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Overview

You may require this permit if you intend to change the use of land, construct a building or make other changes to the land.

Planning schemes regulate the use and development of land in Victoria, and each council has its own planning scheme. A planning permit allows a certain use and / or development on a specified parcel of land.

Requirements for permits vary for each council - even minor changes may need a planning permit. You will need to discuss your proposal with your local council to determine if a permit is required before you develop or change the use of your land.

More complex applications, relevant to Victoria’s major transport, renewable energy and infrastructure projects, may require engagement with the State Project Concierge. For more information, please see here.

Eligibility

Please consult the responsible council for more information regarding eligibility requirements.

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Fees

Type Description
Application

Fees may vary. Please contact the responsible council / agency for more information.

Application process

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Before You Apply

Ask your council's planning department what information needs to be provided with the application, and what policies and provisions council will use to assess it.

Councils often have specific requirements and checklists, so it's important to check with the right council and confirm requirements before you start an application.

You'll need to provide different information for different types of permit applications, that could include:

  • site plans
  • elevation drawings
  • a written report.

You may also be required to talk to your neighbours so you know if they have questions or concerns about your proposal - this may save time later if changes can be made to the plans that address their concerns.

Lodgement process

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The Regular Permit Process

The council is the usual first point of contact for permit applications.

The procedure formally begins when a completed application form is lodged with the responsible authority, accompanied by:

  • a complete description of the proposal (which may include plans, supporting information and copy of title)
  • the prescribed fee
  • a copy of the levy certificate (where the metropolitan levy applies)

You may be required to give notice to adjoining owners and occupiers, unless it is concluded that material detriment will not be caused to any person, or the planning scheme specifically provides for an exemption from the notice requirements.

VicSmart

The VicSmart permit process is a specific procedure for straightforward, low-impact applications. 

Please refer to the attached 'Using Victoria’s Planning System' guide for information about the types of permit applications that will be VicSmart applications.

Key information

Contact details

For any questions about this topic.

Planning Department

City of Melbourne

Operating address: 120 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000

Mailing address: GPO BOX 1603, Melbourne, Victoria 3001

Phone: 03 9658 9658

Email: enquiries@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Website: City of Melbourne

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Related laws

Act(s) name:

Planning and Environment Act 1987 Victoria

Regulation(s) name:

Planning and Environment Regulations 2015 Victoria