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Current clause (44):

Unless allowed by the Planning Scheme, a person must not keep more animals on their land than the number set, unless they have a permit. A person must not keep a rooster on any land.

New clause (22):

The number of permitted animals for your property size has remained the same, which are outlined in the table below. If the table says zero for an animal on your land size, you can’t keep that animal or get a permit for it.

This clause now provides exemptions for:

• Dogs and cats under 12 weeks of age
• Land regulated under the Planning Scheme
• Assistance animals.

We have kept the number of animals allowed the same, in response to strong community feedback not to reduce limits. Many people told us that having multiple pets supports animal wellbeing through companionship, and that lowering the limit could lead to more animals being surrendered, put down, or left unregistered.

We’ve also introduced broader exemptions so that responsible owners can continue to care for more animals when needed.

Current clause:

This is a new clause.

New clause (26):

If a Council officer deems someone feeding an uncaged animal (e.g. a stray) to be causing a nuisance or property damage, they can tell them to stop.

Reason for change:

This new clause will address issues responded to by the Local Laws Team in the community as a result of feeding uncaged animals.

Changes have also been made to:

Keeping of animals (clause 23):

Introduced requirement to ensure fencing prevents pets and animals from escaping.

Animal waste (clause 24):

Updated wording for clarity.

Animal noise (clause 25):

Simplified clause and introduced new definition of 'unreasonable noise' that aligns with state legislation.

Wasps and bees (clause 27):

Wasps and bees are now covered under the same clause and simplified for clarity. Exemption introduced for registered beehives.

Current clause (16):

Owners or occupiers must keep their land, buildings, and fences in a way that is safe, tidy, and does not negatively affect the look, safety, or visual appeal of the neighbourhood or neighbouring properties.

New clauses (9 and 11):

Separated into two clauses:

9. Unsightly land

The definition of 'unsightly' was removed from the old Local Law and clearer wording was added.

This clause now also covers:

• Litter and waste
• Scrap materials
• Abandoned vehicles and machinery
• Graffiti
• Overgrown vegetation, grass, or weeds over 20cm high
• Vermin or noxious weeds (a noxious weed is a harmful plant that spreads fast and causes damage to nature and animals, and is often controlled by law).

11. Dangerous land

An owner or occupier of land must not, without a permit, store any matter, hazardous substance or thing which is dangerous or likely to cause danger to health, life or property on that land.

Reason for change:

In our initial conversation, many supported stronger rules for unsightly and unsafe properties, pointing out issues like vacant land attracting rubbish and poor upkeep of properties. We've responded by expanding clause 16 to better enforce property maintenance.

Current clause:

This is a new clause.

New clause (10):

Owners or occupiers must keep buildings in good condition, prevent them from becoming run-down, secure them against unauthorised access, and make any necessary repairs to ensure safety.

A building is considered dilapidated if it’s damaged, falling apart, or in poor condition due to age, neglect, or misuse. This includes heritage buildings, which Council will assess against Minimum Standards.

Reason for change:

In our initial conversation, there was strong support for action on neglected and dilapidated buildings, focusing on those with heritage value, to prevent demolition.

The updated clause goes further, helping protect neighbourhood character and safety more broadly, not just for heritage buildings.

Current clause:

This is a new clause.

New clause (18):

If you own or live on a property, you can’t let lighting on your land bother other people.

Reason for change:

Current clause (40):

A person must not paint, service, wash, repair, or dismantle a vehicle on a road or Council land, unless it’s needed to move the vehicle.

Anyone selling or hiring vehicles as a business must not display them on a road or Council land without a permit.

New clauses (40 and 41):

Separated into two clauses:

40. Repair of vehicles

Introduced requirement to seek a permit that would allow these activities on a road, nature strip, Council land or public place.

41. Display of vehicles

A person must not display a vehicle for sale or hire on a road, Council land, or in a public place without a permit. However, Council may grant an exemption to someone operating a business that involves selling or hiring vehicles.

Reason for change:

We understand that street parking is sometimes necessary for these activities, especially in densely populated areas.

Allowing people to apply for a permit provides a way to manage this appropriately.

Current clause:

This is a new clause.

New clause (43):

A person must not park or leave an abandoned, derelict (in poor condition), or unregistered vehicle on a road or Council land. If such a vehicle is found, an Authorised Officer may take action under Schedule 11 of the Local Government Act 1989.

