Removable shade structures & electrical installations

Council regulates the use of fixtures such as large umbrellas and lights on footpaths installed on a semi-permanent basis.

These regulations:

  • protect public safety and amenity
  • ensure the safe movement of traffic
  • ensure commercial activities on roads do not have an unfair advantage over fixed premises that pay rates and other charges and are subject to planning and other regulatory legislation.

You will need a permit from us to install shade structures and/or electrical fixtures. Design and fit out guidelines are included in the application form.

Related licence/permit applications

Before installing removable fixtures, you must have a Roadside dining permit.

If you are planning to, or already have, an advertising device visible from public land, refer to Advertising devices.

Compliance

You must comply with the following Acts:

  • Planning Act 2016
  • Building Act 1975 Part A: Common details and Part B: Building work
  • Standard Building Regulation 1993 including the Building Code of Australia and in particular where relevant Part D1 – Provision For Escape, Part D2 – Construction of Exits and Part D3 – Access for People with Disabilities.

Removable fixtures require a minimum of one audit every year (excluding re-inspections and complaint investigations).

How to apply

Use this form to apply for a permit to install semi-permanent shade structures and/or electrical installations. No fees apply.

By email

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to submit the following supporting information with your application:

  • Drawings (one copy) supplied by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) detailing:
    • umbrella's exact dimensions (overall height, height of perimeter edges above footpath, length and width measurements, surface area in square metres)
    • whether plastic 'drop-down' sheets (sheets must be clear plastic) will be attached
    • the method of cutting into the existing surface to provide for neat reinstatement in the event that Council requires the foundation to be removed in the future
    • the method of fixing to the pavement and when the umbrella is removed in what manner will the holes be covered (a plate/lid or plugs/screws flush with the pavement surface must cover the holes in the pavement so as there is no danger of pedestrian's footwear being caught).
  • Plans showing:
    • umbrella's exact location in the tables and chairs permit area
    • an artist's impression in colour showing the umbrella's overall design and size in scale to adjacent buildings
    • any proposed advertising content.
  • Certified plans by a Building Services Authority licensed building certifier identifying fire exits in relation to:
    • internal and adjacent external paths of travel
    • dimensions of internal/external paths of travel
    • where open space is deemed to start.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download and complete the Removable umbrella structures and electrical installations form(PDF, 111KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Email to: mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

In person

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to submit the following supporting information with your application:

  • Drawings (one copy) supplied by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) detailing:
    • umbrella's exact dimensions (overall height, height of perimeter edges above footpath, length and width measurements, surface area in square metres)
    • whether plastic 'drop-down' sheets (sheets must be clear plastic) will be attached
    • the method of cutting into the existing surface to provide for neat reinstatement in the event that Council requires the foundation to be removed in the future
    • the method of fixing to the pavement and when the umbrella is removed in what manner will the holes be covered (a plate/lid or plugs/screws flush with the pavement surface must cover the holes in the pavement so as there is no danger of pedestrian's footwear being caught).
  • Plans showing:
    • umbrella's exact location in the tables and chairs permit area
    • an artist's impression in colour showing the umbrella's overall design and size in scale to adjacent buildings
    • any proposed advertising content.
  • Certified plans by a Building Services Authority licensed building certifier identifying fire exits in relation to:
    • internal and adjacent external paths of travel
    • dimensions of internal/external paths of travel
    • where open space is deemed to start.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Removable umbrella structures and electrical installations form(PDF, 111KB)

Step 3.Visit one of our customer service centres

Submit your application at one of our customer service centres Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 4.30pm.

By mail

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to submit the following supporting information with your application:

  • Drawings (one copy) supplied by a registered professional engineer of Queensland detailing:
    • umbrella's exact dimensions (overall height, height of perimeter edges above footpath, length and width measurements, surface area in square metres)
    • whether plastic 'drop-down' sheets (sheets must be clear plastic) will be attached
    • the method of cutting into the existing surface to provide for neat reinstatement in the event that Council requires the foundation to be removed in the future
    • the method of fixing to the pavement and when the umbrella is removed in what manner will the holes be covered (a plate/lid or plugs/screws flush with the pavement surface must cover the holes in the pavement so as there is no danger of pedestrian's footwear being caught).
  • Plans showing:
    • umbrella's exact location in the tables and chairs permit area
    • an artist's impression in colour showing the umbrella's overall design and size in scale to adjacent buildings
    • any proposed advertising content.
  • Certified plans by a Building Services Authority licensed building certifier identifying fire exits in relation to:
    • internal and adjacent external paths of travel
    • dimensions of internal/external paths of travel
    • where open space is deemed to start.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Removable umbrella structures and electrical installations form(PDF, 111KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Post to:

City of Gold Coast
PO Box 5042
GCMC QLD 9726

Next steps

You will be contacted if we need more information to process your application. Once your application is approved, you can carry out the proposed works. Once complete, you must contact us for a final inspection. For an electrical installation, you will need to complete a Certificate of testing and compliance once the power supply has been installed.

Certificate of testing and compliance - electrical installations(PDF, 152KB)

Related information

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