About planning permits
On this page:
- What is a planning permit?
- What is a planning certificate?
- When do I need a planning permit?
- Who decides if I need a permit?
- More information
A planning permit is a statement that a particular use or development (subdivision, buildings and works) may proceed on a specific piece of land. A permit may be specific to a person or operator. It is always subject to a time limit and expires under specified circumstances. The responsible authority may impose conditions when granting a permit.
It is important not to confuse planning permits with building permits. Building permits relate to the method of construction of a building or development. If you have a planning permit you may still need to get a building permit.
Depending on the provisions of the planning scheme affecting your land, a planning permit may not be needed to change the use of the land or to develop the land. This also may be subject to conditions, as some forms of use or development may be prohibited.
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What is a planning certificate?
A planning certificate tells you how land is zoned and is usually required for the purchase and sale of properties.
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When do I need a planning permit?
Some of the most common reasons people require a planning permit are for:
- Starting a business
- Constructing, altering, demolishing or painting a building
- Displaying a sign
- Applying for a licence (eg, liquor licence, second-hand dealer etc)
- Subdividing land
- Clearing native vegetation from land
- Changing the use of a property.
Check with your local council before proceeding with a change of use or a development on your land. Council can also offer advice about local or state government policy guidelines that must be considered for particular developments.
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Who decides if I need a permit?
The best way to find out whether you need a planning permit is to contact the planning department of your local council. In most cases your local council is the responsible authority for deciding permit applications.
In some circumstances however, the Minister for Planning is the responsible authority, for example, for applications on land in the Port of Melbourne Planning Scheme, the Alpine Resorts Planning Scheme and for specific sites or development in other planning schemes. The schedule to Clause 61.01 of any planning scheme identifies who the responsible authority is for that scheme.
For further information or advice concerning where the Minister for Planning is the Responsible Authority and Planning Authority you should contact the following DPCD offices:
- Metropolitan Planning Services on 03 9296 4400 (Beacon Cove)
- North East Regional Office on 03 5761 1530 (Alpine Resorts)
- Gippsland Regional Office on 03 5172 2506 (French Island and Sandstone Island)
- Statutory Approvals on 03 9637 9551 (Docklands, Port of Melbourne, and for any other areas not listed above).
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More information
The Permit Application Process page explains how to apply for a permit, object to a permit application or amend an application. It also provides information on the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), which independently reviews permit decisions made by councils.
Planning practice and advisory notes have been prepared which relate to some types of permit proposals. They cover proposals such as applications in rural zones, where flood provisions apply and for dwellings in residential zones.
Planning - a Short Guide (PDF - 669 KB)Planning: a Short Guide provides more detailed information about the permit and review processes for occasional users of the planning system.
Chapter 3 of Using Victoria's Planning System provides detailed information about the permit and review processes.
Chapter 3 Planning Permits (PDF - 655 KB)This document provides advice to council planners who issue planning permits and includes principles and standard conditions.
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Please note: Document(s) on this page are presented in PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, you can download a copy free from the Adobe web site