Step 1: Before making the application
Find out about the relevant planning controls and policies (see Melbourne Planning Scheme - do I need a permit?). If you need assistance, contact the City of Melbourne on 03 9658 9658 and speak to a planning officer to confirm if a planning permit is required, or submit a form to request planning pre-application advice.
Step 2: Prepare and submit the application
Once you’ve decided to submit a planning application, you need to ensure you submit all of the required documentation with your application and that you pay the applicable fee.
Step 3: City of Melbourne will check the application
Your application will be assessed and allocated to a planning officer who may request additional information.
Step 4: Advertising the application
You may be asked to advertise your application; this usually involves sending a letter to neighbours, but you may need to erect a sign on-site. This is the point at which people affected by the planning application have an opportunity to object.
Step 5: City of Melbourne assesses the application
City of Melbourne will consider any objections and referral comments against planning scheme provisions, negotiate with the permit applicant (if appropriate) and issue a decision.
Step 6: City of Melbourne decides on the application
City of Melbourne will decide permit conditions, provide a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit with conditions or provide a notice of refusal.
Please note that a Notice of Decision is not a planning permit. It is a legal notice that is issued when the City of Melbourne supports the planning application. The notice may include conditions.
Step 7: Possible review by Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
The permit applicant can apply to VCAT to review any conditions imposed by council or to review a refusal of application. Alternatively, an objector can lodge an appeal with VCAT when a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit has been issued by City of Melbourne.
Step 8: If applicable, City of Melbourne issues the permit
Once a decision has been made and the review period has expired, City of Melbourne will issue a planning permit. Please note that a building permit may also be required.
