Apply for a Planning Permit

You need a Planning Permit to:

• start a new development
• use land in a specific way
• complete building works if your property is in certain overlays and zones.

A Planning Permit is a legal document. It checks that your plans comply with our Boroondara Planning Scheme.

Some applications can be fast-tracked under VicSmart. Check if you are eligible for VicSmart.

What to include in your application

• Your Certificate of Title, no more than 28 days old (get this from the Landata website)
• A cover letter that explains your plans
• A design response or explanation of the proposed use
• A copy of your plans drawn to scale.

Planning application fees

You must pay an application fee as set by the Victorian State Government. Your application fee will depend on the type of development and estimated cost of works. The fee will be calculated for you automatically after you finish the eForm. It’ll be based on the information you give. 

For a list of fees:

• visit Victoria State Government planning and subdivision fees
• download the Statutory planning fee schedule. 

Apply for your permit online

1. Apply using the online application form.
2. Attach supporting documentation and plans when submitting the form.
3. Submit a Metropolitan Planning Levy Certificate (if required).
4. Pay the required Statutory fee.

Apply for a Planning permit

Any plans and supporting documents must not:

• be password-protected
• contain any personal information such as individual names and contact details.

There have been changes in relation to displaying personal information (individual names and contact details) on Council's website. When submitting an application, please do not include any personal information on plans or reports within the application material.

Amend your application (Sections 50 and 57A)

You can amend your application at any time during the process.

• To amend your application before advertising starts, please complete a Section 50 Amendment to application before notice form and email to [email protected].
• To amend your application after the completion of advertising, please complete a Section 57A Amendment to application after notice form and email it to [email protected]. Please note a fee of 40% of the original application fee will be applied for this request. We'll send you an invoice after you register your request. 

You may be required to give notice of your application again (see The notice period below).

If you wish to amend a permit that has already been issued or change endorsed plans, please refer to our Amend a Planning Permit page.

Assessing your application

We assess your application against:

• the Boroondara Planning Scheme
• the Planning and Environment Act 1987
• responses from relevant authorities
• community submissions.

After you submit your application we may ask you for more information. Your application will be put on hold during this time.

You must provide this information within 28 days of us receiving your application, or your application lapses.

We sometimes ask other authorities (such as Melbourne Water or VicRoads) for technical advice on your proposal. External authorities have 28 days to reply to Council.

The notice period

We will let you know if you need to give notice of your application.

We require this if your plans could negatively affect your neighbours' use or enjoyment of their land.

During the notice period, neighbours and others affected by your proposal can object to a Planning Permit application.

The notice period takes at least 14 days. We must consider all submissions received up until a decision is made, even if this takes longer than 14 days.

We sometimes hold an informal meeting with you and:

• anyone who objects to your application
• the relevant Ward Councillor.

This helps us understand the issues raised and look for solutions.

Making a decision

We will either:

• approve your permit
• approve your permit with conditions
• issue a notice of decision to grant a permit
• refuse your permit
• defer our decision to the Urban Planning Delegated Committee.

When we defer our decision, those with an interest can address the Committee before they make a decision. This includes:

• the applicant
• anyone who objected
• relevant authorities.

If we approve your permit with conditions, you must amend your plans to meet these conditions:

1. Download and complete the request to endorse amended plans form.
2. Email your amended plans and form to [email protected].

Appeal the decision

If you don't agree with our decision you can lodge an appeal within 60 days.

Your appeal should be lodged to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Find out how to lodge an appeal with VCAT.

More information

Before starting your works, you may need a Building Permit.

For advice about your application, call us on (03) 9278 4888 or email [email protected]

Visit Victoria State Government planning and subdivision fees for more information about fees and regulations.