Business permit requirements vary depending on your business type, location and activities. Visit our Permits and signage page for an overview of common permits for businesses on the Mornington Peninsula, along with links to relevant Shire webpages and contact details.
If a Shire officer has already been in touch regarding your permit, they are your best first point of contact. If you’re unsure who to speak to or can’t locate their details, contact:
Mornington Peninsula Shire Customer Service: 1300 580 600, customerservice@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Business and Industry Support: 03 5950 1446, business@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Planning permits
If you have submitted a planning permit application, contact the Mornington Peninsula Shire Planning Services Team on 5950 1010.
For more information, visit the Planning page on the visit this page on the Mornington Peninsula Shire website.
Food and Health permits
For Food or health-related business applications you can call the Environmental Health Team on 5950 1373.
For more information, visit the Food and Health businesses page on the Mornington Peninsula Shire website.
Many small businesses can operate from home, but there are rules to follow and in some cases a planning permit may be required. If you meet the Home based business requirements outlined in the Mornington Peninsula planning scheme, you will generally not need a Council permit to conduct your business from home.
We recommend contacting our Planning Support team to confirm any requirements specific to your address.
Have your property address handy, and then:
The permit required depends on the type of sign your business needs. Visit the Mornington Peninsula Shire website to:
Different permits and guidelines apply to outdoor dining and any trading that uses public footpaths or streets.
A Promotional Fund is a way for local businesses to pool money together to promote their area such as events, advertising and local campaigns.
There are currently active schemes in Mt Eliza, Mornington, Sorrento, and Hastings.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire collects the money, but all of it is handed over to the local Chamber of Commerce or trader group to manage and spend.
If you have specific questions, contact us on 03 5950 1446 or business@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Mornington Peninsula Shire offers a range of support, including mentoring, workshops, promotional opportunities and, at times, grant programs.
Find opportunities for:
Stay up to date by subscribing to our business newsletter or follow our Facebook page.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council aims to procure goods, services, and works in a fair and ethical manner that supports local business. On the Mornington Peninsula Shire website you can find:
Suppliers and contractors wishing to tender or quote for certain works may first need to register and become pre-qualified. For more information, visit:
Find information on the assets managed by the Shire and how to report issues.
If you require an urgent response, call:
You can also find direct contact details for key Shire departments and local business contacts on the Useful contacts page.
Last updated March 2026
