Yarra council planning permit checklist

Planning permits regulate many different things from the type and location of buildings to the protection of vegetation. A planning permit is required when the local planning scheme says so.

Planning schemes regulate the use and development of land. They are designed to promote economic growth as well as social and environmental benefits in the natural and built environment.

Planning schemes are managed and administered by local councils in Victoria (referred to in The Planning and Environment Act 1987 as ‘The Responsible Authority’). The Act also establishes the planning permit application, assessment and review process. The assessment process is usually carried out by the relevant local council. At the end of the day, local councils assess planning applications and issue planning permits.

In a nutshell, planning permit applications are approved by councils when they meet the objectives and requirements of planning schemes.

2. Do you need a planning permit?

Obviously, the first step is to check if what you need to do requires a planning permit. The quickest and cheapest way to get general planning advice is to ask your local council.

If you want written advice from a Town Planning Consultant regarding whether a proposal needs a planning permit or is exempt, or what the planning application requirements are if you need a permit, then you are ready to start using Victorian Smart Planning – Permit Application Services:

It’s the simplest way to submit a planning permit application.

3. How to prepare a planning permit application

Local councils assess planning applications and issue permits. The information required to support a planning application is laid out in the Planning and Environment Act and local planning schemes. Planning applications require:

    1. An application form. Some councils require a form to be completed, usually a pdf, or allow the details to be collected via their website. The application form identifies the land as per the title and specifies why the proposal requires a planning permit. It also usually contains a declaration that the owner is aware of the application and that all details are true. Applications now commonly include an acknowledgement that the council may also publish the information supplied.
    2. Payment of the relevant fee for council assessment. Fees are usually set by the State government and indexed each year. The statutory clock (when council begin the assessment process) only begins after a complete application is attended by payment of the correct fee.
    3. Plans. Plans must contain the information required by the planning scheme for an assessment. Town planning plans are basic plans and different from construction or engineering plans. Proposed developments usually need to be accompanied by feature surveys. The plans will be endorsed (stamped) to become part of the permit. Changes to plans often require an application to amend the endorsed plans.
    4. A Planning Report. The information required to support an application is set out in the planning scheme. Planning reports are often not required, especially for more simple applications such as alterations to a façade or signage, nor for the fast tracked VicSmart applications.
    5. Supporting documentation. Sometimes third-party reports will be required to support an application. Most commonly these include Arborist Reports for development potentially affecting trees, and Car Parking Assessments for a change of use or increase in area.
    6. Referrals. In some instances, such as where CHMPs may be required, advice from Cultural Heritage Advisers should be sought and included to support applications, for Heritage Register listings, advice or exemptions from Heritage Victoria. Some applications, notably VicSmart applications require a consent from Referral Authority such as the relevant Water Authority as a part of the application.

    4. Using Victorian Smart Planning – Permit Application Services

    VSPPAS simplifies the information required by the council and the local planning scheme to take you through the planning permit application process step by step. It will help you to: