Any individual who intends to develop a new property, revamp the old structure, or modify land use in Victoria must undergo a planning permit procedure. Homeowners, investors, and developers should learn planning approval steps to achieve better efficiency during their approval journey. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for securing planning permits in Geelong.
Understanding Planning Permits
The local council provides planning permits that officially allow developers to perform specific activities on land. Domestic buildings must meet established requirements, local zoning regulations, environmental protection standards, and community priorities.
When Do You Need a Planning Permit?
You may need a planning permit for the following reasons:
- A fresh building construction or building extension.
- Subdividing land
- Transforming residential properties into business spaces.
- Removing native vegetation
- Advertising signage installation
If you need planning permits, it depends on your local planning scheme’s zoning. This is because it outlines any applied overlays and how they affect your site.
Pre-Application Research
Planning permit applications require comprehensive research to be eligible.
Check Zoning and Overlays
In Victoria, each property is recognised by zone designation. Additional overlays may affect it. You can check these details through:
- The Planning Schemes Online tool
- Local council websites
- Speaking with a town planner
Common zones include:
- Residential Zones (General, Neighbourhood, and Mixed-Use)
- Commercial and Industrial Zones
- Rural and Green Wedge Zones
Overlays may include:
- Heritage overlays
- Environmental significance overlays
- Design and development overlays
Speak to the Local Council
Council officers arrange pre-application sessions that assist applicants. They explain project requirements and identify potential obstacles. This step prevents possible delays with an adequate process.
Engage Professionals
Depending on the complexity of your project, you may need professionals such as:
- Architects or designers
- Town planners
- Surveyors
- Traffic engineers
Preparing the Application
Application preparation with quality standards boosts your opportunity to obtain approval without issues.
Required Documents
A standard planning permit application includes:
- Application form available on the local council’s website
- An authorised certificate that lists property ownership along with all boundary restrictions.
- A report that details present site layouts and new development concepts through site plans and development plans
- A specialist report to explain how the proposed project satisfies the Planning Scheme requirements.
Building projects need one or more specialist reports containing traffic impact assessments, environmental reports, and heritage impact statements depending on the development.
Application Fees
The costs of planning permits depend specifically on project characteristics and construction extent. The Victorian Government and local councils determine the fees together that apply to planning permit submissions.
Lodging the Application
For successful applications for permits, you should submit them to local councils through their online platform or direct physical delivery.
After submission, the council will:
- The request processing starts with an acknowledgement receipt and a reference number.
- Review the application for completeness.
- Request further information if necessary.
Public Notification and Objections
Public notifications are mandatory for property development projects that meet specific impact criteria. The process enables local community members to provide feedback.
Methods of Notification
- Letters to Nearby Property Owners—Informing them of the proposed development.
- Site Notices – A sign posted on the property
- Newspaper Notices – For larger projects with wider community interest.
Handling Objections
If objections arise, they will generally relate to concerns such as:
- Loss of privacy
- Increased traffic and parking issues
- Environmental impacts
Applicants can address these concerns through modifications followed by council-mediated negotiations or dispute-resolution processes.
Council Assessment and Decision
The council assesses the application against:
- The planning scheme and relevant zoning laws
- Community objections and feedback
- The project’s influence on environmental elements and operational infrastructure nearby.
Possible Outcomes
- The permit authorisation includes mandatory conditions to fulfil.
- The council will reject applications that do not fulfil the requirements of planning law.
- The council demands modifications before it approves planning applications.
Appealing a Decision
A refusal of a permit or unsatisfactory conditions can be presented to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) within 60 days of the decision for an appeal.
VCAT Process
- An appeal requires the submission of backing documentation.
- Mediation between parties
- When mediation proves unsuccessful, parties must proceed to a formal hearing.
- A final decision made by VCAT
Post-Approval Requirements
Upon permit approval, applicants must fulfil the conditions outlined in their decision.
Common Permit Conditions
- Adhering to approved plans
- Obtaining building permits
- Landscaping and environmental requirements
- Compliance with operational noise standards.
Permit Expiry and Extensions
Ordinary planning permits will expire automatically after two years unless the project commences. Specific conditions are eligible extensions.
Conclusion
A planning permit process through the Victoria system is intricate. With detailed research, proper preparation, and professional assistance like the best builders in Avondale Heights, you can streamline the application process. Understanding zoning regulations and council regulations is essential for professional application submission. Objection handling and VCAT appeals provide options to address challenges when obtaining planning permissions. By following these steps, you can successfully receive planning permits and move forward with development plans.
