Apply for a Planning Permit

A planning permit is a legal document that gives permission to develop, subdivide or use land for a particular purpose.

This is not to be confused with a Building Permit, which deals with the methods of building construction (the ‘nuts and bolts’).

To obtain a planning permit, you will need to submit an application to Council. It is important to do your homework because some uses of land are prohibited under the Hindmarsh Planning Scheme, while others are restricted.

A planning permit may be required when you are:

• Starting a new business;
• Constructing, altering or extending a building, house or shed (including farm sheds and outbuildings);
• Subdividing land;
• Removing, destroying or lopping native vegetation;
• Displaying a sign;
• Changing the use of a building or land;
• Applying for a liquor license; or
• Holding a festival or event.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other instances where you would require a planning permit.

It is recommended that you contact the planning department to discuss your proposal prior to submitting an application. Pre-lodgement meetings are encouraged, are offered as a free service from Council and are available by appointment.

You can also submit a Planning and Building Enquiry form.

Preparing Your Application

When lodging your application, you will require the following items:

• Completed Application Form;
• A recent copy of the Certificate of Title (not older than 2 months);
• Copies of a site plan drawn to scale with a north point, showing existing and proposed structures, lengths of boundaries and walls, distances between buildings, and features such as vegetation, water courses, driveways and crossovers (if applicable);
• Copies of any elevations drawn to scale (including height and length of walls and windows, as well as details of construction materials) (if applicable);
• Copies of any floor plans (if applicable); and
• The application fee – Following an initial assessment by the Planner the Fee will be calculated and an invoice emailed to the Applicant.  

   

Relevant Documents: 
How to complete the application for planning permit 

Lodging Your Application

Council welcomes applications submitted as hard copies at our Customer Service Centres as well as via email or post. Subdivision applications can also be submitted directly through the Surveying and Planning through Electronic Applications and Referrals (SPEAR) website via the engagement of a licensed land surveyor. Your application will be assessed and the planner will contact you should further information be required.

Receiving Your Permit

Should your permit be approved, the planner will contact you to inform you of Council’s decision. Your permit will include your endorsed plans and will likely contain conditions which must be abided by. Should you have any queries in relation to your permit, you are welcome to discuss these with the planner.

Please note that you may need other approvals in addition to a planning permit – such as a building permit, a local laws permit, or environmental health registrations. 

Application Under Secondary Consent

Request for Copies of Plans

Planning Fees

Low impact, straightforward and simple proposals may be eligible for VicSmart processing. This means that the application can be processed in 10 business days, the application will not be required to be advertised, and the application information is subject to criteria within the planning scheme.

For more information about VicSmart permits and to check your eligibility, visit the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s VicSmart Planning page.

Still not sure? Contact the planning department on (03) 5391 4444.

Relevant Documents: 
Application for a VicSmart Planning Permit