Place of public entertainment (POPE) permits

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 must apply for a Places of public entertainment permit (POPE) if your event is open to the public and any of the following apply:

  • The event is held in a building used for public entertainment and the building is larger than 500 m²
  • The event is held on land larger than 500 m² that is:
    • enclosed or substantially enclosed, or
    • where an admission fee is charged.

Examples include concerts, festivals, fairs, markets, performances, sporting events and public meetings.

A POPE is not required where:

  • the event is conducted by a community-based organisation (see definition of community-based organisation below)
  • no payment or other consideration is required for entry
  • attendance does not exceed 5,000 people at any one time. 

Community organisation exemptions

If an event is conducted by a community-based organisation then a POPE is not required.

The organisation must be not established primarily for profit or gain, must not distribute profits or gains to its members, and must operate wholly for a philanthropic, benevolent, arts, cultural, scientific, religious, educational, charitable, sporting or recreational purpose.

The event must also be completely organised and controlled by the organisation, rather than engaging another party to organise or manage the event, and attendance must not exceed 5,000 people at any one time, including staff, performers and patrons.

To claim the exemption, an authorised representative must complete a statutory declaration and provide evidence of the organisation’s registration or constitution. Other legislative and regulatory requirements continue to apply even where a POPE Occupancy Permit is not required.

Download the Community Based Organisation Statutory Declaration Exemption(PDF, 376KB).

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.

 

How to apply

Please email building@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or events@mountalexander.vic.gov.au to request an Application for Occupancy Permit for a Place of Public Entertainment form(PDF, 225KB).

Please make sure you have the following documentation ready before you apply:

  • 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. 

What happens next

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


                     

Temporary structures permit 

If you are holding an event that requires temporary structures such as seating stands, tents, marquees or stage you need an occupancy permit and siting approval.

A permit is required for the following:

  • Tents, marquees or booths larger than 100 m²
  • Seating stands for more than 20 people
  • Stages or platforms larger than 150 m²
  • Prefabricated buildings larger than 100 m² 

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.


How to apply

To apply for an occupancy permit for a temporary structure, you must:

          

Fees

  • Occupancy Permit (POPE) less than 5000 attendees - $950.00
  • Occupancy Permit (POPE) more than 5000 attendees - $1,150.00
  • Occupancy Permit (POPE) Community based organizations more than 5000 attendees - $475.00
  • Siting of Prescribed Temporary Structures Permit - $431.00
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