Planning FAQs

• Are there any easements affecting my property, and can I build on or close to them?
• Can a planner check my application before I lodge it?
• Can I amend an active application?
• Can I amend my planning permit or endorsed plans?
• Can I build a dwelling in the Farming Zone?
• Can I construct a dependent person’s unit/granny flat on my property?
• Can I discuss the development potential of a property with a Council Planner?
• Can I run a home-based business from my property?
• Can I run an Air BNB from my property?
• Can I subdivide my property?
• Do I need a Planning Permit for signage?
• Do I need a Planning Permit to construct an extension to my house or shed?
• Do I need a Planning Permit to obtain a liquor licence?
• Do I need a Planning Permit to put up a fence?
• Do I need a Planning Permit to remove a tree on my property?
• Do I need a Planning Permit to subdivide my land?
• Do I need a Planning Permit?
• Do I need an architect or draftsperson to draw my proposed plans?
• How do I lodge an appeal against Council’s decision at VCAT?
• How do I make an application to subdivide my property?
• How long does it take to assess my application after lodging?
• I have received a Notice of Decision to grant a permit. Is that a planning permit?
• I have received a Planning Permit with a letter saying that the plans to be endorsed under Planning Permit conditions, must be submitted. What does this mean?
• I want to build a house and a shed; can I build the shed first to store materials or live in whilst the house is being built?
• I want to buy a property which has a shed fitted out to live in – can I move in?
• I was issued a Notice of Decision [NOD] to grant a permit. I have called VCAT and no appeal has been lodged. Can Council issue my permit immediately?
• My property has never flooded, why does the Floodway Overlay [FO] or Land Subject to Inundation Overlay [LSIO] affect my property?
• What are overlays?
• What does the Bushfire Management Overlay mean for my property?
• What does the Heritage Overlay mean for my property?
• What is a building envelope, and can it be changed?
• What is SPEAR and do I need to use it?
• What is the Planning Permit application fee?
• What is ‘Rescode’?
• What planning restrictions apply to my property?
• What zoning applies to the land I am interested in?
• When do I need to hire a Licensed Land Surveyor for my subdivision application?
• When does my permit expire, and can I extend it?