Sutherland Shire Council encourages the use of public places for outdoor dining as a means of stimulating business growth.
To apply for permission for a café or restaurant to use Council's footpaths for outdoor dining, you should complete an Outdoor Dining Permit application with the following information:
- A plan showing the proposed outdoor dining area
- A copy of your current public liability insurance certificate for a minimum cover of $10 million
- A copy of the Development Application (DA) approval for the business.
Permits are non-transferrable between businesses and between owners. All new businesses and owners are required to lodge a new Outdoor Dining application regardless of whether the previous business had approval.
Eligibility
Approved outdoor dining areas are dependent on the width of the footpath in front of your property and the surrounding buildings and structures. Approval is provided to applications that allow the safe and free movement of pedestrians along the footpath and can comply with Council's Outdoor Dining Policy.
For an outdoor dining area under an awning to comply with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (Codes SEPP), the awnings must be structurally adequate and compliant with the Building Code of Australia Volume 1 Section B1P1 and B1P2. Awnings are part of the building and are the responsibility of the owner of the building. You can find out more here.
Your application will be processed within 14 days.
Apply for Outdoor Dining Permit
Fees
Eligible businesses must pay fees to use the footpath next to their property. Business owners can pay this fee yearly, quarterly or monthly. These fees are based on the size of your approved area and the location of your business. Visit our Fees and Charges for square metre costs.
All businesses will pay a refundable security deposit equal to 3 months' rental and a $340 application fee. You will receive an invoice when your application is processed.
Permit conditions
Businesses have permission to use their outdoor dining area within the hours of their DA conditions, or between 7:00am-10:00pm, whichever is earlier.
Approvals are issued for up to a 12-month period. Renewals are sent at the end of each financial year.
Search for your development consent conditions using our DA Tracker
Furniture in outdoor dining areas must follow Australian Standard 1170. Chairs, tables and umbrellas must be in good condition and meet the look and feel of the area.
Cronulla Plaza
Business' can apply for an outdoor dining permit within the new trading zone in the newly upgraded Cronulla Plaza.
The new town centre layout incorporates a dedicated trading zone that runs throughout the middle of the plaza. This zone is predominantly reserved for long- and short-term trading opportunities, such as outdoor dining and event stalls.
The location of this zone allows for a clear throughfare through the town centre and will maintain shop-front visibility.
You can find more information on the project including timelines and site plans on the Cronulla Town Centre Stage 2 – Plaza Upgrade webpage.