Plumtree Town (Control of Worship in Open Spaces) By-laws, 2025
Open-air worship in Plumtree needs a council permit at US$20 a month plus US$10 for extended hours, with inspections at 5% of the permit fee — but every penalty is printed as nil.
These by-laws require a council permit before people may gather in an open space in the Plumtree Town area for worship. The council designates the places where public worship may take place, and only where the site has adequate sanitary facilities approved by an environmental health practitioner under the Public Health Act.
Applications are weighed against the Public Health Act, the Environmental Management Act and the council's other by-laws, an inspection report and building plans must be lodged before any structure goes up, and no tree may be cut without approval. Worship is confined to the permitted hours and days, with extensions available on written application. A police officer or authorised person may move on anyone obstructing or causing a nuisance to worshippers, and a permit is cancelled for breach, cannot be renewed until the cause is fixed, and must be returned within 48 hours.
Fees are nil to apply, US$20 a month for the permit, nil to renew, 5 per cent of the permit fee for inspection and US$10 to apply for extended hours.
Every penalty is printed as US$0,00 — worshipping without a permit, a designated place lacking sanitary facilities, cutting trees, obstructing access and failing to return a cancelled permit. The real sanction as published is the further offence for an unpaid liability after 90 days, carrying up to level 3 or two years' imprisonment.
What changed
- A council permit is required to gather for worship in an open space
- The permit costs US$20 a month, with inspections at 5% of the permit fee and US$10 for extended hours
- Sites must have sanitary facilities approved by an environmental health practitioner
- All penalties are printed as US$0,00 as published
- An unpaid liability after 90 days carries up to level 3 or two years' imprisonment
Who this affects
- Congregations worshipping in open spaces in Plumtree
- Church leaders applying for permits
- Residents near open-air worship sites
- Council environmental health officers
Plain-language summary — not legal advice. Always read the full instrument.