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Opening a business

Information and advice on opening your Business in the Cumberland City area.

Opening a food business in the Cumberland City area

  • If you are taking over an existing food business, e.g. a restaurant, café or takeaway, and do not plan to alter the existing fittings, you may not need to go through a development application (DA) process. 
  • If you are establishing a brand new business, changing opening time/business signage, or renovating the business, then you will need approval from Cumberland City Council. Furthermore, you may need further approvals from the NSW government e.g. NSW Food Authority, Gaming & Liquor NSW and Sydney Water, etc.

Before you sign a lease or a business agreement, please contact Council’s Duty Planner on 02 8757 9000 to discuss any approvals you may need. Council also partners with Service NSW to, helping locals set up a café, small bar or restaurant simpler and easier.

Please note, this general advice may not apply to your situation or provide any legal and business advice. For informed decision making, please seek professional advice from legal experts and accountants.

Flow chart

  • Do your research.
  • Have your business plan ready.
  • Find suitable premises and check the building codes/standards and relevant facilities, making sure both your business and the premises fit within the planning guidelines.
  • Talk to Council’s duty planner to find out what you need for operating a business in Cumberland.
  • Lodge your Development Application, food registration form and other required application with Cumberland City Council.
  • Lodge your Construction Certificate with Cumberland City Council or a Private Certifier if a condition of consent requires submission of a construction certificate. For example, fit out works will require a Construction Certificate.
  • Apply for other permits with NSW Government e.g. Liquor License at Service NSW Support for businesses
  • All appropriate approvals issued.
  • Start trading.

Opening a retail / commercial / industrial business

  • If you are taking over an existing business (such as a clothing shop) and do not plan to alter the existing fittings, you may not need to go through a development application (DA) process.
  • If you are establishing a brand new business, changing opening time/business signage, or renovating the business, then you may need approval from Cumberland City Council. Certain types of change of use with premises may be exempt from the requirement for Council approval or may require an application for a Complying Development Certificate. More information can be found under Exempt and Complying Development.

Before you sign a lease or a business agreement, please contact Council’s Duty Planner on 02 8757 9000 to discuss any approvals you may need. Council also partners with Service NSW, helping locals to set up a commercial business, making the process simpler and easier.

Please note, this general advice may not apply to your situation or provide any legal and business advice. For informed decision making, please seek professional advice from legal experts and accountants.

Flow chart

  • Do your research.
  • Have your business plan ready.
  • Find a suitable premise and check the building codes/standards and relevant facilities, making sure both your business and the premises fit within the planning guidelines.
  • Talk to Council’s duty planner to find out what you need for operating the business in Cumberland.
  • Lodge your Development Application (if required) with Cumberland City Council. An application for Complying Development Certificate can be lodged with Council or a Private Certifier.
  • Lodge your Construction Certificate with Cumberland City Council or a Private Certifier if a condition of consent requires submission of a construction certificate. For example, fitout works will require a Construction Certificate.
  • All appropriate approvals issued.
  • Start trading.

Starting a construction business

Council has partnered with Service NSW to implement Easy to do Business program. You can get a free and dedicated business concierge to help you open and grow your housing construction business in Cumberland. The business concierge team will provide step-by-step guidance over the phone to help you with guidance on government regulations for your business and sense checking your licence applications.

To get the support visit Easy to do Business NSW

Opening a home-based business

Home businesses are a vital part of Cumberland's local economy, and we want to make it easier for you to start and thrive.

The following information developed as part of the Business support initiative, will assist you with the transition of your business when it outgrows your home.

Home-based Business One Stop Shop

Further information

If you are planning on opening other types of business in Cumberland, Council is here to support you. For assistance and support, contact Helder Guerreiro by email: Helder.Guerreiro@cumberland.nsw.gov.au or phone on 02 8757 9948.