Owners of food and skin penetration businesses, as well as hairdressers and barbers, are required to adhere to specific design and construction standards that align with NSW State Government fit-out requirements.
Meeting these standards is essential to ensure that both new and existing establishments are designed,constructed and operate in a manner that effectively prevents and minimizes public health risks.
Public health business categories that require planning approval
The following types of businesses must adhere to the fit-out requirements:
- Food and drink business (Food Act 2003, Food Regulation 2015 & Food Safety Standards Code). This includes, but is not limited to, food kiosks, cafés, coffee shops, restaurants, supermarkets, grocery shops, mobile food vendors or any commercial, industrial, and educational developments with a food business and or any food business including coffee making.
- Skin penetration industry (Public Health Act 2010, Public Health Regulation 2022 and Local Government Act 1993, Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 schedule 2 part 3). This includes tattoo parlours, beauty salons, nail clinics, skin penetration and laser-based clinics.
- Hairdressers and barbers (Local Government Act 1993, Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 schedule 2 part 2)
Steps to meet requirements
Before starting a business that involves food preparation or skin penetration activities, such as tattoo parlors, hair, and beauty industries, contact Council’s Planning Directorate and the Environmental Health team to discuss the design, layout, planning and construction standards and requirements.
Phone: 1300 292 442
Email: council@wagga.nsw.gov.au
In person: Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, 243 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga - please call the number above to arrange an appointment with an Environmental Health Officer.
To support your application or DA and minimise the risk of delays caused by missing details, submit all necessary information and plans drawn to scale for assessment by Authorised Environmental Health Officers.
Conceptual plans need to outline the layout, design, workflow, sinks (washup, sanitising, handwashing), preparation area, and description of business specifics and operations.
Submit plans including the following:
- Detailed floor plan: with layout of fixtures, fittings, furniture, sinks; washup, sanitising, handwashing, cleaner’s sink, floor waste drain and other equipment’s. Ensure detailed labelling and descriptions.
- Detailed elevation plan: with material specifications for floor, wall, ceiling, doors, screens, sinks; washup, sanitising, handwash, work benches, storage, equipment’s, exhaust ventilation system if required, other fixtures and furniture.
Before the issuance of occupation certificate (OC):
- Complete and submit a business notification form
- Attach relevant training documents where applicable such as Food Safety Supervisor certification
- Contact an EHO to arrange for a fit-out inspection at least two working days prior to commencing business operation.
Notification for Registration - Retail food business premises
Application for Registration - Hairdresser, Beauty or Skin Penetration Premises
A satisfactory final fit out and construction approval must be obtained by Council’s Environmental Health Officer prior to commencing trade.
Information and checklists
Food premises design and construction fit-out guide 556.2 KB Download
Skin Penetration Design Construction information 597.3 KB Download
Lodge your application via the NSW Planning Portal
All development applications to Wagga Wagga City Council need to be lodged via the NSW Planning Portal.
Need further information?
Enquiries relating to the operation of the Planning Portal should be directed to:
Service NSW – Telephone 1300 305 695
For Environmental Health related enquiries, please contact Council’s Environmental Health Team
Phone us on 1300 292 442
Visit us at Civic Centre Cnr Baylis St & Morrow St Wagga Wagga - please call the number above to arrange an appointment.
Hours 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday