In Victoria, all land is covered by planning controls. These can take the form of zones, overlays and planning provisions that form part of local planning schemes.

Basically, you need a planning permit when a local planning scheme specifies a permit is required for a specific type of development. A planning scheme may also specify when a planning permit is not required and when something is exempt.

The easiest and cheapest way to find out if you need a planning permit is to ask the relevant local council.

The relevant local council, planning scheme and planning controls (zones and overlays) that apply to a property can be identified via a free planning property report provided by the State Government.

Here are instructions on how to get a planning property report to find the zone, overlay and relevant council for a particular property.

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.

When is a planning permit required for a change of use?

A planning permit is often required when proposing to change the use of land. The planning scheme may also specify that a planning permit is not required for some changes. Both of these conditions, as well as lists of prohibited land uses, are set out in planning scheme maps that zone the land.

These zones use planning permits to control land use, by encouraging and discouraging particular land uses. This allows local councils, for instance, to encourage higher density living in areas of high amenity and accessibility, and locate incompatible land uses like farms or factories to more appropriate locations.

When is a planning permit required for a construction?

Planning permits are required for most types of construction, some demolition, and the protection of developments from things like floods or bushfire.

When is a planning permit required for the natural environment?

Planning schemes include the management of the natural environment, from the protection of individual trees to the flow of stormwater. In recent decades, sustainability outcomes have been increasingly incorporated, from enforcing sustainable design to encouraging walking, bicycling and public transport usage.