Planning permits are required for many reasons, from small things like displaying constructing a front fence or shed, business signage, or external alterations to a house or shop, to more significant developments like warehouses, showrooms or multi-storey buildings.

In Victoria, planning permits are managed by local councils under the Planning and Environment Act. Under the Act, the Minister for Planning and councils are referred to as the Responsible Authorities, as they are responsible for the administration and enforcement of planning schemes.

If you propose to use or develop land, first discuss the proposal with the local council planning department, or get planning advice from a planning consultant such as Victorian Smart Planning – Permit Application Services.

Before changing the use of a builiding, constructing a building or altering the land, establish if a planning permit is required. This is done by an assessment of the proposal against the local council planning scheme.  The planning scheme specifies:

• • the reason a planning permit is requried (the permit triggers), or is not required;
  • outlines some of the information required to support a planning application;
  • what process the application must take;
  • what the decision criteria by which the council must assess the application.

If a permit is required, an application for a planning permit must lodged with the local council (Responsible Authority). The application should include the supporting information set out in the planning scheme, such as plans, reports and photographs.

Summary of the Planning Permit Process in Victoria

Depending on the proposal, a planning application will generally follow one of a few paths through to decision. The permit process may include:

1. 1. Elibility for VicSmart, a streamlined permit application and decision process. See The Complete VicSmart Guide for more information;
   2. An application submitted in person or electronically with the council planning department and lodged with the planning  permit  application fee. The Planning and Environment Act requires the payment of set fees for the processing of applications. Details of the fee can be obtained from Council or this website.
   3. Further information due to missing information or referral of the application to other council departments, such as Traffic or Environment;
   4. Consent from a referral authority (ie for floodplain or salinity management) may be required before you submit your application to council.
   5. Giving notice (or advertising your application to neighbours) is not required for VicSmart applications, and there are therefore no objections to taken into consideration.
   6. The council may require further information which will delay your permit assessment.
   7. The council will then make a decision on whether or not to issue a permit. If a permit is issued, it is your responsibility to make sure that the land use or development is consistent with the permit conditions.
   8. If you are unhappy with the decision, you make have grounds to dispute the council’s decision at VCAT – this includes VicSmart applications. VCAT – Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Planning List, 55 King Street, Melbourne 3000 – Phone 9628 9777

Planning Application Process by Council

To find out more about dealing with a council directly, from contact details to how a council accepts applications and fees, type the council’s name below: