Bayside Council welcomes activations that bring people together, support local business and contribute to vibrant public places.
If you are interested in running a regular market on Council owned or managed public open space, you will need to apply for approval before operating.
What is a regular market?
A regular market is an event or activity held more than four times per year at the same location, such as weekly, fortnightly or monthly. This may include:
- food, artisan or produce markets
- night markets
- community or cultural markets
- seasonal or themed markets
- markets with stalls, entertainment, temporary structures or food vendors
One-off markets are considered events and will be assessed in accordance with Council’s Event Management Framework. Click here to refer to Council’s Event information.
Before you apply
Council’s Markets Policy establishes our approach to approving markets and the commitment required from organisers for quality operations.
Regular markets require careful planning to ensure they are safe, suitable for the location and do not negatively impact nearby residents, businesses, public access or the environment.
Council will consider:
- the suitability and capacity of the proposed site
- frequency, days and operating hours
- impacts on parking, traffic and pedestrian access
- waste management and cleaning
- noise and amenity impacts
- food safety requirements
- public liability insurance
- emergency access and risk management
- use of temporary structures, power, signage or entertainment
- consistency with any relevant Plan of Management, lease, licence or site conditions
- operator experience and capacity
To discuss running a regular market on Council owned or managed public open space, please contact Council’s Sport and Recreation team before submitting an application. The Event Concierge will assist you with your market application process.
Market Application Process and Indicative Timeframes
The Bayside Council Outdoor Markets Guide provides key information to assist market operators in establishing regular markets on Council managed land. It outlines the application process, site selection, and required approvals, including any development consents.
Applications for regular markets should be submitted 6 months in advance of the proposed first market date. Markets involving large infrastructure, road impacts, amplified sound, alcohol, high attendance or complex activities may require longer assessment timeframes.
Application Process
Submit an initial Market Application
Complete a Market Application Form and submit to sport.recreation@bayside.nsw.gov.au with a proposal of your market, including location, frequency, dates, operating hours, expected attendance and stall numbers.
The Market Proposal Checklist (can be found in the Markets Guide) provides a full list if what should be included in the proposal. A Market Impact Assessment (can be found in the Markets Guide) is also required with the proposal.
Concierge is Assigned
Bayside Council's Event Concierge will assist you in clarifying regulatory and compliance requirements, providing venue information and linking to helpful resources.
Initial Review and Completeness Check
Council will respond within 10 business days to confirm:
- the application form and Market proposal are complete
- request any additional information
Full Proposal Assessment
6-8 weeks
Council will undertake a detailed assessment of the proposal against Council’s criteria, including alignment with community benefit, site suitability, sustainability outcomes and operational feasibility.
Community Consultation (if required)
2-3 weeks
Some proposals may be referred for community or stakeholder consultation to identify potential issues and capture feedback.
Notification of Outcome/Conditional Approved
1-2 weeks
After assessment and any consultation period
Public Notification Period (if required)
Up to 5 weeks
Under the Local Government Act 1993, Council may be required to issue public notification of its intention to issue a License
Lodgement of Development Application (DA) if required
Up to 12 weeks
In most cases a DA will not be required. Our Event Concierge can tell you if your proposed market will need a DA.
Approval Issued
If approved, Council will issue a permit or license with conditions. Regular markets must operate in accordance with these conditions.
Market Delivery
The market operator is responsible for managing all stallholders, safety, waste, public access, noise, vehicle movements and compliance on each market day.
Other Approvals Needed
Depending on the market, you may also need:
- Temporary food vending registration
- Road or footpath closure approval
- Traffic management approval
- Liquor licence
- Music copyright licence
- Development Application approval information
- NSW Police or emergency services notification
Fees and charges
Fees may apply for use of Council land, event assessment, venue hire, waste services, security, cleaning or other operational requirements.
Council will confirm applicable fees once your application has been assessed.
Important information
Approval is not guaranteed. Markets must not operate on Council land unless written approval has been issued.
Council may place conditions on any approval, including changes to location, operating hours, stall numbers, site layout, noise, waste management or event frequency.
To start the process, please contact sport.recreation@bayside.nsw.gov.au