Reason for change:

In our initial conversation, we asked if there should be stronger rules around storing abandoned, derelict or unregistered vehicles on Council land and roads, including nature strips. Nearly half supported the idea, sharing personal experiences and general concerns. Some were worried about the impact during the current housing and cost of living pressures.

The new clause is in line with existing laws and aims to better manage these vehicles to prevent ongoing issues.

Changes have also been made to:

Heavy and oversized vehicles (clauses 14 and 42):

Now separated into two clauses, we have streamlined wording to clarify requirements, and included a new definition for 'heavy vehicles'.

Recreational vehicles (clause 41):
A recreational vehicle is any motor-powered vehicle used for fun, like a mini motorbike, trail bike, scooter, go-kart or 4WD. It doesn’t include:

• a motorised wheelchair
• a power-assisted bicycle that follows the rules
• an electric scooter that meets the rules
• a caravan, mobile home or camper van.

This clause has been separated into two and the rules around use of recreational vehicle on private property and in public spaces have been streamlined.

Toy vehicles and bicycles (clause 42):

Clause amended to provide ability for Council to prohibit use in some areas (e.g. high-risk zones).

Current clause (19):

The owner or occupier of land must not, without a permit, allow anyone to live in or place a caravan, motor home, shipping container, tent, or vehicle on the land, unless this is allowed under the Planning Scheme.

New clause (15):

A person may now camp on private land with a house for up to six months in a year if there are proper sanitary (toilet) facilities and it doesn’t affect neighbours.

Camping longer than this without a permit is not allowed unless the Planning Scheme says otherwise.

Reason for change:

In our initial conversation, we heard concerns about the challenges people are facing due to the housing and cost of living crises.

In response, this clause now allows camping for up to six months without a permit on properties that have a home, is sanitary and not disruptive.

Current clause (10):

A person must not camp or occupy a caravan, tent, or vehicle on Council land or roads without a permit, unless this is allowed under the Planning Scheme.

New clause (37):

The new clause has a revised definition of 'camp' to mean ‘the use of a tent, a sleeping bag, a caravan, mobile home, or any other moveable vehicle to provide accommodation’.

We have also included a note that this rule is not meant to affect those experiencing homelessness. The Maribyrnong Homelessness Protocol helps support people at risk of homelessness by improving access to housing, support, and better coordination of services in the area.

Reason for change:

Council also acknowledges and respects the dignity and rights of people experiencing homelessness, and is committed to supporting people with compassion and fairness.

Current clause (56):

A person must not, without a permit, use, build, or allow to be used or lit any open-air fire or incinerator on any land. This includes fire prevention or controlled burns, unless done by an emergency service.

New clause (20):

Exceptions are now stated for cooking appliances, heating fires, permitted events, and Aboriginal community smoking ceremonies.

Fires must not cause smoke or smells that bother neighbours, and people can be asked to extinguish the fire by an Authorised Officer if it does.

Reason for change:

The new clause is more detailed with specific exceptions and aims to prevent nuisance from smoke or odours. This will protect neighbours’ comfort and reduce hazards from open-air burning.

Changes have also been made to:

Restrictions on burning in the open-air in public places and on Council land (clause 38):

Streamlined wording for better clarity.

Direction to extinguish fires (clause 21):

A new rule lets Authorised Officers order someone to put out a fire immediately.

Current clause (49):

If Council collects your waste, use only their bins and put the right rubbish in each (household, green waste, recycling). Don’t overfill or contaminate bins. Place bins where outlined, and remove anything Council requests.

Only put out one bin of each type unless Council allows more. Don’t leave bins out too long before or after collection. Keep bins clean, in good condition, and labelled with your address. Always keep lids closed.

Don’t put rubbish in public bins or bins that belong to others.

New clause (56):

This update links the Local Law to Council’s Waste Management Policy, so it stays up to date with future changes.

It changes the term to ‘approved waste bin’ to cover current and future bin types.

It also makes it clear that household waste must not go in street litter bins.

Reason for change:

The new clause improves clarity around definitions and requirements.

Trade and commercial waste is rubbish or liquid waste produced by businesses, shops, factories, or other commercial activities. It includes things like packaging, food waste, or materials from manufacturing - not household rubbish.

Current clause (61):

Waste can only be collected during these times unless by agreement:

• 6am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday
• 9am to 6pm, Sundays and public holidays.

New clause (58):

The clause now cites Waste Management Policy so the Local Law remains relevant when policy changes are made.

