Renovating or Extending

Renovating a home to suit your needs can be an exciting and exhausting process. Make sure that you get the building permits you need before you begin work, as this could save you money throughout the process.

Building permits are designed to ensure that your building is safe for you and your family. You’ll need to submit your proposed plans along with your application. The process is the same as for any building permit.

Visit Consumer Affairs Victoria for helpful information for people considering a renovation on their home.

Subdivision Applications 

If you’re considering a subdivision, you’ll need to submit a planning permit with all the required information. Documents should be submitted as digital files via the Customer Portal. We no longer accept hard copies by mail or in person.

Use this guide to ensure your permit application addresses each of the criteria we need to consider.

If you’re unsure about whether you need a planning permit, we can help. Call and make an appointment with us to discuss your options. 

To meet the information requirements of a subdivisions planning permit, you’ll need:

• A covering letter and an up-to-date copy of title (less than six months old)
• Written information including a site and context description
• Design response
• Subdivision details and outline development plans
• Supporting information based on whether your subdivision is in the township zone or the low density residential zone
• Supporting information

Please note that the materials you submit with your application, including plans, will be made available for public view. Copies may be made to interested parties for consideration and review as part of the planning process under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

It is important that you discuss your proposal with us before you submit your application to avoid potential delays or disappointments during the planning process.

Residential Development

If you want to build a new residential building, you will need a planning permit.

You may require assistance from a professional, such as a draftsperson, architect or other specialist, to prepare development plans and other reports.

Application requirements

Documents should be submitted as digital files via the Customer Portal. We no longer accept hard copies by mail or in person.

In preparation you will need:

1. Written description of your proposal
2. Certificate of Title from Landata
3. VicPlan Planning Property Report
4. Fully dimensioned plans at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200, maximum size A3, including site plans, floor plans, and elevation plans (as applicable)
5. Report of selected materials, colours and finishes (as applicable)

Use our Planning Permit Application Lodgement Checklist(PDF, 276KB)  to ensure you are meeting the application requirements.DF, 276KB)  to ensure you are meeting the application requirements.

Fees

Check our Fees and Charges to see all costs involved in your permit application.

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The materials you submit with your application, including plans, will be made available for public view. Copies may be made to interested parties for consideration and review as part of the planning process under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Contact us for advice

It is important that you discuss your proposal with us before you submit your application to avoid potential delays or disappointments during the planning process.

Rural Subdivisions

Land within the Farming Zone is dedicated primarily to the sustainable use of land for agriculture. If you are proposing a subdivision of rural land, you’ll likely need a planning permit.

Minimum subdivision size: 40ha (100 acres).

If you require a subdivision to create smaller lots, there may be opportunities for boundary realignment and house lot excisions, where required to facilitate agricultural activity.

When assessing your application, we consider whether the subdivision will ultimately support or facilitate agricultural activity or whether it will compromise or threaten the productive use of land. We make these decisions based on the information you include in your proposal, including details about the future use of the land.

We also take environmental impacts of the subdivision into account.

Use this guide to ensure your permit application addresses each of the criteria we need to consider.

If you’re unsure about whether you need a planning permit, we can help.

You’ll need:

• A covering letter and an up-to-date copy of title (less than six months old)
• A detailed report
• Full site and subdivision plans
• Supporting information

Use the navigational structure on the top of this page to learn more about the requirements of each of these elements. Note that this is a guide and more information may be required when you lodge your application.

Please note that the materials you submit with your application, including plans, will be made available for public view. Copies may be made to interested parties for consideration and review as part of the planning process under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

It is important that you discuss your proposal with us before you submit your application to avoid potential delays or disappointments during the planning process.

Documents should be submitted as digital files via the Customer Portal. We no longer accept hard copies by mail or in person.

Change of Use Applications 

If you’re changing a property’s use (e.g., converting a residential property into a business premises), you’ll need a planning permit. Applications must include details on operations, opening hours, and potential community impacts.

For tailored advice, reach out to our Building & Planning team on 03 5760 2600.