In 2014, the Victorian State government began a process for the fast-tracking of simpler planning permits called VicSmart. 

Eligibility for VicSmart is laid out in each local council planning scheme. While councils have the ability to add to what the State government has initiated, what is eligible for VicSmart is pretty much the same across all councils.

For these for simpler permits, and we have a dedicated website to guide people through the fast tracked VicSmart planning permit application process – The Complete VicSmart Guide.

You can use the information provided by the State government or your council, or get a summary of what VicSmart is about on The Complete VicSmart Guide.

Unlike more complex planning proposals, these planning permit applications are usually done by individuals, small businesses, arborists, builders and developers, building designers, architects, and surveyors rather than town planners.

Fast-tracked planning applications through local council variations to VicSmart provisions

The following councils have expanded VicSmart provisions to fast-track planning permit applications for specific types of development that otherwise meet the VicSmart criteria:

• City of Ballarat – to construct a building or construct or carry out works or subdivide land in a Design and Development Overlay;
• City of Geelong – to reduce car parking or to use land to sell or consume liquor on the premises in the Activity Centre Zone;
• City of Latrobe – to use land to sell or consume liquor on the premises in the Commercial 1 Zone and Activity Centre Zone; and alter access to a road in a Transport Zone 2 in a Public Acquisition Overlay;

The City of Monash is the only council to offer a reduced VicSmart application fee, and do not charge for VicSmart Checklist 7: Remove, destroy or lop one tree (usually $206.90).