Planning permit application process
The Planning and Environment Act 1987 establishes the planning permit application process. It can be broken down into several discrete steps:
- 1. Applying for a planning permit
Preparing for submission
Before submitting an application form, you should thoroughly prepare by discussing the proposal with your local council's planning officer and obtaining specific information required for the permit type.
Application for planning permit
Once you have this information, fill in the Application for Planning Permit form and include include all necessary supporting information, such as accurate plans, reports and photographs and the prescribed permit application fee.
2. Considering the application
Referrals (section 55)
The application may be referred to other statutory bodies so that their views and requirements can be taken into account.
Notice (section 52)
All permit applications are made available for public inspection, and in some cases you may be required to give notice to those who may be affected by the proposal.
3. Objecting to the application
Anyone who may be affected by a proposal can object in writing to the council before the date shown on the Notice of Application. They must satisfy certain conditions, such as clearly stating their reasons.
4. Deciding a permit application
At the end of the notification period, the council will decide whether to grant or refuse a permit. It can be granted with or without conditions, and the proposal can only go ahead if all conditions are met.
5. Review of a decision
If a permit application is refused or has unsatisfactory conditions, or if you want to object to the granting of a permit, you may lodge an application for review to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
6. Amending a planning permit
If you need to change your proposal after a permit has been issued, you can apply for an amendment. The process is the same as for a new permit, but there is a separate amendment application form.
More information
Planning:a Short Guide is simply written with the general community and occasional user of the planning system in mind.
Chapter 3 of Using Victoria's Planning System contains a more detailed guide to the process. It is designed to help professional planners, officers of authorities, councillors, students, applicants and people affected by planning proposals.
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.