Before applying for a planning permit

Determine if you need a planning permit, and if so, ensure you have all your information ready to lodge an application.

Image of blueprints

Do I need a permit?

There are a number of different factors that determine whether or not you need a planning permit. These include, but are not limited to:

  • the types of works you want to do (renovations/a new house/two or more houses/a new cafe)
  • where the property is located (what zone it's in)
  • how big the property is
  • whether the property is in an area that may possibly flood (is it in a land subject to inundation overlay?)
  • whether your property is adjacent to a major road
  • whether your property is in an area where heritage controls apply
  • if you're wanting to run a business from home
  • if you want to subdivide land.

If you want information confirmed in writing, you can apply for written advice.

Doing my homework

When turning your ideas into reality consider the following:

When preparing to lodge your application:

I want to seek pre-application advice

The purpose of a planning permit pre-application meeting is to discuss complex applications with planning officers before you submit your application.

Typically, pre-application meetings are reserved for larger-scale more complex applications. If you query relates to a smaller scale matter written advice, in the form of an email or letter response, can be issued. 

For more information on the pre-application process, please see our Pre-Applications Page for details.

I want to seek written advice as to whether a planning permit is required

 

Request written advice when you need to clarify whether a planning permit is required for your project.

Before applying, you'll need to ensure you have the following information:

Apply for written advice

 

I want to request a copy of a planning permit or endorsed plans

To get copies of existing planning permits or endorsed plans, you'll need to applyBefore applying, you will need to have the following information:

  • property address
  • planning permit reference number

Request copy of planning permit

Planning fees

The cost of an application depends on what you're planning. The factors that influence your fee include:

  • the type of permit (planning, subdivision, covenant removal)
  • the cost of the development
  • in some cases, the type of property (single dwelling or multi-dwelling)

A full list of planning related fees can be found in our fee schedule.