Prepare your planning permit application

You have your planning report and understand the zones, overlays and controls for your property. You may have used our free pre-application meeting service and talked to a planner about your proposal. You understand what type of application you need to submit.

Now you are ready to prepare your application. 

If you have questions or need advice call our Planning team on 9433 3343.

Before you start

Before you apply, you'll need to create an account for eservices. Most registrations are approved within one business day. You'll only need to register once to submit, track and amend your application.

Register for eservices

Consider getting professional advice

Asking an independent planning expert for advice or to apply on your behalf can help meet our requirements and achieve your objectives. Note: we are not able to recommend specific providers.

Review our planning advice

There are different things you may need to consider in your proposal such as overlays, tree removals, bushfire management and signage. To find out information relevant to your application read our planning advice.

Prepare your documentation

All applications must include a Certificate of Title from Landata copy (dated within the last three months) and a copy of any registered covenants and/or Section 173 agreements.

Your application may require additional information and reports, assessments, site plans etc. Find out what you need to submit with your type of application - go to checklists for planning applications.

If your application is simple it might qualify as a VicSmart planning permit application.

If you know it qualifies use the checklists available from Department of Transport and Planning's VicSmart permits.

Note: your application, including plans and personal information, can be made available for public viewing.

Get advice from referral authorities

We may ask other authorities or organisations to advise or comment on your application. For example, if you’re proposing to change access to a main road, we are required to refer you application to the Department of Transport and Planning.

To avoid delays, it is a good idea to discuss your proposal with relevant referral authorities before applying. Find out the Nillumbik referral authorities for planning applications.

Talk to your neighbours

We recommend that you talk to your neighbours about what you have in mind. A chat early can help everyone to understand one another and hopefully solve any potential issues. This may help reduce objections to your proposal.

Understand permit application fees

When you submit your application online you will pay a fee. To find out how much your application type will cost go to planning fees.

Check if you need to pay the Metropolitan Planning Levy

To develop land in Victoria you may need to pay the Metropolitan Planning Levy. The levy applies to developments costed above the threshold set by the Victorian Government. 

You must pay it before you apply for your planning permit and include the certificate with your application. We may ask for a cost breakdown if the cost on your application seems underestimated. To find out if the levy applies to your proposal go to State Revenue Office Metropolitan Planning Levy.

Next steps

If you have reviewed the advice, followed our checklists to prepare the required documents and spoken to Council about your proposal, the next step is submit your planning permit application.