Frequently Asked Questions

A Planning Permit is often required if you wish to remove or prune trees or:

• other Native vegetation on your land;
• Non-native species of vegetation if the property is within a Heritage Overlay or Environmental Significance Overlay;
• if there are Planning Permit conditions or other restrictions or agreements that apply to your property.

It is important you talk to Council before you remove any vegetation.

Your application will have the best chance of being approved if: 

• you demonstrate there is no other option but to remove the trees/vegetation
• the overall impact of the vegetation removal on the surrounding landscape and ecology of the area is minimal
• tree/vegetation removal has been minimised, with good quality vegetation and significant, healthy trees being successfully retained
• you are willing to work with Council to develop a revegetation plan to provide replacement planting that achieves a long-term environmental gain (this can be done through our biodiversity offsets program)
• The revegetation plan has been prepared by a professional consultant after talking to Council and includes detailed information from an arborist or ecologist

The following link will provide more information on exemptions:

When proposing to build a new fence, there may be a requirement for a Building and/or Planning Permit. Prior to applying, it is important to discuss the proposed fence with any neighbours who share the same boundary.

Common reasons that require a Planning Permit for a fence include:

• the fence is in an area where heritage controls apply
• the fence is in a flooding zone or overlay

Please note: Regulations concerning the cost sharing of boundary fences is a civil matter and is outside Council’s jurisdiction. You will find further support at www.disputes.vic.gov.au

Yes, you need a Planning Permit to subdivide land.
In most instances, you will be required to apply for a Planning Permit for a development (e.g. the construction of a second dwelling on a lot) before applying to subdivide the land. This is done to ensure the new lots are able to be used for the purpose of the subdivision.

The purpose of the Farming Zone is primarily for the use of land to be for farming and agricultural related activities.

A Planning Permit is triggered based on the size of the property (less than 40Ha) and the siting of the dwelling (close to a boundary line or neighbouring dwelling). 

An application for a Planning Permit needs to demonstrate that the dwelling is reasonably required for the agricultural use occurring on the land.

More often than not, a Planning Permit is required for signage (i.e. business identification signage). If you require a Planning Permit for signage you will need to determine what zone applies to the land and if there are any overlays affecting the property.

Each zone will specify which category of signage controls apply. Clause 52.05 of the Planning Scheme will advise what types of signs require a Planning Permit, what signs are prohibited, and what signs do not require Planning approval.

A dependent person’s unit (DPU) is defined in the Planning Scheme as a “moveable building on the same lot as an existing dwelling and used to provide accommodation for a person dependent on a resident of the existing dwelling.” These are sometimes known as ‘granny flats’.

Common reasons for requiring a Planning Permit for a dependent person’s unit include:

• There are overlays such as Bushfire Management Overlay or Land Subject to Inundation Overlay affecting the land.
• There are covenants or restrictions on the Certificate of Title for the land.

In certain areas a Planning Permit may be required for the construction of a single dwelling or extension and/or additions to a single dwelling. The need for a Planning Permit may be triggered by zoning such as Commercial Zone, or overlay controls such as Heritage Overlay, or the size of the land.

Common reasons for needing a Planning Permit for an extension to a dwelling include:

• the lot is in a Rural Living or Farming Zone
• the lot is less than 300m2 is an urban area and
• there are overlays such as Heritage Overlay, Bushfire Management Overlay or Land Subject to Inundation Overlay affecting the lot
• there are covenants or restrictions on the Certificate of Title for the lot

If a shed is proposed on a lot without a dwelling, this may be classified as a 'store' (another form of land use) which:

• may be prohibited by the zone; or
• may require a Planning Permit

Living in a shed is often seen as a cost‐effective and practical option while building a house/dwelling. However, it is illegal to occupy a shed or garage for residential purposes unless Building and Planning Permit approvals have been obtained to construct a permanent residence on the site.

Any shed proposed to be used for temporary accommodation would also need to comply with the Building Code requirements for residential buildings.

Residential buildings require a higher standard of construction and significant and costly upgrade works will usually be required.

No, it is illegal to live in a shed, garage or temporary home for residential purposes. Under the Building code, residential buildings or a dwelling require higher standard of construction than sheds, especially in bushfire prone areas.

People often enquire about living in sheds or a temporary home as a money saving option to occupy land whilst building a dwelling, however this may cause further problems down the track.

It is always advisable to contact Council’s Planning and Building Departments to ensure buildings of this nature on a property are legal.

There are many types of liquor licences. Most require Planning permission prior to obtaining a liquor licence from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).

The type of licence required is determined by VGCCC, not by council or the applicant. Therefore, you should contact VGCCC to determine the appropriate type of licence before making an application for a Planning Permit. Details of the type of liquor licences that require a Planning Permit can be found here: https://www.vcglr.vic.gov.au/liquor/major-or-temporary-event/apply-new-licence/planning-permit-information

A permit is also required for the following:

• a different licence, or category of licence from that which is in force
• if the hours of trading allowed under any licence are to be extended
• if the number of patrons allowed under any licence is to be increased
• the licensed area (‘red line’) is being extended 

You can run a business from your house/dwelling without a Planning Permit, if it meets the 'Home Occupation' requirements specified in the Planning Scheme.

A Planning Permit is not required for a 'Home Occupation' sign, if the sign does not exceed 0.2 sqm in area and is not in an area included in the Heritage Overlay.

If the Home Occupation requirements cannot be met, the business will need to be operated from a suitable commercial area.

In Victoria, local Councils have not sought to control short-term letting or visitor accommodation in an existing residence through local Planning schemes.

It is recommended you contact Council’s Building and Health Department about your proposal as there may be other regulations that need to be adhered to.