Community Local Laws

Community Local Law governs how the Council protects the community’s peace and order, safety, public health, assets, amenity, roads and many other aspects of living in Benalla Rural City. 

Community Local Laws are designed to ensure the actions of an individual or group don’t have a negative impact on the community as a whole. 

Download Benalla Rural City Council’s Community Local Law 2017.

You can also download the Community Local Law 2017 Policy Document, which should be read in conjunction with the Community Local Law. The Policy Document provides more detail about how Community Local Laws are enforced.  

Apply for a Local Law Permit

Apply Now via the Customer Portal.

Benalla Rural City Council issues a range of permits under the Community Local Law 2017 to help manage activities that affect public spaces, safety, amenity, and the environment. If you’re planning an activity that may require Council approval, you may need a permit.

Types of Local Law Permits

You can apply for permits for the following activities:

Public Space Activities

– Alcohol Consumption on Council Land: A permit is required to consume or possess alcohol in public places, including parks and reserves, unless the container is sealed or the area is licensed.

– Burning Off on Private Property: Permits are required for open-air burning in certain areas or under specific conditions.

– Busking: Performers must apply for a permit to busk in public spaces.

– Camping on Public Property: Camping or placing a caravan in a public place requires a permit unless in a designated camping area.

– Fundraising and Charity Collections: Includes street appeals, intersection collections, and other fundraising activities in public areas.

– Community Events and Activities: Permits are required for events in the Benalla Botanical Gardens, street parties, festivals, processions, non-road activities on highways (e.g. bike races), and any other public event or activity on Council land.

– Placement of Bulk Waste Containers: A permit is needed to place a skip bin or similar container on a road or nature strip.

Business and Trading Activities

– Footpath Trading Permit: Required for outdoor dining, advertising signs, goods displays, and planter boxes on footpaths.

– General Trading Permit: For selling goods or services in public places, including food vans, market stalls, or mobile vendors.

Animal-Related Permits

– Excess Animal Permit: Required if you wish to keep more animals than allowed under the Local Law (e.g. more than 2 dogs or cats in residential areas).

– Droving and Grazing of Livestock on Roadside Reserves: Permits are required for moving or grazing livestock on public roads.

– Registration of a Domestic Animal Business: Businesses involved in breeding, boarding, or training animals must be registered with Council.

Other Permits

General Permit: For any activity not listed above that may require Council approval under the Local Law.

How to Apply

All Local Law permits can be applied for online via Council’s Customer Portal.

If you’re unsure whether your activity requires a permit, please contact Council on 03 5760 2600 or email council@benalla.vic.gov.au.