Preparing an application

Once you have determined that a planning permit is required there are a number of steps to follow in preparing your permit application.

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Step 1: Find out what information is required

Contact your councils' planning department to find out what information must be provided with the application, and what relevant policies and provisions council will use to assess it. Different information will need to be provided for different types of permit applications and might include site plans, elevation drawings or a written report.

Step 2: Get assistance

Some councils offer pre-application meetings where they discuss the details of the application and information to be submitted. This can help to ensure your application is complete and reduce delays from further information having to be sought.

Making a planning application can be complex. You may wish to consult a planning professional who can provide advice or prepare and lodge the application on your behalf.

Some councils offer a pre-lodgement certification process to achieve a faster processing and decision time line. Check if the council offers the service and how you can use it. Essentially the process involves employing a council agreed certifier to ensure that your application contains all the required information and is of an adequate standard to be lodged with the council. This avoids delays often associated with incomplete applications. The process may also include conducting meetings with the council planners and immediate neighbours to the site.

Step 3: Fill out the application form

Fill out the application for planning permit form, provide the required information and pay the required fee. All councils use a standard application for planning permit form. The council’s planning department will give you a copy and help you to complete it. Alternatively, application forms can be obtained online. You must lodge the application form at the council offices. You should get a receipt for the fee paid.

Make sure you include your current mailing address and telephone number.

If the council accepts SPEAR applications, you can fill in your application online. Check the SPEAR website to find out what councils accept online applications.

Step 4: Describe what the permit is for

Clearly describe what you want a permit for. Make sure you describe all the things that need a planning permit so a further permit won’t be required. Check this with the council planner when lodging the application.

Step 5: State the cost of development

You must provide an accurate estimate of the cost of the development. This will determine the planning application fee. The fee must be paid when you lodge the application. It is paid to council to consider and assess the application. It is not a fee for approval, so there is no refund if the application is refused. The scale of fees is set down by government regulation.

Step 6: Include the owner’s consent

If you are the permit applicant but not the owner of the land, you must provide the owner’s details on the application for planning permit form. This section is used when an agent for the owner makes the application. The applicant must tell the owner that the application has been made.

Step 7: Attach title information

A current Certificate of Title must be provided. You must also provide a copy of any registered restrictive covenant or section 173 agreement that affects the land. If a registered restrictive covenant or section 173 agreement does apply, talk to the council planner about what to do next.

Step 8: Attach the plans and any necessary extra information

If the appropriate information is not provided, the application won’t be processed. Council must have sufficient information to assess your application. (A set of plans, including floor plans and elevations, and other information may need to accompany the application. The planning scheme may state that particular information is required for certain types of permit applications.)

Step 9: Check everything is there

Councils often have their own specific requirements and checklists, so it is important to check with the particular council and confirm requirements before submitting an application. In particular, it is important to establish if council has any local planning policies in their planning scheme that may require specific information to be submitted as part of the application.

More information

Contact your local council to discuss your application and any specific instructions or information they may require.

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, incliding checklists.

Chapter 3 Planning Permits (PDF - 655 KB)
Chapter 3 of Using Victoria's Planning System provides detailed information about the permit and review processes.