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If you propose to use or develop land, first discuss the proposal in detail with a Council planning officer. Early discussion will confirm whether a permit is necessary and identify any other requirements of the local planning scheme.
If a permit is required, an Application for Planning Permit form must be filled out and lodged with responsible authority, which is usually the Council. The application must include all necessary supporting information such as plans, reports and photographs so that the proposal is fully described and can be understood by all interested parties.
For VicSmart, the information requirements are set out in the VicSmart checklists which are replicated on this site.
Consent from a referral from a relevant authority (ie for floodplain or salinity management) may be required before you submit your application to council.
You need to submit your application in person, via mail or electronically (depends on the council) and submit your planning application fee. The Planning and Environment Act 1987 requires the payment of set fees for the processing of applications. Details of the fee can be obtained from Council or this website.
Giving notice (or advertising your application to neighbours) is not required for VicSmart applications, and there are therefore no objections to taken into consideration.
The council may require further information which will delay your permit assessment.
The council will then make a decision on whether or not to issue a permit. If a permit is issued, it is your responsibility to make sure that the land use or development is consistent with the permit conditions.
If you are unhappy with the decision, you make have grounds to dispute the council’s decision at VCAT – this includes VicSmart applications. VCAT – Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Planning List, 55 King Street, Melbourne 3000 – Phone 9628 9777
Derived from: Victoria Planning Provisions – User Guide by the State of Victoria