Do I need a planning permit?
A planning permit is a legal document that gives permission for a use or development on a particular piece of land.
A permit may be subject to a time limit or expire under specified circumstances. The responsible authority (usually the local council) may impose conditions when granting a permit.
The local planning scheme will govern whether a planning permit is required to use or develop your land in a particular manner.
On this page:
When do I need a planning permit?
Some of the most common reasons people require a planning permit are for:
- Constructing or altering a building
- Starting a new use on land (particularly where it may create a demand for car parks)
- Displaying a sign
- Subdividing land
- Clearing native vegetation from land
Even minor matters may need a planning permit: the onus is on you to find out whether a permit is required.
Check with your local council before proceeding with a change of use or a development on your land. Council can offer advice about local or state government policy guidelines that must be considered for particular developments.
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 certain applications within the City of Melbourne. The schedule to Clause 61.01 of any planning scheme identifies who the responsible authority is for that scheme.
In some circumstances a request can be made to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for a declaration on whether a proposed use requires a permit.
Contacts
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:
- State Planning Services - Alpine Resorts Unit on 03 9098 8919 or 03 9098 8918 (Alpine Resorts)
- State Planning Services - South Sector (Central Dandenong) on 03 9098 8923
- State Planning Services - East Sector (Kew, Tooroonga, Waverley) on 03 9098 8938
- State Planning Services - Nation Building on 03 9098 8990
- State Planning Services - Statutory Approvals (Melbourne CBD) on 03 9098 8907 (Port of Melbourne, Melbourne Showgrounds, Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne Casino and for any other areas not listed above)
- Footscray Central Activities District on 03 9098 8950 (Monday to Wednesday) and on 03 9091 5602 (Thursday to Friday)
- Gippsland Regional Office on 03 5172 2111 (French Island and Sandstone Island)
- Warrnambool Regional Office - (Coastal land, Glenelg Shire) on 03 5562 3291
More information
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.
More information on specific types of permits such as residential permits, subdivisions, wind energy facilities and others.
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 Planning Permits (PDF - 655 KB)
Chapter 3 of Using Victoria's Planning System provides detailed information about the permit and review processes.