Guide to Obtaining a Planning Permit

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A Planning Permit is often required from Council (the responsible authority) before buildings and works are undertaken, native vegetation removed, filling or subdivision of land, and the erection of signage. You should discuss whether you require a permit with one of the Statutory Planning team members.

Pre-application meetings

For major commercial, industrial, subdivision and multi-residential developments, applicants are encouraged to discuss preliminary proposals and plans with Statutory Planning staff who can call upon Infrastructure Management, Urban Design or Heritage Officers, to provide design and policy advice, outline additional requirements and issues to be addressed, in order to ensure the assessment process runs smoothly.

Lodging an Application

A planning application lodged with Council must contain a fully completed Planning Permit Application Form (PDF - 773KB).

Your application should also include:

• fee - there is a sliding scale of fees (Fee Schedule - Planning)
• copy of title
• four (4) copies of properly prepared plans to scale including elevations where necessary
• written outline of proposal
• other information as detailed in separate application notes for particular proposals

The more information you can provide with an application the quicker it is to assess your proposal or answer enquiries from adjoining landowners or other interested parties. Team members will outline any supporting material which should be lodged with particular applications.

Advertising

You may be required to give 14 days notice of your application to adjoining land owners and occupiers, on the site and in The Courier newspaper depending on the nature of the use and/or development. You will be advised of these requirements once your application has been lodged.

Upon advice from officers it is often appropriate to discuss your proposal at draft stage with adjoining owners and interested parties prior to lodging the application to avoid unnecessary submissions.

If no objections are received, Council Officers will be able to promptly process your application.

If objections are received, the Council Officers will endeavour to negotiate a satisfactory solution for all parties prior to a Council meeting.

Referral of Applications

Some applications will need to be referred to organisations outside Council such as VicRoads, EPA, servicing authorities and other government agencies. Team members will provide advice regarding application referrals and will provide contacts for each of the authorities so that you can ascertain likely requirements at an early stage. Referral authority requirements must be placed on all permits issued.

Consideration of Applications

Proposals which meet strategic planning objectives, comply with the Planning Scheme and Council policy provisions will be dealt with promptly. Most permits will include conditions which must be complied with.

Where objections are received or Council refuses to grant a permit, appeals may be lodged with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal by any parties. An applicant may also appeal any conditions included on a permit. Team members will be happy to outline the appeals process to you.

Other Approvals

While the Section closely liaises with other Council Sections, often additional approvals will be required i.e. building permits, health registration & septic tank approval, and from technical operations (crossovers, drainage and roads, etc). Team members will advise you of other approvals that may be required and appropriate person(s) to contact.

Application Information

Council has a range of useful information in preparing applications including:

• Historical records and photographs
• Maps
• Subdivision information
• Aerial photographs
• Strategic reports
• Previous permits

Contact one of the team members to access this material.