Public entertainment
Public entertainment is defined as an event that the general public can attend. The event can be free, paid, indoor or outdoor.
Public entertainment includes events like:
- festivals and carnivals
- outdoor cinema events
- live performances
- music concerts
- fun runs and sport events
- community marches.
These events may need a place of public entertainment (POPE) permit.
Types of permits
There are two types of permits that may apply to public entertainment in Knox. They are occupancy permits and siting consent for a prescribed temporary structure.
Occupancy permit
You may need an occupancy permit for a public event that:
- uses a building or place for a different purpose to normal
- requires a fee to enter (donations and gifts count as fees).
The occupancy permit must be visible. You should display it in a visible location like the site office.
Requirements of an application
- completed application form
- permit application fee
- copy of suggested signage
- copy of Victorian Building Authority approval for any temporary structures
- copy of stamped and approved Planning Approval and plans
- location, type and number of firefighting facilities.
You must supply plans showing:
- location of main exit points for persons attending the event in the case of an emergency
- location and number of all facilities
- location of access roads for emergency vehicles
- location of the site management office.
You must also include a written proposal detailing:
- all animals on the site and connected to the event
- number of performers, competitors, employees and support persons
- proposed hours and days of the event
- highest number of patrons that can attend the event at one time
- details of safety officers in attendance, including location, number and qualifications
- details of security officers in attendance, including location, number and qualifications
- confirmation of compliance with any relevant codes of practice.
There must be one copy each of:
- consent to use land from the owner of the land
- Event Certificate of Insurance for any amusement devices
- Certificate of Currency for public liability
- temporary food permits issued by Council’s Health Services Unit
- Emergency Management Plan
- Event Management Plan
- Environmental Management Plan for the site
- details of any persons residing on-site for the duration of the event.
We aim to provide the outcome of requests for occupancy permits for places of public entertainment within 10 business days after receiving a complete application.
Send your application by post or pay in person at the Civic Centre.
Knox City Council Civic Centre
511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, 3152
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 5pm.
Siting consent for a prescribed temporary structure
You only need a siting consent when all structures being used as part of the POPE have an Occupancy Permit issued by the Victorian Building Authority and all activities are held within those structures.
In general, siting consent applies to mobile entertainment like circuses.
Information required
- completed application form
- permit application fee
- copy of proposed signage
- copy of Victorian Building Authority approval for temporary structures (for example marquees, tents, grandstands)
- copy of stamped Planning Approval and plans
- location, type and number of firefighting facilities.
You must supply plans showing:
- location of main exit points for persons attending the event in the case of an emergency
- location and number of all facilities
- location of access roads for emergency vehicles
- location of the site management office.
You must also include a written proposal detailing:
- all animals on the proposed site and connected to the operation of the event
- number of performers, competitors, employees and support persons
- specific hours and days of the proposed operation
- the maximum number of patrons that can attend the event at one time
- details of safety officers in attendance including location, number and qualifications
- details of security officers in attendance including location, number and qualifications
- confirmation of compliance with any relevant codes of practice.
Apply for siting consent of a prescribed temporary structure
Send your application by post or pay in person at the Civic Centre.
Knox City Council Civic Centre
511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, 3152
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm.
Need help?
Contact Building Services and we will get back to you.
Or call our Building Services team on 9298 8125
