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Planning permit application process

Talk to the council planning department about whether you need a planning permit. They will advise if your proposal is eligible for VicSmart, and direct you to a VicSmart application form and checklist of the information required to support your application.

For more information on eligibility for the VicSmart process, you can use this guide.

All councils require the same information for VicSmart planning permits, usually based on a application form provided by the State government. There are regular planning application forms and VicSmart applications forms.

Check the council website or use this guide to answer any questions you have and fill out the VicSmart planning application form.

Council’s provide differing amounts of information regarding the planning application process. Some provide checklists to assist you to gather all of the information required, and in many cases you may require the services of a town planner. The exceptions are VicSmart applications which are often done by individuals or small businesses and all have set checklists of information requirements.

Either type of permit may require the services of other professionals. For example, for drafting plans, conveyancing, or preparing reports regarding building regulations, vegetation or sewerage treatment.

Check the council website or use this guide to find out about VicSmart checklists for planning applications.

Some councils accept applications online or via email, but about half don’t. All accept applications in person and nearly all by mail. Most require three printed copies of plans even if you apply via the web.

Check the council website or use this guide to find out about lodging VicSmart planning applications.

Fees are set by the state government. They are the same for all councils including VicSmart application fees. Some councils accept payments online, but all accept applications in person or by phone.

Check the council website or use this guide to find out about paying VicSmart planning applications.

The process for assessing planning applications including the time frame for permits are set by the State government through statutory requirements in the Planning and Environment Act. For regular permits this is 60 (business days), for VicSmart it is 10. Some councils may offer additional “Fast tracked” permits for select permits (but most have been incorporated in the VicSmart process).

Check the council website or use this guide to find out about the VicSmart permit process.