The Complete VicSmart Application Guide

How to apply for a VicSmart planning permit:

1. Check with the local council to see if your proposal requires a planning permit.
2. If a planning permit is required, the council will tell you if it is eligible for VicSmart.
3. If eligible, they will provide you with a VicSmart application form and checklist/s.
4. Complete the application form and information requirements on the checklist/s. 
5. Submit your application and pay the council application fee.

You can deal directly with a council and do your own application, or use this guide to assist you. If you know that your application is eligible for the VicSmart process, then you are ready to:

Start an application

To find out more about dealing with a council directly ie how a council accepts applications and fees: 

Enter the council name Why use this guide? About The Complete VicSmart Guide The VicSmart application form - where to start? How to check if your planning application is eligible for VicSmart VicSmart application form and checklists The government's VicSmart process for permit applicants Summary of council VicSmart application fees How much does it cost to get a VicSmart permit? Top 5 key features of the VicSmart process Top 5 facts about VicSmart planning permits The Complete VicSmart Guide for Councils Local VicSmart applications Reducing delays in processing planning applications Get discounts for applicants in your municipality The Complete VicSmart Guide for Town Planners Become an affiliate of the site What do I need to provide to the referral authority? The Complete VicSmart Guide for Individuals The Complete VicSmart Guide for Business Is this a government website? What is the formal land description? What do the icons on the site mean? What is VicSmart? What do use and development mean? What is an overlay? What does land use mean? The usual government planning permit fees still apply What is a copy of title? What is a pre-application meeting What is an encumbrance? What is reticulated sewerage? What is a zone? Glossary of VicSmart application form and checklist terms What is a vacant lot? What does develop or development mean? What's to know about fence height? What is Clause 54? The VicSmart Planning Provisions: Clause 59.01-59.16 and Clause 71.06 How to qualify for the VicSmart permit process Types of VicSmart applications & fees The application requirements How to get a planning decision in 10 days The contact person The applicant The owner The land What is a restrictive covenant? What is a caveat or notice? Breaching an encumbrance How to estimate the cost of development Declaration About submitting plans to council Glossary of terms used on plans What is common property? What is the subdivision application process in Victoria? What is an effluent disposal area plan? What is a Land Capability Assessment (LCA)? What is Standard C8 of Clause 56? What is the approved permit? What are the approved or endorsed plans? What is an occupancy permit? What is a certificate of final inspection? What is a corner allotment? What are the building regulations for a corner allotment? What are adjoining and nearby properties? Meeting the requirements of Standard C8 - Lot size Meeting the requirements of Standard C8 - Building envelopes Planning overlays relating to flooding Examples of Overlays and VicSmart applications What is a layout plan? Land use in commercial, industrial, Mixed Use, Capital City or Docklands Zones What are building and works? What is an elevation drawing? What is a Heritage Overlay? When must car parking spaces be provided? What is SPEAR? What is an Arborist? How are trees significant to an area? Heritage house style and paint colour schemes What is a site context report for a sign? Heritage grading - significant, contributory and not-contributory buildings What is a planning permit? Planning permits and building permits in Victoria What is a planning scheme? What is a section 173 agreement? What is an easement? The Planning and Environment Act 1987, Victoria What is a common boundary? Surveyor, Architect or Draftsperson fees What is certification in the subdivision process? What is a statement of compliance in the subdivision process? VicSmart vs regular planning permit triggers and processes Can an application with multiple permit triggers be split? On-site waste water systems - septic tanks View an example of the Neighbourhood and Site Description Glossary of planning terms: A - D Glossary of planning terms: E - K Glossary of planning terms: L - N Glossary of planning terms: O - P Glossary of planning terms: Q - S Glossary of planning terms: T - Z Standard C8 - Lots of less than 300 square metres Standard C8 - Lots of between 300 and 500 square metres Standard C8 for lots greater than 500 square metres Siting and design requirements - The requirements of Standard C8 Adjoining a lot that is not on the same plan - The requirements of Standard C8 Lot dimensions and building envelopes - The requirements of Standard C8 Fees for more than one class of application Meeting the objectives and standards of Clause 54 Clause 54 Amenity Impacts standards A10 - A15 What is a disturbed area? What is a site plan for signage? What house is that? A guide to Victoria's housing styles xxx What are safety devices and service platforms for signs? What is a floodplain management authority? What is local heritage policy? What is a design and development overlay? View planning terms and definitions for land use What are the site and floor area? What is a commercial vehicle? What are the City of Ballarat Residential Guidelines? What are the Victoria Planning Provisions? What are the statement of significance, objectives and requirements? xxx What is an approved development plan or incorporated plan? What is built form and character? What is a permit trigger? What is a site plan? What is a site and layout plan? What is a schedule to a zone or overlay? What is the minimum garden area requirement? What are minor subdivision, minor buildings and works, painting or tree lopping in a Heritage Overlay? What is the town planning permit application process in Victoria? xxx View an example of meeting the minimum garden area requirement How to identify a tree The requirements of