Operating an accommodation business

Inside the Vue Grand hotel

Most types of accommodation premises need to be registered with Council, including bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, hostels, student dormitories, holiday camps and rooming houses.

Council's Environmental Health Officer is required to ensure standards and premise requirements are met under the Public Health & Wellbeing Regulations 2009. We offer a service to review and endorse accommodation premises plans to assess compliance requirements.

New business

Prior to registering your new accommodation business, please contact Council to arrange an assessment. This can assist in avoiding the risk of delays and costs if extra building works or alterations are subsequently needed to obtain registration.

Step 1.Submit your plans

Complete and submit the 'Submitting Plans for Approval for a Food, Health or Accommodation Business' form alongside your premises plans.

Step 2.Submit your accommodation premises registration

Complete and submit the 'Application for Accommodation Premises Registration' form – alongside your premises plans and the applicable fee.

Step 3.We'll inspect the premises

Once the application form and plan approval form are received, Council will conduct an inspection of your premises.

Step 4.Your certificate is issued

Once Council is satisfied that the premises complies with the standards and statutory requirements, we'll issue you a Certificate of Registration. Congratulations!

Existing business

Before purchasing an existing business, a transfer inspection must be arranged with Council.

Step 1.Submit your transfer inspection request

Submit the 'Request for Information and Documents' application so that a transfer inspection can be arranged. This needs to be signed by the current proprietor.

Step 2.We'll inspect the premises

Council will arrange the inspection of the premises once it's received the request for information and associated documents.

Step 3.We'll send you some documents

Once inspect, we'll send out a copy of the transfer inspection report and application to transfer the premises.

Step 4.Submit your transfer application

Submit the application to transfer the premises alongside the appropriate fee.

Step 5.Your certificate is issued

Once Council is satisfied that the premises complies with the standards and statutory requirements, we'll issue you a Certificate of Registration. Congratulations!

For further information or assistance in completing application forms, please contact Council.

Help with starting an accommodation business

The Business Victoria website has a handy step-by-step guide to starting an accommodation business. You'll learn what decisions to consider, the government requirements you must meet, and how to insure your business.

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