A permit in 10 days
The 10 days refers to the time the council has to make a decision on a permit. For planning permits other than VicSmart, councils are required to make a decision with in 60 days. These decision times refer to business days only and do not include the day of lodgement, public holidays or delays due to missing information.

… So technically, for VicSmart planning permit decisions, it’s 15 consecutive days at most, and only if you submit a complete application. If the council request further information within five business days of receiving the application form, they will have a further 10 days to decide the application from when a satisfactory response to the request for further information is received.¹

Finally, PPARS reporting tells us that only 78% of VicSmart applications are decided within the “10 statutory day” timeframe (2023-2024).

Alterations to existing building or structure
An application proposing generally minor physical alterations to an existing building, other than an extension, for example, new painting, new fence, new windows.⁷

Application (also known as Planning Application)
An application is defined in the Planning and Environment Act, 1987. This has a few details and its own FAQ: Application (also known as Planning Application)

Approved plans (also known as Endorsed plans)

A planning permit may include approved plans. These are the plans submitted with your application form. A use or development must be carried out in accordance with these approved plans to comply with the planning permit and the Planning and Environment Act (1987). Endorsed plans will have a signed stamp with the planning permit number and details, including the date of approval.⁸ For more, see What are approved plans?

Arborist (also known as Arboriculturist)
Refers to professionals who specialise in tree management and care.⁸

Arborist Report
An Arborist Report is prepared by a qualified Arborist and assesses the existing vegetation (including trees) on the site and adjoining properties. It also makes recommendations for their removal, retention or protection.⁸  View an example Arborist Report for more detail.

Basement
A storey below ground level, or that projects no more than 1.2 metres above ground level.

Building 
Building includes—

(a) a structure and part of a building or a structure; and
(b) fences, walls, out-buildings, service installations and other appurtenances of a building; and
(c) a boat or a pontoon which is permanently moored or fixed to land; ¹⁶

Building envelope
Building envelopes set design parameters for development on an allotment. These design parameters can be described by diagrams, plans or written descriptions, or a combination of these formats.

Building envelopes can manage the same range of matters as the residential development provisions in effect in Victoria. The development provisions for residential subdivision provide for the creation of building envelopes. The residential development provisions for single dwellings under the Building Regulations 2006 recognise building envelopes in certain circumstances.⁹

Building height
The vertical distance from natural ground level to the roof or parapet at any point.

Building Regulations
The Building Regulations 2006.

Canopy Tree
Any tree with a total trunk circumference of 110cm or more measured at a point 1.5 metres from the ground. If a tree has multiple trunk stems, the total circumference is the sum circumference of all stems measured at 1.5 metres above ground level.

Caveat
A caveat is a record of a claim from a party to an interest in the land.Caveats are not normally relevant to planning applications as they typically relate to a purchaser, mortgagee or chargee claim, but can sometimes include claims to a covenant or easement on the land. These types of caveats may affect your proposal.

Other less common types of obligations may also be specified on title in the form of notices. These may have an effect on your proposal, such as a notice that the building on the land is listed on the Heritage Register. If you are unsure about a caveat or notice, you should contact the council, lawyer or conveyancer or you can request that we assess your copy of title.¹⁰

Carriageway
The area of a street reserve which is provided for the movement or parking of vehicles. It is determined by the invert of a kerb and channel and the point adjacent to the pavement edge for kerb (only) and edge strips.

Certificate of title
A certificate of title (also known as a copy of title) see What is land title?

Certificate of final inspection
The building permit states whether an occupancy permit or a certificate of final inspection is required. If an occupancy permit is not required, a certificate of final inspection is issued by the relevant building surveyor after approval of the final inspection stage.

These documents are issued by your Building Surveyor. The purpose of the certificate of final inspection is to identify a start date for the liability period for building faults. ¹⁵

Certified Plan in the subdivision process
The plan of subdivision or consolidation must be prepared by a licensed surveyor and certified by council.

Change or extension of use
An application which proposes a change to the use of the land eg office to retail, industrial to warehouse, residential to restaurant or an application which proposes an intensification or increases in the way land is used eg expanding an office, increasing retail floor space.⁷

Clear to the sky   
An unroofed area or area roofed with material that transmits 90 per cent of light.

Common Property
Common property includes any parts of the land, buildings and airspace that are not lots on the plan of subdivision. It may include gardens, passages, walls, pathways, driveways, stairs, lifts, foyers and fences.

Consolidation
The merger of two or more lots on separate titles, into one lot on a single title.

Construct
Construct includes reconstruct or make structural changes. ¹⁶

Copy of title
A copy of title (also known as a certificate of title) see What is land title?

Covenant
See What is a restrictive covenant?

Council (also known as Local Council and Local Government)

One of the 79 Victorian local councils. Also known as Local Government Authority, LGA or municipality. Usually known as Responsible Authorities for the purpose of planning legislation and making decisions for planning permits.³

Cross-over (also known as a crossover, vehicle crossing or driveway)
A vehicle cross-over provides access to your property from the property line to the road edge. You must have Council’s permission to construct/reconstruct, alter/modify, remove or relocate a crossing to your property.

Current land use
Should be described as one of: Agriculture, Food and drink premises, Industry type, Warehouse, Leisure & recreation, Office, Place of assembly, Residential or Accommodation, Retail Premises, Vacant, Other land use, Child Care, Education Centre, Mineral Extraction, Pleasure Boat Facility, Transport Terminal, Utility Installation, Mixed Use. ⁷

Demolition
An application that involves demolition of a building or structure.⁷

Development 

Development of land includes the construction of a building, carrying out works (such as clearing vegetation), subdividing land or buildings, or displaying signs. The definition of development in planning includes—

(a) the construction or exterior alteration or exterior decoration of a building; and
(b) the demolition or removal of a building or works; and
(c) the construction or carrying out of works; and
(d) the subdivision or consolidation of land, including buildings or airspace; and
(e) the placing or relocation of a building or works on land; and
(f) the construction or putting up for display of signs or hoardings;¹⁶

Domestic services normal to a dwelling
A domestic appliance or apparatus that is normal to and services a dwelling. It includes disabled access ramps and handrails, an air conditioner, cooling or heating system, a hot water service, security systems and cameras, shade sails, a barbeque, downpipes and flues, a skylight, security screens, and the like.

Dwelling
A building used as a self-contained residence which must include: a kitchen sink, food preparation facilities, a bath or shower and a closet pan and wash basin. It includes out-buildings and works normal to a dwelling.