Clause 54 in a Neighbourhood Character Overlay VicSmart planning provisions amendments VicSmart Clause 59.01 - Information Requirements Which councils accept VicSmart applications online? How to do your own planning application in Victoria Government VicSmart application form, checklists and guides What do Clause 52.06 and the schedule to Clause 45.09 mean for parking? How to get a referral from a floodplain management authority in a SBO xxx View an example displaying the total sign structure How to find the significance of a heritage place xxx View an example of meeting the objectives and standards of Clause 54 xxx View an example of meeting the Clause 54 Amenity Impacts standards A10 - A15 xxx View an example of meeting the requirements of Clause 54 in a Neighbourhood Overlay Get us to assess the proposed height of the fence Get us to re-write your response to Clause 54 in a Neighbourhood Character Overlay How to find out about caveats, covenants and easements? VicSmart Clause 59.02 - Information Requirements VicSmart Clause 59.02 - Information Requirements VicSmart Clause 59.03 - Information Requirements Vicsmart Clause 59.04 Information-Requirements VicSmart Clause 59.05 - Information Requirements VicSmart Clause 59.06 - Information Requirements VicSmart Clause 59.07 - Information RequirementsVicSmart Clause 59.08 - Information Requirements VicSmart Clause 59.09 - Information Requirements VicSmart Clause 59.10 - Information Requirements VicSmart Clause 59.12 - Information Requirements VicSmart Clause 59.13 - Information Requirements VicSmart Clause 59.14 - Information Requirements VicSmart Clause 59.15 - Local VicSmart Applications VicSmart VicSmart Clause 59.16 - Information requirements and decision guidelines for local VicSmart applications VicSmart Clause 59.01 - Decision Guidelines VicSmart Clause 59.02 - Decision Guidelines VicSmart Clause 59.02 - Decision Guidelines VicSmart Clause 59.03 - Decision Guidelines VicSmart Clause 59.04 - Decision Guidelines VicSmart Clause 59.05 - Decision Guidelines VicSmart Clause 59.06 - Decision GuidelinesVicSmart Clause 59.07 - Decision Guidelines VicSmart Clause 59.08 - Decision Guidelines VicSmart Clause 59.09 - Decision Guidelines VicSmart Clause 59.10 - Decision Guidelines VicSmart Clause 59.12 - Decision Guidelines VicSmart Clause 59.13 - Decision Guidelines VicSmart Clause 59.14- Decision Guidelines Request for further information Can I amend a VicSmart application? Clause 71.06 Operation of VicSmart Planning Applications and Process Terms of Use Privacy Policy What is an existing conditions plan? xxx How to write a reason for the realignment of a boundary VicSmart Checklist 1: Realign a boundary between two lots VicSmart Checklist 2: Subdivide land into lots each containing an existing building or car parking space VicSmart Checklist 3: Subdivide land with an approved development VicSmart Checklist 4: Construct a front fence in a residential zone VicSmart Checklist 5: Construct a building or works in a zone (other than a rural zone) VicSmart Checklist 6: Construct a buildings or works in an overlay VicSmart Checklist 7: Remove, destroy or lop one tree VicSmart Checklist 8: Minor subdivision, minor buildings and works, painting or tree lopping in a Heritage Overlay VicSmart Checklist 9: Minor subdivision or buildings and works within a Special Building Overlay VicSmart Checklist 10: Display a sign in a commercial, industrial zone or special purpose zone VicSmart Checklist 11: Reduce a car parking requirement VicSmart Checklist 12: Two lot subdivision in a rural zone VicSmart Checklist 13: Construct a building or works in a rural zone VicSmart Checklist 14: Extension to one dwelling on a lot in a residential zone Local VicSmart Checklist - Geelong: Use land to sell or consume liquor in an Activity Centre Zone Local VicSmart Checklist - Geelong: Subdivide land into lots each containing an existing building or car parking space Local VicSmart Checklist - Geelong: Reduce the car parking requirement in an Activity Centre Zone How to subdivide land to realign a common boundary How to subdivide land with existing buildings or parking spaces How to subdivide land with an approved development How to construct or extend a fence in a residential zone How to construct a building or carry out works How to construct buildings or works in an overlay How to remove, destroy or lop one tree in an overlay How to do your own planning permit application for minor buildings and works in a Heritage Overlay How to do subdivision or construct or building or works in a Special Building Overlay How to display a sign in a commercial, industrial or special purpose zone How to reduce the required number of car parking spaces How to subdivide land into two lots in a rural zone How to construct a building or construct or carry out works in a rural zoneHow to get a VicSmart permit for an extension to one dwelling on a lot in a residential zone VicSmart application types in Heritage Overlays How to get a VicSmart permit in a Design and Development Overlay - Ballarat How to get a VicSmart permit to reduce the number of car parking spaces How to get a VicSmart permit to subdivide land into lots each containing an existing building or car parking space How to get a VicSmart permit to use land to sell or consume liquor in an Activity Centre Zone How to reduce a car parking requirement in an Activity Centre Zone in Geelong Find the zone, overlay and related schedules What to prepare before your pre-application meeting Contact your council about qualifying for VicSmart How to describe the existing conditions View an example of a site, layout and elevation plans for a fence How to calculate parking spaces required by Clause 52.06-5 How to describe the future development of the land xxx How to get referral authority consideration xxx View an example of plans for your proposal xxx View examples of layout plans xxx View examples of site plans xxx View an example of a site and layout plan How to check the heritage character of adjoining properties How to do your own VicSmart planning permit application online Contact details for your council Check your VicSmart eligibility online How to get a copy of title View an example title search and a copy of title View examples