Here is a list of types of proposals that planning permits are commonly required for:

• • • • Alterations to, or construction of, buildings or dwellings
      • Car parking reduction requirements
      • Change of use or permit conditions
      • Demolition
      • Increase in floor area or intensity of use
      • Fences
      • Heritage overlays
      • Liquor licenses (new and amended)
      • Mezzanines
      • More than one dwelling on a lot
      • Offices
      • Other buildings and works (such as septic tanks, dams and earthworks)
      • Sheds
      • Signs and Business Signage
      • Small second dwellings
      • Subdivision, consolidation, and changes to encumbrances
      • Telecommunication facilities
      • Warehouses
      • Native and non-native vegetation removal (such as removing one or more trees)

Whether or not a permit is required will ultimately depend on the details of the proposal, the planning controls that apply to the property, and the specifics of site.

To find out if a planning permit is required or not, requires reference to the local planning scheme to determine whether the planning controls that affect the land, “trigger” (require) a permit, whether there are planning permit exemptions or if no permit is required. There are various ways to get this information.

If you want written advice from a Town Planning Consultant regarding whether a proposal needs a planning permit or is exempt, or, if you need a permit, what the planning application requirements are, then you are ready to start using Victorian Smart Planning – Permit Application Services:

It’s the simplest way to get a planning permit.

What’s the easiest way to find out if you need a planning permit?

Ask the local council. For general planning permit advice about simple proposals, the easiest and cheapest thing to do is ask the local council. Councils usually have a Planner available to answer planning permit enquiries for free, over the phone, via email or in person for at least part of the week.

Can I check if a planning permit is required myself?

Yes. With some basic knowledge of planning schemes, anyone can view the relevant planning scheme online. The first step is to get a free planning report from the Department of Transport and Planning website. This report has links to zones and overlays that affect the site and provides a map and links to relevant parts of the planning scheme. It doesn’t however bring up anything beyond that, like exemptions, particular provisions or local policy. But it will provide you with links to the local council and the relevant planning scheme so you can follow it through.

Can I do my own planning permit application?

In Victoria, you can do your own town planning permit application. However, if you have no idea about town planning, then it’s likely you will only want to do this for the straight forward planning applications known as VicSmart. For VicSmart applications, use the website I’ve published called The Complete VicSmart Guide.

When do I need a Town Planner?

A Town Planner will manage planning permits for you. If you require advice for regular planning permits or want written advice because you are conducting due diligence, or you want confirmation of an exemption in writing for yourself or a building surveyor, most councils can provide this within a week or two.

Alternatively, most people will defer to a Town Planning Consultant, like Victorian Smart Planning – Permit Application Services for fast and efficient confirmation.