• September 16, 2025
  • Mini Golf,
  • Georgie

Any new build requires certain permits so that the council is aware of construction and can ensure everything is up to standard. Commercial spaces, such as mini golf course businesses, should always meet those requirements.

Compliance with building regulations and permits ensures safety, legality, and avoids potential penalties. Non-compliance can lead to fines, legal issues, and even the closure of your business. So, in this blog, we’ll be going over the typical permit requirements for mini golf courses in Australia.

Checklist for Mini Golf Course Permits in Australia

How Important is it to Meet All Requirements?

Meeting requirements isn’t just to appease councils – it’s to ensure safety, keep things legal, and overall enhance your business by not risking the pitfalls of doing things incorrectly.

  • Safety: Ensures construction meets quality standards for safety.
  • Legality: Means not risking major fines or legal cases.
  • Insurance: Without proper permits, insurance may reject cases.
  • Property Value: Non-compliance may impact what the property can be sold for.
  • Future Growth: Non-compliance now can cause roadblocks for future renovations or additions.

What Does Non-Compliance Risk?

  • Fines: Councils and building authorities can issue substantial fines for undertaking work without permits.
  • Prosecution: In serious cases, non-compliance can lead to prosecution and further penalties.
  • Building Notices: Authorities can issue notices to rectify non-compliant work, which can be costly and time-consuming.
  • Demolition Orders: In extreme cases, authorities may order the demolition of non-compliant structures.
  • Inability to Run Commercial Business: If your mini golf course is not constructed legally, your business may be shut down. Ceasing business may mean major profit loss.

 

What are the Regulations and Permits to Plan For?

As you review your own checklist for zoning, safety, and accessibility regulations for commercial properties in Australia, include verifying zoning requirements, ensuring compliance with building codes and safety standards, and confirming the presence of accessible features. This includes checking for necessary permits, fire safety systems, and access for people with disabilities.

Planning Permits

A planning permit addresses the way land is used and developed.It ensures the mini golf course aligns with local planning schemes, zoning regulations, and environmental considerations. For example, it may cover the appearance of the course, its location, and potential impact on the surrounding area.

There may also be zoning regulations. Verify the property’s zoning designation and whether the intended use aligns with permitted uses.Also check for any overlays that may affect the property, such as heritage overlays or bushfire overlays.Consult with the local council for specific requirements related to signage, outdoor seating, and other business-related activities.

Building Permits

Ensure all necessary building approvals are obtained for any construction, alterations, or fit-outs. A building permit focuses on the safety and structural integrity of the construction. It ensures the mini golf course is built to meet relevant building standards and regulations.This includes things like footings, structures, and any safety features like fences or railings.

Engage a building surveyor, who can be from the council or a private firm, to oversee the building permit process.

Safety and Building Requirements May Include:

  • Building Code of Australia (BCA): Ensure the building complies with the relevant BCA requirements, including fire safety, structural integrity, and accessibility.
  • Essential Safety Measures (ESMs): Verify that all required ESMs, such as fire detection systems, fire doors, and emergency lighting, are in place and maintained.
  • Fire Safety: Conduct a thorough fire risk assessment and implement necessary fire safety measures, including fire extinguishers, alarms, and emergency exits.
  • Work Health and Safety (WHS): Ensure compliance with relevant WHS laws, including safe work practices, hazard identification, and risk control.
  • Signage: Check that all signage complies with local council regulations and is appropriately sized and positioned.
  • Waste Management: Verify that proper waste storage and disposal facilities are in place.
  • Building Services: Ensure all building services, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, are properly installed and maintained.

 

Accessibility Requirements

  • Disability Discrimination Act (DDA): Ensure the property complies with the DDA requirements for accessibility.
  • Accessible Entrances: Verify that the building has accessible entrances with features like ramps, automatic doors, and tactile indicators.
  • Internal Accessibility: Ensure accessible pathways, doorways, and restrooms are provided.
  • Accessible Parking: Ensure adequate accessible parking spaces are available.
  • Hearing Impairment: Consider features like hearing augmentation systems for people with hearing impairments.
  • Visual Impairment: Consider features like tactile indicators and high-contrast signage for people with visual impairments.
  • Emergency Evacuation: Ensure accessible evacuation options are available in case of emergencies.

So, Don’t Forget To:

  • Start early: Apply for permits well in advance of any planned work to avoid delays.
  • Consult with relevant authorities: Check with your local council and state websites for specific requirements in your area.
  • Consult with building experts: Engage with relevant professionals, such as town planners, architects, and building surveyors, to ensure compliance.
  • Seek professional advice: Consider engaging a mini golf course expert (like us at MGC) to help navigate the permit process.
  • Get Insurance: Ensure adequate insurance coverage for the property, including coverage for fire, flood, and liability.
  • Check Land Use: Consider the suitability of the land for a mini golf course, including its size, location, and any potential environmental impacts.
  • Check Commercial Activities: If you plan to operate the mini golf course commercially, you may need additional permits or licenses related to commercial activities.

Speak With Us at Mini Golf Creations

We’re Australia’s leading mini golf course company, designing and building courses that become profitable businesses worldwide.

Find out more about our mini golf construction, mini golf course design,  mini golf turf, mini golf renovation, pop up mini golf, and our mini golf revenue calculator.

If you want to know more about the permits, laws and requirements specific to your location and commercial goals, contact us for specific advice, quotes, and more.