Victoria planning permit application checklist
Planning permits in Victoria are assessed by the responsible authority (usually the local council) under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the relevant planning scheme. The application must demonstrate compliance with zone, overlay, and particular provision requirements. Understanding the notice and objection process is critical to managing timelines.
This is a 12-step checklist for lodging a planning permit application in Victoria under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. It covers the planning scheme check, pre-application meeting, notification, and VCAT appeal options.
The checklist
Determine if a permit is required
Review the planning scheme to establish whether the proposed use or development requires a planning permit, or is as-of-right or prohibited.
Identify applicable zones and overlays
Check the planning scheme map and ordinance for all zones, overlays, and particular provisions that apply to the site.
Request a pre-application meeting
Meet with the council planning team to discuss the proposal, identify information requirements, and understand likely issues.
Commission supporting reports
Engage consultants for any required reports — traffic, arboricultural, heritage, acoustic, stormwater, or cultural heritage management plans.
Prepare the written planning report
Draft a planning report that addresses every relevant clause of the zone, overlay, particular provisions, and policy framework.
Finalise plans and drawings
Prepare architectural plans, site plans, elevations, landscape plans, and shadow diagrams to the standard required by the planning scheme.
Lodge the application with council
Submit the planning permit application with the prescribed fee, plans, planning report, and all supporting documents.
Give notice to affected parties
Ensure the responsible authority gives notice to adjoining owners and occupiers and any other person required by the Act or the planning scheme.
Review and respond to objections
Analyse any objections received during the notice period and prepare a response to the responsible authority addressing each ground.
Attend a council delegate or committee meeting
If the application is referred to a planning committee or council meeting, prepare a presentation addressing key concerns.
Review the notice of decision
Assess the notice of decision — whether to grant a permit, grant with conditions, or refuse — and advise the client on options.
Consider VCAT review if necessary
If the decision is unfavourable, assess the merits of a review application to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) within 60 days.
When this checklist applies
Use when a client needs to apply for a planning permit from a Victorian council for a new use, development, or subdivision.
Common pitfalls
- Overlooking an overlay that triggers additional assessment requirements
- Planning report that does not address decision guidelines for each provision
- Submitting plans that contradict the written planning report
- Missing the 60-day VCAT review window after a refusal
- Failing to respond to objections before the delegate makes a decision
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio can cross-reference planning scheme clauses against your proposal, draft planning report narratives, and summarise relevant VCAT decisions.
General guidance for Victorian planning permit applications under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Outcomes depend on site and proposal specifics — obtain specialist planning advice.
Use this checklist on your matter.
Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.
Start your free trial