas in Monash will follow.

"Monash's Footpath Trading and Access Policy means a fair go for everyone."
– Chris Stewart, Accessibility Advocate

Footpath Trading and Access Policy 2012

Council at its meeting on 31 January 2012 considered the proposed Footpath Trading and Access Policy and resolved to adopt the policy for Mt Waverley, Pinewood, Clayton and other Centres effective from 1 July 2012.

The policy has been in place for Glen Waverley and Oakleigh Activity Centres since 1 September 2011.

The new policy requires footpath trading to be on the kerb side of the footpath. This allows the front of shops to act as a shoreline by providing pedestrian-friendly access to all persons and is consistent with the policies of many other Councils.

Footpath Trading and Access Policy (321 Kb)

For further information, contact Jeff McAlpine on 9518 3454, email footpathtrading@monash.vic.gov.au.

How to apply for a Footpath Trading Permit

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What the Policy Applies to

This policy applies to the following types of footpath uses attached to an adjacent business premises:

Tables and chairs
Windbreaks
Umbrellas
Heaters
Display and sale of goods
Portable advertising boards, signs and flags

A local laws permit is required where a public footpath is to be used for a commercial purpose.

Permit holders become a party to Council's public liability insurance policy only for their permitted footpath trading activity upon payment of the prescribed fee to Council. Permit holders are required to have their own public liability policy with a minimum cover of $10 million for the duration of the trading permit.

Objectives and Guiding Principles of the Policy

The objective of this policy is to provide safe and unencumbered pedestrian access on footpaths in Glen Waverley and Oakleigh Activity Centres whilst allowing footpath trading where conditions are assessed as suitable and safe for these activities.

The guiding principles for footpath trading are:

The provision of quality commercial shopping precincts that are safe and accessible to the whole community.
The provision of clear, safe and unobstructed access at all times for pedestrians.
A positive contribution to the urban character, ambience and amenity of the area where footpath trading is permitted.

Footpath Zones and Requirements

The space available on footpaths in Activity Centres has been zoned for specific usage to provide a clear and unobstructed footway for pedestrian access.

The four zones are:

Pedestrian Zone: This provides adequate unimpeded space for pedestrian traffic at all times and is for the exclusive use of pedestrians and must remain free from any obstructions. Generally these zones are 1.8 metres wide, however in certain circumstances this may be reduced to 1.5 metres.
Trading Zone: This zone is the only area of the footpath where commercial activity is permitted. The trading zone widths vary according to footpath widths available.
Kerbside Zone: This zone is the allocated space between commercial trading and kerbside parking to provide a suitable buffer. Generally these zones vary in width between 0.8 and 1.2 metres depending on a range of factors including the type of kerbside parking permitted adjacent to the area.
Access Zone: This zone provides regular breaks along continuous lengths of the trading zone to allow pedestrian access between the pedestrian and kerbside zones These zones are at least 1.0 metre wide.

How to apply for a Footpath Trading Permit

Contact Local Laws to obtain a 'Footpath Trading Permit Application' form. This form will be mailed out to you or can be collected from Council offices.

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Local Laws