For the purposes of understanding why a planning permit is required, you need to know what zone, overlay/s (if any apply) and particular provisions apply to the land.

You can find out the zone and overlays online via the State government property planning report for free.

But the easiest and quickest way to find out if you need a planning permit is to discuss the proposal with the relevant local council for general advice, or contact Victorian Smart Planning – Permit Application Services.

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

It’s the simplest way to submit a planning permit application.

What are the types of planning zones in Victoria?

Residential Zones

• • • • •  Low Density Residential Zone
        •  Mixed Use Zone
        •  Township Zone
        •  Residential Growth Zone
        •  General Residential Zone
        •  Neighbourhood Residential Zone

Industrial Zones

• • • • • Industrial 1 Zone
        • Industrial 2 Zone
        • Industrial 3 Zone

Commercial Zones

• • • • • Commercial 1 Zone
        • Commercial 2 Zone
        • Commercial 3 Zone

Rural Zones

• • • • • Rural Living Zone
        • Green Wedge Zone
        • Green Wedge A Zone
        • Rural Conservation Zone
        • Farming Zone
        • Rural Activity Zone

Special Purpose Zones

• • • • • Special Use Zones
        • Comprehensive Development Zone
        • Urban Floodway Zone
        • Capital City Zone
        • Docklands Zone
        • Priority Development Zone
        • Activity Centre Zone
        • Port Zone

What does a planning zone do?

All of the land in Victoria is divided into areas called zones by local government – via maps in their planning schemes. The zones indicate whether a planning permit is required to construct a building or carry out works. These zones determine what land can and can’t be used for. They are one of the elements of a planning scheme that can determine whether or not a planning permit is required.

The planning scheme zones land for particular uses, for example, residential, industrial, business or other. The zones are listed in the planning scheme and each zone has a purpose and set of requirements. This information will describe if a planning permit is required, and the matters that the council must consider before deciding to grant a permit. A zone may also specify information that must be submitted with a planning permit application. The zone also contains information relating to land uses, subdivision of land, construction of new buildings and other changes to the land.

Zone Map Legend:
CCZ1 – Capital City Zone – Schedule 1 – Outside the Retail Core
TRZ2 – Transport Road Zone 2 – Principal road network

A zone sets out land use controls in three sections:

• • • Section 1: Land uses that do not require a planning permit. No permit is required for uses listed here.
    • Section 2: Land uses that require a planning permit. A permit will usually be issued with conditions.
    • Section 3: Prohibited uses. Some uses are not allowed on land in a zone because they may conflict with other uses; for example, industry is prohibited in the Residential Zone.

The zone also clearly sets out types of development require a permit. These are known as permit triggers. They specify when a permit requirement is triggered. It will be worded like:

A permit is required:

• • • To construct a building or construct or carry out works.
    • To construct a building or construct or carry out works which … etc

Permit triggers also exist elsewhere in the planning scheme, in Overlays and Particular Provisions.

Image Source: Search for a Planning Report Derived from: Guide to Victoria’s Planning System by the State of Victoria