What is a planning permit?

A planning permit is a legal document that allows a certain use or development to occur on a particular parcel of land – usually subject to conditions. Council planners can provide advice on whether a planning permit is required and why.

Some of the most common reasons people require a planning permit include:

• • constructing or altering a building ie sheds or extensions
  • starting a new use of land or extending a current use (particularly where it may create a demand for car parks)
  • displaying a sign
  • subdividing land
  • clearing native vegetation from land including removing a tree
  • altering a heritage property

Some of the town planning permits above are classed as VicSmart permits. This guide is designed to assist you to do your own VicSmart planning permit application.

A permit is not always required to use or develop land, but it is your responsibility to find out if you need a permit. Penalties can apply if you fail to get a planning permit. The best way check if you need a planning permit is to contact your local council or ask a Town Planner.

Why do councils require planning permits?

Planning permits are required by local planning schemes to regulate the use and development of land in Victoria in line with State Government objectives. A planning permit ensures that:

• • land uses are appropriately located
  • buildings and land uses do not conflict with each other
  • the character of an area is not detrimentally affected
  • development will not detrimentally affect the environment
  • places of heritage significance are not detrimentally altered or demolished.

In planning legislation, councils are ofter referred to the “Responsible Authority” because one of their roles is to make decisions on planning permit applications. Applications must comply with local planning schemes. When a planning permit is granted, the plans you submit with your application form are then “approved” or “endorsed”, and development or use must be in line with these plans.

Planning vs building permits

A planning permit should not be confused with a building permit. A building permit is certification that a building or alteration to a building meets the minimum standard of construction specified in the Building Regulations 2006.

 Derived from Using Victoria’s Planning System and Do I need a permit? by the State of Victoria