Some Home Activity (home-based businesses) need Council approval.
Home activity refers to a business run by a resident from their home. To operate a business from a residential address, it needs to comply with guidelines set out in planning legislation.
The definition of a home activity is:
“use of a site by a person resident on the site–
a) that does not detrimentally affect the amenity of the locality or any part of the locality; and
b) that does not require or involve any of the following:
i. involve more than 1 person (at any one time on the premises) who is not a resident in the dwelling;
ii. use (whether temporarily or permanently) of a floor area exceeding 30 square metres;
iii. the home activity must not have a greater load on domestic utility services than other ordinary uses within the locality;
iv. the display of goods in a window or about the dwelling or its curtilage;
v. the use of a vehicle exceeding 3 tonne tare in weight (3000 kg).”
The home activity must not have any detrimental effects on the local area at any time. Home Activities that may cause an effect on the amenity of the surrounding area tend to be those that:
- Create repeated, prolonged or loud noise;
- Operate outside normal working hours;
- Carry out activities that produce smoke smells, fumes or dust;
- Increase traffic in the street from regular delivery vehicles or customer parking.
If you seek to operate a food business from your property, please check with Council’s Health Team regarding the legal requirements under the Food Act and associated regulations and standards for activities that involve food storage, preparation and manufacture, or transportation.
If you don't comply with any of the criteria for the operation of a home activity, you will need to lodge a development application with Council. Before doing so, please contact Council’s Planning Team to discuss the process involved and the information that will be required. Phone 8372 5111 or email pobox1@unley.sa.gov.au