Perth City Bylaws - Business Licence Fees & Checks

Business and Consumer Protection Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia businesses must follow city bylaws and licensing rules when trading, offering services or using public spaces. This guide explains where fees and background-check requirements are published, which City of Perth office enforces rules, how to apply and what to do if you receive an infringement or need to appeal. Use the official links and forms below to confirm fees, lodgement addresses and current requirements before you apply.

Overview of Business Licences and Background Checks

The City of Perth issues licences, permits and approvals for activities such as street trading, outdoor dining, temporary events and certain business operations. Some licences reference background checks or clearances; where an application requires a police check or other clearances the City will state this on the specific application page or form. See the City of Perth business licence pages for permitted activities and application pathways[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the City of Perth compliance and rangers teams for local bylaws, and by relevant state agencies where state law applies. The City’s published licences and local laws set offences and enforcement approaches; specific monetary penalties and time limits are often set in the fees schedule or in the local law text. If a fee or fine amount is not shown on the City’s licence page it will be listed in the City’s Fees and Charges schedule or in the relevant local law document[2].

If you receive an infringement, act promptly to check the issuing notice for payment and appeal deadlines.

Typical enforcement elements

  • Monetary fines: exact amounts often appear in the City Fees and Charges or specific local law; if not listed on the licence page, they are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat and continuing offences may attract higher fines or continuing penalties; precise escalation bands are not specified on the cited licence page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance or remedial orders, suspension or cancellation of licences, removal of unauthorised structures and court action.
  • Enforcer and complaints: City of Perth Rangers and Compliance manage bylaw enforcement; report issues via the City contact or rangers pages.
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal routes depend on the decision type; time limits for appeals are specified on the notice or in the governing instrument and are not specified on the general licence page.

Applications & Forms

  • Common forms: licence or permit application form (name and number vary by activity); check the City business licences pages for the correct form.
  • Fees: application and annual fees are listed in the City Fees and Charges schedule; if a fee is not visible on the licence page it is not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: most applications are lodged online or delivered to the City of Perth customer service at the address on the application page.

Action steps

  • Identify the licence type that matches your activity on the City of Perth business licences pages[1].
  • Download and complete the correct application form; attach any requested background checks or clearances.
  • Pay the stated fee per the City Fees and Charges schedule and retain your receipt.
  • If issued an infringement, follow the notice instructions to pay or lodge an appeal within the stated time frame.

FAQ

Do I need a police check to get a business licence in Perth?
It depends on the licence type; where a police check or clearance is required the City of Perth application form or the licence webpage will state the requirement.
Where are fees published?
Fees and charges are published by the City of Perth in the Fees and Charges schedule and may be referenced on specific licence pages.
Who enforces local bylaws?
City of Perth Rangers and Compliance enforce local bylaws; reporting and contact details are on the City website.

How-To

  1. Find the licence type on the City of Perth business licences pages and read the eligibility requirements.
  2. Gather required documents, including identity, site plans and any background checks specified by the form.
  3. Complete the application form and pay the fee as set in the City Fees and Charges schedule.
  4. Submit the application online or in person, track progress and respond to any requests from City officers.
  5. If refused or issued an infringement, follow the appeal instructions on the decision notice within the stated timeframe.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the City of Perth licence page first to confirm whether background checks are required.
  • Fees and penalties are published in the City Fees and Charges or the relevant local law instrument.
  • Contact City of Perth Rangers and Compliance for enforcement queries or to report breaches.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Business licences
  2. [2] City of Perth - Fees and Charges

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