Do you need a POPE permit?
A Place of Public Entertainment (POPE) Occupancy Permit may be required if you are holding an event in a building or location that is not normally used for that purpose. This applies to sporting, recreational, and other public events.
You may also need siting consent if you are using a prescribed temporary structure.
What is public entertainment?
Public entertainment includes any event open to the general public, whether free or ticketed, indoors or outdoors. Examples include:
- Festivals and carnivals
- Outdoor cinema events
- Live performances
- Music concerts
- Fun runs and sports events
- Community marches
These events may require a POPE permit.
Types of permits
There are two types of permits for public entertainment in Knox:
- Occupancy Permit – Required if an event:
- Uses a building or place for a purpose different from its usual use.
- Charges an entry fee (including donations and gifts).
- Siting Consent for a Temporary Structure – Required if all event structures already have an Occupancy Permit from the Victorian Building Authority.
If you need an occupancy permit, it must be clearly displayed at the event site, such as in the site office.
Apply for an occupancy permit
You must submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Permit application fee
- Copy of proposed signage
- Victorian Building Authority approval for temporary structures
- Stamped and approved Planning Approval and plans
- Details of firefighting facilities (location, type, and number)
Required plans
Your application must include site plans showing:
- Emergency exit points
- Facility locations (e.g., toilets, food stalls)
- Emergency vehicle access roads
- Site management office location
Written proposal requirements
You must provide details on:
- Any animals at the event
- Number of performers, competitors, staff, and volunteers
- Operating hours and days
- Maximum number of attendees
- Number and qualifications of safety officers
- Number and qualifications of security officers
- Compliance with relevant codes of practice
Additional documents
You must also submit:
- Landowner consent
- Event Certificate of Insurance for amusement devices
- Public liability Certificate of Currency
- Temporary food permits (if applicable)
- Emergency Management Plan
- Event Management Plan
- Environmental Management Plan
- List of on-site residents (if applicable)
Processing Time: We aim to process occupancy permit applications within 10 business days after receiving a complete application.
How to apply
Submit your application:
- By post or in person at:
Knox City Council Civic Centre
511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, VIC 3152
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Community Event Permit
If you don't need a POPE, you will need an events permit.
A Community Event Permit is required for events held in public spaces, such as parks, streets, or community venues.
This permit ensures the event follows safety, health, and environmental rules. It may cover things like road closures, food stalls, noise levels, and waste management.
If you're planning a festival, market, or charity event, a permit helps keep everything safe and well-organised.
Please visit the Community event info and registration page to find out more.
Siting consent for a temporary structure
You need siting consent if all event structures have an existing Occupancy Permit from the Victorian Building Authority.
This generally applies to mobile entertainment like circuses.
How to apply
Submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Permit application fee
- Copy of proposed signage
- Victorian Building Authority approval for temporary structures (e.g., marquees, tents, grandstands)
- Stamped and approved Planning Approval and plans
- Details of firefighting facilities (location, type, and number)
Required plans
Your application must include:
- Emergency exit points
- Facility locations (e.g., toilets, food stalls)
- Emergency vehicle access roads
- Site management office location
Written proposal requirements
You must provide details on:
- Any animals at the event
- Number of performers, competitors, staff, and volunteers
- Operating hours and days
- Maximum number of attendees
- Number and qualifications of safety officers
- Number and qualifications of security officers
- Compliance with relevant codes of practice
How to apply
Submit your application:
By post or in person at:
Knox City Council Civic Centre
511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South, VIC 3152
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Apply for siting consent of a prescribed temporary structure
Need help?
Contact Building Services and we will get back to you.
Or call our Building Services team on 9298 8125
