Local laws

We have a set of local laws which operate to protect the amenity of Hepburn Shire and the safety of all. These laws cover many aspects of daily life – from general safety issues to aesthetic considerations.

We encourage all members of the community to take responsibility for maintaining the Shire as a safe and enjoyable place to be, by having regard for each other and by complying with the local laws.

Local Law No. 2

Local Law No. 2 covers most aspects of life in Hepburn Shire, including areas such as:

  • Public street and road usage
  • Burning of offensive materials
  • Keeping of animals
  • Alcohol consumption.

Local Law No. 2 was adopted at the Council Meeting in February 2020.

Read Local Law No.2(PDF, 4MB)

Under Local Law No. 2, Permits must be obtained from the Shire for certain business activities, fundraising events, farming activities and fire management procedures, to ensure that they are conducted in a manner that protects the public safety and amenity for the whole community.

Local Law guidelines

The following guidelines have been developed to provide more advice in relation to Local Law 2 on:

Please note: We are currently revising our Collecting Firewood Guidelines and are not presently issuing firewood collection permits. Forest Fire Management Victoria provides domestic firewood collection sites, please see their firewood collection in your region. Their firewood collection periods are 1 March to 30 June and 1 September to 30 November.

Types of permits

If you are looking for a specific permit you can search for it in the search bar at the top of our website. Below are some of the permits that apply to Local Law 2.

Business

See our Business permits page for the list of permits required across each type of businesses.

The Street furniture and A-frames Permit is for any business using an A-frame signboard, and all outdoor furniture including tables and chairs, umbrellas, wind barriers and planter boxes.  

If you are planning to hold a temporary food event such as a market, festival or community event, you will need to comply with food safety requirements and apply for a temporary food permit. Visit our Temporary food permit page for details.

Obstruction permits

An obstruction permit is for when you want to:

  • Fence off part of a road
  • Use hoarding or overhead protective awning
  • Operate a mobile crane or travel tower
  • Excavate or reinstate excavation
  • Occupy a parking bay in a restricted area.

Apply for an Obstruction Permit

Animal permits

Along with registering your dog or cat, you will need a Local Law Permit to own excess cats or dogs, or to own various other animals. Find out about an Excess Animals Permit or a Permit to own other animals on our Excess or other animals page.

Local Law No. 3

Local Law No. 3 provides the mechanisms to allow for enforcement to ensure the maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems. See our Domestic Wastewater Management page for more information.

Read Local Law 3(PDF, 149KB).

List of Local Law permits and applications

See our forms and fees page for a full list of forms.

 

Top Local Laws forms: