Place of public entertainment (POPE) permits

Overview

Under the Building Act 1993, you’ll need an occupancy permit for an event at a place of public entertainment, or to build a temporary structure. We administer these permits, and enforce any breaches.

There’s a slightly different permit process for places of public entertainment and temporary structures. Read more for information on the two permit types and how to apply.

Places of public entertainment permit (POPE) 

You need an occupancy permit to hold an event in a place of public entertainment. This refers to a building or place that is used (or intended to be used) for public entertainment or a public meeting.

We define this as:

  • a public assembly building of more than 500 square metres, or

  • a place of more than 500 square metres which is enclosed or substantially enclosed, or where an admission fee is needed.

As an example, these definitions could apply to a place like a theatre, nightclub, hall or sports ground. 

 

Entertaining on Council land

If you want to host public entertainment on Council land, please contact us on 5471 1700 to gain approval. You’ll also need to obtain an occupancy permit.

 

What is the cost?

Application fee: $743.60. 

How to apply

To apply for an occupancy permit for places of public entertainment, complete the application form here(PDF, 225KB) .

Please make sure you provide all documentation as listed on the application form. This includes:

  • a full scaled site plan outlining boundary fencing, permanent and temporary features, and additional information as stated on the application form

  • a copy of the most recent Annual Essential Safety Measures report

  • emergency management and evacuation plan

Once you’ve gathered all documents, please send them along with your permit application form to:

Mount Alexander Shire Council 
PO Box 185 
Castlemaine VIC 3450

Please note:  you’ll need an occupancy permit regardless of whether building work has occurred. If building work has occurred, you may apply to a relevant building surveyor. An appointed private surveyor may issue a combined occupancy permit under Divisions 1 and 2 of Part 5 of the Building Act.

 

 

What happens next

Once your application has been received, a member of our Building Services team will review it. Please allow 20 working days for processing.

 

   

Temporary structures permit 

You need both an occupancy permit and siting approval for temporary structures.

As per Building Regulations 2018, a temporary structure is defined as being a:

  • seating stand for more than 20 people

  • tent, marquee or booth with a floor area of more than 100 square metres

  • stage or platform with a floor area of more than 100 square metres

  • prefabricated building with a floor area of more than 100 square metres

Building temporary structures

You must use a registered and qualified building practitioner to build your temporary structure. Your builder can issue a compliance certificate which states compliance with the conditions of the occupancy permit.

This may include information about requirements for fire extinguishers, exits and emergency lighting, and other safety measures.

 

What is the cost?

Application fee: $394.70.

How to apply

To apply for an occupancy permit for a temporary structure, please complete the following steps.

  1. First, please fill out the permit application form(PDF, 225KB)  for a place of public entertainment . After we issue the permit, the person responsible for building the structure must get a siting approval from us.

  2. To apply for siting approval, please fill out the application form for approval of siting of temporary structures(PDF, 134KB) . 

Please make sure you provide all relevant documents with your siting application as stated on the form, including:

  • site plans
  • full details of the temporary structure(s)
  • a copy of the occupancy permit

Once you’ve gathered all documents, please send them to:

Mount Alexander Shire Council 
PO Box 185 
Castlemaine VIC 3450. 

 

  

 

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