of existing conditions Do I need to get the plans done professionally? How to provide consent if you are not the owner View examples of common property xxx View an example of a reason for the realignment of the common boundary View an example of possible future development View an example of an effluent disposal area plan View an example of the reason for the proposed fence height View an example Arborist report View an example of meeting Clause 56 - Standard C8 View an example of a Land Capability Assessment and EPA Certificate View examples of how to describe the proposal View an example of an elevation drawing How to describe the built form and character View an example of a description of built form and character How to describe the Heritage character xxx View an example of a description of neighbouring Heritage character How many car parking spaces are required? View examples of how to calculate car parking spaces required Does the Parking Overlay apply? Using the Schedule to 45.09 View an example of meeting Clause 52.06 - car spaces required xxx How to describe the ground floor street frontage View an example of a description of the ground floor street frontages View an example of meeting the Schedule to Clause 32.04 - maximum building height View examples of the reason for removing, destroying or lopping a tree How to measure tree girth View an example of how tree removal or lopping will impact of the area How to describe any impacts on heritage View examples of impacts on heritage How to show location, size and design of the proposed sign xxx View an example of a site context report for a sign View an example of an elevation drawing for signs How to describe the location, shape and size of the site xxx View an example of other information that may be required xxx View examples of describing the provision for replacing a tree xxx View an example showing the extent of any proposed earthworks xxx View an example of how to respond to any relevant local heritage policy xxx How to photograph the affected area xxx View examples of stabilizing a disturbed area xxx View an example showing the existing signage on the site Who is the referral authority for the Salinity management overlay? xxx View an example displaying colour, lettering style and materials How to contact the relevant floodplain management authority? View common examples of buildings View an example of the of built form and character of the surrounding development xxx View examples of how to outline the proposed use of the site, number of employees and patrons and hours of operation xxx View examples of previous land use xxx View examples of the proposed use and the hours of operation xxx View examples of commercial vehicle operation xxx View examples of the design objectives and requirements xxx View an example of evidence that construction has commenced xxx View an example of responding to the City of Ballarat Residential Guidelines How to find the relevant urban character area How to find your local council xxx View an example of how to respond to the statement of significance, objectives and requirements of the overlay xxx View an example of a planning permit and approved plans xxx View an example of meeting the requirements of a development or incorporated plan xxx View an example of an occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection How to get a VicSmart planning permit xxx View examples of responding to the schedule of the Neighbourhood Character overlay Get us to check if the tree is identified as significant in a schedule Get us to re-write your reason for the proposed height of the fence Owner’s consent Who can do these plans for you? What file types can I upload? Get us to get you a copy of title Get us to recommend a Town Planner Get us to re-write your description of existing conditions Get us to recommend a planning professional Get us to re-write your explanation for common property Get us to re-write your reason for the realignment of the common boundary Get us to re-write your description of future development Get us to confirm that the vacant lot meets the standard Get us to recommend a building surveyor Get us to re-write your description of the Heritage of adjoining properties Get us to re-write your description of built form and character Get us to re-write your description of street frontages Get us to assess your proposal against the car parking requirements Get us to find your zone, overlay and schedules Get us to assess your proposal against the maximum height requirements Heritage Overlays and external materials, colours and finishes Get us to re-write your reason for the tree to be removed, destroyed or lopped Get us to re-write your description of the impacts on the significance of the area Get us to re-write your description of any impacts on the significance of the heritage place Get us to re-write your reason for the lopping and the extent of lopping Get us to re-write your site context report for signage Get us to assess your proposal to reduce the car parking requirement Get us to re-write your description of the impact of a reduction in car parking View Example 1 of additional VicSmart Guide planning services View Example 2 of additional VicSmart Guide planning services Glossary - Information Sources The objective of Clause 56.02 Standard C8 Get us to edit your description of the proposal Get us to recommend a land surveyor The VicSmart Application Form xxx View examples of reasons for demolition Local VicSmart Checklist - Ballarat: Applications under a Design and Development Overlay Get us to re-write your response to the statement of significance, objectives or requirements Get us to re-write your reason for demolition Get us to re-write your response to the Neighbourhood Character overlay Get us to re-write your response to other information required by the schedule to the zone xxx Get us to re-write your description of meeting the requirements of a development or incorporated plan Get us to re-write your description of the proposed buildings and works Get us to re-write your response to the proposed use and the hours of operation Get us to re-write your response to the design objectives and the requirements contained in the schedule Get us to re-write