Beauty, hair or health businesses

Overview

If you are opening or buying a beauty, hair or health business, it must be registered by Council.

Your business needs to be registered to offer:

  • ear piercing
  • body piercing
  • tattooing
  • colonic irrigation
  • manicures/pedicures
  • waxing/threading
  • electrolysis
  • acupuncture
  • skin beauty treatments (e.g. facials, laser treatment, dermabrasion, dry needling, foot spa, cosmetic tattooing)
  • hairdressing
  • wigs/hair extensions
  • beauty services (e.g. make up, spray tan, eyebrow/eyelash tinting, eyelash extensions)

If you are planning to build or fit out your new business, please refer to our construction guidelines for more information. We also recommend getting Fit-out Approval to approve your plans and identify any issues before construction. This process makes sure your fit-out meets legal hygiene standards and keeps your customers safe.

 

Use our Permit Finder if you’re not sure what permits you need.

For more information, contact our Public Health team at health@stonnington.vic.gov.au or on 03 8290 1333.

How to apply 

New business

  1. Confirm your business address

    You must confirm the address of your premises before you apply because we can't process your application or provide advice without it.

  2. Receive your Planning Permit, if required

    Apply for and receive your Planning Permit if you need one. Use our Permit Finder if you're unsure what permits you need.

  3. Complete the application

    Download and complete the application form/s.

    Register your beauty, hair or health business(PDF, 52KB)
    Get Fit-out Approval for your business fit-out(PDF, 83KB)

    See the FAQs for a list of documents you may need.

  4. Send your application
    Email your completed forms with supporting documentation to council@stonnington.vic.gov.au

    Or mail to: 
    City of Stonnington 
    PO Box 58 
    Malvern 3144 

  5. Pay the application fee, if required

    If you’re applying for Fit-out Approval, you need to pay an upfront fee of $75. Call 03 8290 1333 or visit one of our Customer Service Centres to make payment.

    There is no upfront fee for a Health Registration, but there will be a cost once your application is approved.  

  6. We will inspect your premises

    A Council Officer will contact you to arrange a time to inspect your premises. The officer will let you know if everything is satisfactory, or detail any changes you need to make.

  7. Pay the registration fee

    Once your application is successful, you will receive an invoice via email or post. You can pay this online.

  8. Receive your Health Registration

    We will send your Certificate of Registration via email or post, or you can request to pick it up from one of our Customer Service Centres.

    There is no physical permit for Fit-out Approval.

Existing business

  1. Confirm your business address

    You must confirm the address of your premises before you apply because we can't process your application or provide advice without it.

  2. Receive your Planning Permit, if required

    Apply for and receive your Planning Permit if you need one. Use our Permit Finder if you're unsure what permits you need.

  3. Complete the application

    Download and complete the application form/s.

    Apply to transfer a beauty, hair or health business(PDF, 58KB)
    Get Fit-out Approval if you are changing the fit-out(PDF, 83KB)

    See the FAQs for a list of documents you may need.

  4. Send your application
    Email your completed forms with supporting documentation to council@stonnington.vic.gov.au

    Or mail to: 
    City of Stonnington 
    PO Box 58 
    Malvern 3144 

  5. Pay the application fee, if required

    If you’re applying for Fit-out Approval, you need to pay an upfront fee of $75. Call 03 8290 1333 or visit one of our Customer Service Centres to make payment.

    There is no upfront fee for a Health Registration, but there will be a cost once your application is approved.  

  6. We will inspect your premises

    A Council Officer will contact you to arrange a time to inspect your premises. The officer will let you know if everything is satisfactory, or detail any changes you need to make.

  7. Pay the registration fee

    Once your application is successful, you will receive an invoice via email or post. You can pay this online.

  8. Receive your Health Registration

    We will send your Certificate of Registration via email or post, or you can request to pick it up from one of our Customer Service Centres.

    There is no physical permit for Fit-out Approval.

 

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Health Registration and Fit-out Approval cost?

The cost of a Health Registration varies but for a small business it will cost between $315 and $400.  

The upfront Fit-out Approval fee, including the inspection, costs $75 for beauty, hair or health businesses.  

How long will it take to get a Health Registration and Fit-out Approval?

Applications are usually processed within 10 business days. 

What documents do I need to apply?

If you are applying for Fit-out Approval, your application must be accompanied by two copies of plans for the proposed premises showing the use for each room. Plans must be: 

  • drawn to scale
  • of a scale of not less than 1:100
  • accompanied by specifications for materials and finishes for all surfaces including floors, walls and bench tops. 

The plans must also clearly show: 

  • all treatment areas
  • hand wash basins 
  • cleaning area and equipment sink
  • equipment storage area
  • the layout of all fixtures, fittings and equipment.

What do I do if I have started building without Fit-out Approval?

Fit-out Approval is optional but highly recommended, and you can still get approval after your business has been constructed.

You need to book an inspection with one of our Council officers, who will generally be able to visit your premises within two business days. They will let you know if any changes are required.

Book an inspection

Can I make changes to my plans after submitting them for approval?

Yes. If you’ve changed your fit-out plans at any stage during the application process, you can request a progress inspection. This can be especially useful when your actual build doesn’t quite reflect the plans you’ve sent to us. A Council officer will be happy to provide you with advice to ensure your build and any changes, meets hygiene requirements.

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