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Whitehorse City Council Requirement Briefings

Whitehorse City Council, located in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, encompasses a number of vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods. Suburbs entirely within the council include Blackburn, Blackburn North, Blackburn South, Box Hill, Box Hill North, Box Hill South, Burwood East, Forest Hill, Mont Albert, Nunawading, Vermont, and Vermont South. Additionally, parts of Burwood, Mont Albert North, and Surrey Hills also fall within the council's boundaries, though they are shared with neighbouring municipalities.

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Starting a home-based food business in Whitehorse City Council, Victoria, involves several key steps to ensure compliance with local regulations and to operate safely and legally. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you set up your home cooking business:
 

🏠 Step 1: Determine Your Business Classification
 

Under the Food Act 1984, food businesses are classified based on the type of food handling activities:
 

  • Class 1: High-risk food handling for vulnerable populations (e.g., aged care facilities).

  • Class 2: Handling unpackaged potentially hazardous foods (e.g., restaurants, cafes).

  • Class 3: Handling low-risk foods or pre-packaged potentially hazardous foods.

  • Class 4: Handling pre-packaged low-risk foods (e.g., selling bottled water, confectionery).
     

Most home-based food businesses fall under Class 2 or 3, depending on the food prepared. You can find more details on classifications on the Whitehorse City Council Food Businesses 
 

📄 Step 2: Submit a New Premises Enquiry
 

Before starting your business, submit a New Premises Enquiry – Food Premises form to the Council's Environmental Health Unit. This form gathers information about your proposed business and helps determine the necessary approvals.
 

  • Download the form: New Premises Enquiry – Food Premises (PDF)

  • Contact: Email the completed form to health@whitehorse.vic.gov.au or call (03) 9262 6197 for assistance.
     

🏗️ Step 3: Check Planning and Building Requirements
 

Your home-based business must comply with the Whitehorse Planning Scheme. A planning permit is not required if you meet the following conditions:
 

  • The business operator resides in the dwelling.

  • No more than two people who do not live in the dwelling work in the business.

  • The floor area used for the business does not exceed 100 square metres or one-third of the total floor area of the dwelling, whichever is less.

  • The business does not adversely affect the neighbourhood's amenity.
     

If you don't meet these conditions, you must apply for a Planning Permit. Additionally, if you're making structural changes to your home, a Building Permit may be required. For more information, visit the Home-based Business page.
 

🍽️ Step 4: Prepare Your Kitchen to Meet Food Safety Standards
 

Ensure your kitchen complies with the Food Standards Code:
 

  • Maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

  • Have appropriate facilities for food preparation and storage.

  • Implement pest control measures.

  • Ensure proper waste disposal.
     

You may need to submit a floor plan of your kitchen for assessment. The Council's Environmental Health Officers can provide guidance on meeting these standards.
 

📝 Step 5: Register Your Food Business
 

Depending on your business classification:
 

  • Class 1, 2, or 3: You must register your business with the Council.

  • Class 4: You only need to notify the Council of your business.

Registration involves submitting the appropriate application form and paying the applicable fees. You can find more information and access the forms on the Food Businesses page.
 

🔄 Step 6: Renew Your Registration Annually
 

Food business registrations are valid from 1 January to 31 December each year. You must renew your registration annually through the Council's eHealth Portal or by submitting a paper form. For renewal details, visit the Renewal of Registration page.
 

📞 Need Assistance?
 

For further guidance, contact the Whitehorse City Council's Environmental Health Unit:

They can assist you with understanding requirements, completing forms, and ensuring your home-based food business operates safely and legally.
 

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to establishing a successful home cooking business in Whitehorse City Council.

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