Planning permits
A planning permit is a legal document that allows a certain use and/or development of land. It generally is a written document which outlines any conditions that must be adhered to. Most applications for a planning permit will be made to the responsible local council, however there are instances where some planning permit applications can be made directly to the Minister for Planning.
Planning permits and building permits are different permits. Depending on your proposal you may need both. If your proposal triggers a planning permit to be required, you must obtain a planning permit first before a building permit can be issued.
To discuss your proposal and to find out what permits are applicable phone Council on 9688 0200 or send us an email to email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
If you are a developer or owner-builder, there are important Commonwealth telecommunications rules you need to comply with.
For more information visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/tind
When do you need a planning permit?
Examples of where you might need a planning permit include:
- Extending or building your house
- If you are starting, expanding or moving a business
- Multi dwelling development
- Changing the way an existing building is used
- Subdividing land or a building
- Removing or pruning trees
- Construct or renovate a property with a heritage overlay.
- Running a business from home
A building permit may also be required if you are undertaking any building work on your property. Planning permits and building permits are different and you may need both depending on the proposed building work, property development or land use. If your project triggers a planning permit, you must have the planning permit before a building permit can be issued and all building permits must be approved prior to works being undertaken.
If you are considering building work on your property seek advice from Council to confirm whether a building permit, planning permit or both is required.
What do you need for a planning permit application?
You need supporting documentation to lodge a planning permit. This documentation may include all or some of the following:
- Plans for your proposed development that are drawn to scale, have dimensions and show the details of all buildings or other structures proposed
- A current copy of the Certificate of Title for your property that is less than 3 months old
- Details of the permit applicant and the land owner
- Completed application form
- Any required supporting reports
We have developed planning permit application checklists, which you can find on our planning forms and checklists page.
Do I need to have these documents in a digital format?
Our planning application process is fully digital.
For easier lodgement and faster processing, Council recommend that you submit your planning permit application online.
Where do I lodge the application?
Most new Planning Permit applications can be lodged online via MyMaribyrnong. Have your credit card at hand to make payment once you lodge the application.
The following applications are currently not accepted on-line:
- Amendments to existing permit applications
- Amendments to existing permit
- Secondary consent requests
- Extension of time requests.
These applications can be lodged by sending documentation directly to planningapplications@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.
Emails must not exceed 15Mb and cannot contain links to documents stored in the cloud (i.e. Dropbox and OneDrive). If you need to lodge an application with large attachments please email us and we will send you a Sharefile Link which you can use to upload documents.
The planning permit process
Before making an application
- Find out about the planning scheme
- Talk to the council planner
- Talk to the neighbours
- Consider getting professional advice
Prepare and submit the application
- Application information
- Application form
- Fee
Council checks the application
- More information?
- Referral?
Application is advertised for at least 14 days
- Notice is given by letter to neighbours
- Application advertised on council website, and usually a sign on-site
- People affected may object.
Council assesses the application
- Considers any objections
- Holds mediation meeting if needed
- Considers any referral comments
- Assesses planning scheme provisions
- Negotiates with permit applicant
- Prepares report
Council decides the application
Council may issue either:
- A permit with conditions
- A notice of decision with conditions
- A refusal
Review by VCAT if applied for
- By the permit applicant against conditions of refusal
- By an objector against notice of decision