Commercial Kitchen Council Approval in Victoria

Opening or upgrading a commercial kitchen in Victoria? Below is a practical, step-by-step pathway covering council registration under the
Food Act 1984 (Vic), ventilation compliance under the National Construction Code (NCC) and AS 1668.2, plus common planning and EPA noise/odour triggers. It’s written for restaurants, cafés, builders and consultants.

Why approvals matter (and where they can stall)

• Legal trading: You must register your food business with council under the Food Act before opening.
• Compliance first time: NCC Part F6 requires local exhaust ventilation; design/installation generally follows AS 1668.2.
• Fewer complaints: Correct discharge and make-up air reduce odour/noise issues and meet EPA expectations.

Victorian approval pathway (start → finish)

1) Site checks & early design

• Zoning/overlays: If your premises sits in a Heritage Overlay, external ducts/fans may need a planning permit. See VicSmart & planning guidance.
• Ventilation concept: Flag canopy capture, exhaust rates and make-up air up front. NCC requires kitchen local exhaust ventilation (see NCC (ABCB)). Detailed design follows AS 1668.2 (see Standards Australia).
• Talk early: Coordinate your mechanical contractor and building surveyor so drawings/specs land right the first time.

2) Food Act registration (local council)

• Fixed premises: Register your business with your local council under the Food Act 1984 (Vic).
• Mobile/temporary: Use the official FoodTrader portal and submit Statements of Trade for events/locations.

3) Building approvals & documentation

Provide plans to your building surveyor showing canopy types/sizes, fan curves, duct & discharge details, and a balanced make-up air strategy. Reference
NCC Part F6 (Kitchen local exhaust ventilation) and design to AS 1668.2. Keep product data sheets handy (hood, filters, fans, lights).

4) Planning permit triggers (where applicable)

• External works: New rooftop fans, cowls or visible risers can trigger a planning permit—especially in Heritage Overlays. Check overlays and speak to council early (see VicSmart).

5) Odour & noise (EPA Victoria)

• Odour & amenity: Discharge vertically above roof level and away from air intakes and neighbours where practical.
• Noise management: Review EPA noise guidance and the current Noise Protocol (Publication 1826.*) for assessment methods near sensitive receivers.

6) Install, commission & final inspection

1. Install canopy, ductwork, fan and make-up air to the approved drawings and AS 1668.2.
2. Commission airflow, verify capture, set discharges and balance supply/exhaust (avoid negative pressure).
3. Council Environmental Health Officer inspects for Food Act compliance; your building surveyor issues final occupancy documentation.

What your council & surveyor expect to see

• Plans: Kitchen layout and elevations showing external duct/fan locations.
• Ventilation schedule: Hood capture & duty (L/s), duct sizes, discharge method, make-up air volumes and locations.
• Product data: Canopy, aluminium honeycomb filters, fan datasheets, and LED task lighting.
• Food safety: Process flow, hand-wash and cleaning plans, plus FoodTrader/Food Act registration evidence.

Quick links (Victoria + national anchors)

Get it right the first time with NXT GEN Canopies

We design and manufacture compliant canopies in Melbourne and install Australia-wide. Talk to us about capture efficiency, make-up air and discharge options—then hand our specification pack straight to your building surveyor and council EHO.

FAQs

Do I always need council approval in Victoria?

You’ll always need registration under the Food Act 1984. Planning/building permits depend on your site and scope (e.g., external ducts/fans or Heritage Overlays). Your building surveyor will check NCC/AS 1668 compliance.

What is NCC F6D12 and why does it matter?

NCC Part F6 includes Kitchen local exhaust ventilation requirements to control grease, smoke and odour. Designers then apply AS 1668.2 for capture, exhaust rates, ducting and discharge.

Who regulates odour and noise from my exhaust?

EPA Victoria sets the framework. Good practice includes vertical discharge above roof level, appropriate separation from intakes and neighbours, and acoustic treatment where required. See EPA publications and the current Noise Protocol.

Do food trucks follow different steps?

Yes. Mobile and temporary food businesses register via FoodTrader and lodge Statements of Trade for each council/event. Your vehicle still needs safe ventilation and compliant discharge.

Ready for a compliant quote? Speak with our team about canopy selection, make-up air and discharge so your council and building surveyor sign off first time.