Legislation & Regulations
The legal framework for the planning system in Victoria is based on a number of Acts of Parliament, as well as related statutory rules – or regulations.
While Victorian Acts and regulations are published on the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website, this website also contains information about them.
On this page:
- Victorian Acts and Regulations
- Planning schemes
- Planning fees
- Subdivision fees
- Planning penalties
- Planning certificates
- Permits and related procedures
- Remake of Subdivision (Procedures) Regulations
- Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution
- Planning and Environment Amendment (Schools) Act 2012
- Restrictive covenants
Victorian Acts and Regulations
The Planning and Environment Act 1987, the Planning and Environment Regulations 2005 and the Planning and Environment (Fees) Regulations 2000 establish the legal framework for the planning system in Victoria.
Victorian acts and statutory rules (regulations) are published on the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website at www.legislation.vic.gov.au.
More about viewing Victorian acts and regulations online
Planning schemes
Planning schemes contain detailed controls which regulate land use, development and subdivision. Each planning scheme is administered by a responsible authority, except for the Alpine Resorts, French Island and Sandstone Island, and the Port of Melbourne which are administered by the Minister for Planning.
More about planning schemes and the Victoria Planning Provisions
Planning fees
Planning and responsible authorities (usually local councils) provide a range of planning services free of charge or at a cost.
More about planning fees prescribed under the Planning and Environment Act
Subdivision fees
Councils provide services under the Subdivision Act 1988 which attract a fee.
More about subdivision fees prescribed under the Subdivision Act
Penalties under the Planning and Environment Act 1987
Penalties may apply to people who have breached or failed to comply with the Planning and Environment Act, their planning permit, or a planning scheme.
More about Penalties under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
Planning certificates
Planning certificates can be obtained to indicate the zones and overlays that apply to land. Planning certificates are assured for accuracy under Victorian legislation.
More about planning certificates
Information about zones and overlays that apply to land can also be obtained by using a Planning Property Report.
More about Planning Property Reports
Permit application procedures
Permit application procedures exist to approve proposals to use, develop or subdivide land.
Certificates of compliance
See Fees under the Planning and Environment Act
Satisfaction of the Responsible Authority
See Fees under the Planning and Environment Act
Remake of Subdivision (Procedures) Regulations 2000
The current Regulations will sunset on 9 October 2011. The Department is preparing replacement regulations.
Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC)
The Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution is an essential component of the Delivering Melbourne's newest sustainable communities program.
View the annually adjusted rates and more information about the operation of GAIC.
Planning and Environment Amendment (Schools) Act 2012
The Planning and Environment Amendment (Schools) Act 2012 ensures that the subdivision of land or the making of a building permit application for a school does not trigger a requirement to pay Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC).
More about the Planning and Environment Amendment (Schools) Act
Restrictive covenants
The Planning and Environment Act 1987 sets special rules about planning procedures relating to land which is burdened by a registered restrictive covenant.