What is a planning permit?

Model house sitting on top of building plans.

Planning permits are the approval of "what" you wish to do and "where" you want to do it. Planning permits are the approval for the use and/or development of land for a specific proposal.

However small, any change to the way the land is used or developed (any building construction, alterations or building works) may require you to obtain planning permission.

There are detailed provisions in the Indigo Planning Scheme which set out whether a planning permit application is required for particular kinds of use and development. The planning scheme also exempts certain kinds of use and development from requiring a planning permit.

The following tools are available to you to determine if what you are proposing requires a planning permit:

  1. Download a Planning Property Report to identify the planning requirements including the zones and any overlays.

  2. Look at Indigo Planning Scheme to confirm if you need a planning permit.

  3. Order a Copy of your Title and determine if there are any title restriction that may affect your proposal.

  4. Determine if your proposal is eligible for a fast track process through VicSmart.  See the VicSmart Resources to find out if you are eligible.

  5. View our checklist and other information on our website to confirm the information you might need to provide with an application. 

  6. Consider getting professional advice. Planning assessment and decision-making are sophisticated processes that involve concepts such as respecting neighbourhood character, achieving good urban design outcomes, protecting reasonable amenity and enhancing heritage significance. Council and the community are looking for proposals that will meet their expectations. Getting the right professional advice at the beginning will help develop your ideas so you meet Council’s expectations and your objectives.

  7. Request a pre-application meeting with one of our planners.  We highly recommend that contact us to arrange a a pre-application meeting, via phone or in person, is arranged to discuss your proposal.  

  8. Contact us if you have any questions.  

More information on when you need a planning permit  Find out how to apply for a planning permit

 

 

 

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