How to lodge a planning permit application in Victoria
In Victoria, you lodge a planning permit application with the responsible authority (usually the local council) under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic). The application must address the relevant planning scheme zones and overlays, include plans and reports, and undergo public notice before a decision is made.
The framework
Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic), Planning and Environment Regulations 2015 (Vic), and the applicable local planning scheme (incorporating the Victoria Planning Provisions).
The process
Check whether a permit is required
Review the zoning and overlay provisions in the local planning scheme (available on planning.vic.gov.au). Some uses and developments may be as-of-right (no permit needed) or prohibited in certain zones.
Arrange a pre-application meeting
Contact the council planning department to discuss your proposal. Pre-application meetings help identify key issues, required reports, and potential objections early.
Commission plans and reports
Prepare architectural plans, site plans, and any specialist reports required by the planning scheme (e.g. traffic, landscape, arborist, heritage, acoustic, or stormwater management).
Complete the application form
Fill out the planning permit application form provided by the council or available through the online portal. Include the title details, description of the proposal, and all required attachments.
Lodge the application and pay fees
Submit the application to the responsible authority (council) online, by post, or in person. Pay the prescribed application fee, which is set by the Planning and Environment Regulations 2015 and varies by estimated cost of development.
Council gives public notice
The council notifies adjoining owners, occupiers, and other affected parties. Notice is typically given by mail and a sign on the site for at least 14 days (s 52 of the Act).
Respond to objections
Objectors may lodge written objections with the council during the notice period. Review objections and consider amending plans to address concerns, or prepare written responses.
Council assessment and decision
The council assesses the application against the planning scheme provisions, policy, and objections. The council must decide within 60 statutory days or the applicant may seek a deemed refusal appeal.
Review permit conditions
If a permit is granted, review all conditions carefully. Conditions commonly address design amendments, landscaping, car parking, construction management, and ongoing use restrictions.
Appeal to VCAT if needed
If the permit is refused, or conditions are unacceptable, you may appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) within 60 days under s 77 of the Act. Objectors may also appeal a grant decision under s 82.
Forms and templates
Common mistakes
- Not checking the planning scheme zones and overlays before designing
- Submitting without required specialist reports (e.g. arborist, traffic)
- Ignoring neighbourhood character and overlooking objections
- Missing the 60-day VCAT appeal window
- Not reviewing permit conditions before endorsing plans
Get this process right with Quillio
Quillio can help review planning scheme provisions, draft planning reports, and prepare VCAT appeal submissions. Start a free trial at /free-trial.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Planning permit applications involve complex scheme provisions. Engage a town planner and planning lawyer for significant proposals.
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