The clause has also been updated to make rules clearer, including:

• Without a permit, trade waste bins cannot be stored on Council land, nature strips, or roads.
• Trade waste collection must follow Council’s set days and times. Businesses must only put bins out after 4pm the day before collection and bring them back by 10am on collection day.
• Bins must not block or endanger anyone. Any damage caused must be fixed by the bin owner.
• Trade waste bins must be clean, pest-proof, watertight, labelled, regularly emptied, and secured from public access.
• Trade waste can’t go in household or street litter bins.

Reason for change:

This will keep public areas safe, clean, and well-maintained. Reference to Council's Waste Management Policy will keep the rules current.

Changes have also been made to:

Donation bins on private land (clause 13):

A new clause where if you own or live on private land, you can’t keep, store, put, or fix a donation bin there unless you have a permit.

Hard waste collection (clause 50):

Rules are clearer on placing waste, including hard waste, on nature strips and roads. This will protect residents’ property, keep public spaces tidy, and ensure waste rules can adapt to future changes.

Bulk rubbish containers (clause 51):

Simplified clause, noting that requirements for containers are addressed under permit conditions, not the Local Law.

Donation bins on Council land (clause 54):

A new sub-clause prohibits items being left outside a charity bin.

Current clause (35):

You must return shopping trolleys to a designated trolley return area. Retailers with more than fifteen trolleys must have a system in place to stop trolleys leaving their property and clearly label each trolley with the business name and store address.

If a trolley is left in a public place and Council collects it, the business named on the trolley will be treated as the owner and sent an Impounding Notice. If the trolley isn’t collected within ten days, Council may also issue a fine along with the impounding fee.

New clause (55):

The new clause strengthens trolley rules by clearly banning trolleys outside designated areas, requiring all trolleys to be marked, mandating security locks, enforcing trolley securing after hours, giving Council stronger removal powers, and aligning with waste law.

Reason for change:

Strengthening these requirements will minimise obstructions in public places and the impacts on neighbourhood appeal.

Current clause:

This is a new clause.

New clause (52):

You must have a permit to film for commercial purposes on a road or Council land.

Reason for change:

This new rule helps fill a gap in current permit rules for commercial filming to better manage risks and neighbourhood comfort.

Changes have also been made to:

Trading activities (clause 25):

Sub-clauses re-arranged and requirements expanded to provide clarity.

Displaying goods, furniture and advertising (clauses 46 and 47):

Separated into two clauses, these changes update definitions and include the Commercial Street Furniture and Parklet Guidelines, which clarifies what Council expects of businesses.

Businesses already need to apply to Council to use the footpath outside their shop for signs, goods, or outdoor seating.

Street collection and distribution (clause 49):

Updated wording to provide clarity.

Spruiking (clause 50):

Spruiking is promoting or advertising something publicly, often in a loud or enthusiastic manner, to attract attention or customers. It's commonly used for salespeople or event promoters. We have updated the wording to provide clarity.

Busking, fundraising and community awareness activities (clause 51):

Updated wording to provide clarity.

Circuses, carnivals, festivals or events (clause 53):

Streamlined wording, included 'events' and definition, and removed sub-clause that are covered by permit conditions.

Current clause:

This is a new clause.

New clause (32):

Council can decide certain roads or Council land areas are smoke-free at set times and will let the public know at least fourteen days before this starts through newspapers, online, and notice boards. People must not smoke or vape tobacco products in these smoke-free areas.

If an Authorised Officer reasonably thinks someone is smoking or vaping there, they can ask them to stop.

Reason for change:

In our initial conversation, the proposed change to allow Council to declare certain locations and events smoke-free received strong support.

Current clause:

New sub-clause.

New clause (33):

People must not smoke or vape inside buildings on Council land or within ten metres of the entrance to any Council-owned or managed building.

If an Authorised Officer reasonably believes you are smoking or vaping in these areas, they can ask you to stop. Council or Authorised Officers can also put up no-smoking signs on Council land.

Reason for change:

This new rule helps support public health and keep Council spaces cleaner and more welcoming.

Current clause (37.1.c):

You need a permit to leave a bulk rubbish bin or place anything that blocks or narrows a road or Council land.

You also need permission to landscape a nature strip, unless allowed by a higher law. This doesn’t apply to service authorities doing their work. If you have a permit to landscape a footpath, you must also follow the Council’s rules for nature strip landscaping.