your response to the local policy design objectives and the requirements contained in the schedule Get us to re-write your response to the City of Ballarat Residential Guidelines Get us to re-write your description of the built form and character of the surrounding area Get us to assess your proposal against the minimum garden requirement Get us to re-write your response to the relevant local heritage policy set out in the scheme Decision guidelines for the erosion management overlay How to do a VicSmart application for Alpine Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Ararat Rural City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Ballarat City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Banyule City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Bass Coast Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Baw Baw Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Bayside City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Benalla Rural City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Boroondara City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Borough of Queenscliffe How to do a VicSmart application for Brimbank City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Buloke Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Campaspe Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Cardinia Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Casey City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Central Goldfields Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Colac Otway Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Corangamite Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Darebin City Council How to do a VicSmart application for East Gippsland Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Frankston City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Gannawarra Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Glen Eira City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Glenelg Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Golden Plains Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Greater Bendigo City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Greater Dandenong City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Greater Geelong City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Greater Shepparton City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Hepburn Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Hindmarsh Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Hobsons Bay City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Horsham Rural City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Hume City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Indigo Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Kingston City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Knox City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Latrobe City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Loddon Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Macedon Ranges Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Manningham City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Mansfield Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Maribyrnong City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Maroondah City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Melbourne City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Melton City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Mildura Rural City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Mitchell Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Moira Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Monash City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Moonee Valley City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Moorabool Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Moreland City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Mornington Peninsula Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Mount Alexander Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Moyne Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Murrindindi Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Nillumbik Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Northern Grampians Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Port Phillip City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Pyrenees Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for South Gippsland Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Southern Grampians Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Stonnington City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Strathbogie Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Surf Coast Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Swan Hill Rural City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Towong Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Wangaratta Rural City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Warrnambool City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Wellington Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for West Wimmera Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Whitehorse City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Whittlesea City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Wodonga City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Wyndham City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Yarra City Council How to do a VicSmart application for Yarra Ranges Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Yarriambiack Shire Council How to do a VicSmart application for Port of Melbourne How to do a VicSmart application for French Island and Sandstone Island Start a VicSmart application

If you are looking for the State government's information on VicSmart, much of which is brought together on this site, you'll find it here: VicSmart - a simpler planning permit process.

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Related FAQs

•   How to check if your planning application is eligible for VicSmart
•   How to do your own VicSmart planning permit application online
•   Check your VicSmart eligibility online
•   The VicSmart Application Form