New clause (31):

The wording has been simplified. You no longer need a permit to plant a nature strip. However, you must still follow the Nature Strip Landscape Policy and Guidelines, which will become an incorporated document.

Reason for change:

In our initial conversation and past engagements, we heard strong community support for removing the permit requirement to plant nature strips.

This change reflects the community’s and environment’s evolving needs, making it easier for residents to plant and care for nature strips, while still ensuring gardens are safe, suitable, and well-maintained.

Current clause:

This is a new clause.

New clause (39):

A person can't put or keep a shipping container on Council land without a permit.

Reason for change:

Behaviours on roads or Council land and access to a municipal place (clauses 28 and 29):

Streamlined wording, removes duplication, and improves how Council can manage shared spaces for the benefit of all.

Tree and vegetation protection on Council land (clause 30):

The updated clause now clearly bans damaging, lopping or removing trees on Council land, and any works within the protection zone of a tree on Council land. People now cannot plant anything on Council land unless in accordance with Council's Nature Strip Planting Policy and Guidelines.

This change protects existing trees helps Council manage planting to keep public spaces safe and well-cared for.

Council asset protection and building site amenity (clauses 60-68, 69-76):

New changes cover things like managing builder’s waste, site fencing, and protecting roads and drains. Council can also ask for security bonds and make sure any damage or mess from building sites is cleaned up properly.

They will help protect Council assets, the environment, and local neighbourhoods during building works. It also gives Council tools to fix any problems and make sure builders take proper care of the area.

Current clause:

This is a new clause.

New clause (77):

When using their judgment under this Local Law, Council and Authorised Officers must consider the law’s intentions and parameters.

Reason for change:

Changes have also been made to:

Impounding and disposal (clauses 78 and 79):

Separated into two clauses, the rules have been simplified and made clearer. A new rule has been added to stop people from reclaiming items that can’t be legally owned.

These changes make the rules easier to understand, which will help everyone know their rights and responsibilities.

They also improve safety and fairness by preventing the return of items that shouldn’t legally be owned and by setting clear steps for how unclaimed items are handled.

Permits (clause 80):

This clause sets out how permits work under the Local Law. The permit rules have been simplified and combined to make it clearer how to apply for, change, or cancel a permit. They also now include rules for exemptions and make it an offence to give false information.

This will make the permit process clearer and easier to understand for everyone. It also improves transparency, ensures consistency in decision-making, and helps protect the community by preventing misuse or false information.

Current clauses (69 and 71):

Authorised Officers have the power to enforce the Local Law by warning people, stopping activities, issuing notices, or taking legal action if rules are broken.

If someone breaches the law, they may get a Notice to Comply, which sets a reasonable deadline to fix the issue, or Council can step in to fix it and recover the costs.

New clause (81):

These clauses have been combined into one, and allow Authorised Officers to give verbal instructions when needed. It also makes clear that people have the right to appeal decisions made by Council.

Reason for change:

This change will allow Authorised Officers to quickly give clear instructions. It also gives people a fair chance to challenge decisions, making the process more transparent and balanced.

Current clause (72):

If there’s an urgent risk from someone not following the Local Law, a Council or Authorised Officer can act appropriately to fix it. They must inform the CEO and later notify the responsible person. The action will only address the immediate risk.

New clause (82):

The new rule gives Council stronger ability to quickly fix urgent problems and recover the costs from the responsible person.

Reason for change:

This will allow Council to act fast when needed, and make sure those responsible pay for any damage or urgent repairs.

Current clause:

This is a new clause.

New clause (84):

This new clause allows Council to hold company managers responsible if the Local Law is broken. However, they won’t be held responsible if they can prove they didn’t know about or agree to the breach.

Reason for change:

This will encourage corporations to comply with the Local Law. It helps ensure that people in charge are accountable while still being fair if they genuinely weren’t aware of any problems.

Current clause:

This is a new clause.

New clause (85):

If the driver of a vehicle breaks the Local Law and can’t be found, the vehicle’s registered owner is responsible for the offence.

Reason for change:

This will ensure someone is held accountable for the offence, encouraging vehicle owners to be responsible for how their vehicle is used.

Changes have also been made to:

Offences and penalties (clause 83)

This clause has been simplified to clearly outline what is an offence. Penalties have been updated to match the Local Government Act 2020, with the maximum fine for any offence set at 20 penalty units.

Infringement notices (clause 86)

This has been simplified and updated to refer to Schedule 1 for the penalty amounts.