Apply for a planning permit

Apply via the online planning application portal

We’ve developed and launched a new online planning application portal to streamline the permit process for residents and developers. All planning permit applications are now submitted via the portal. 

For assistance navigating the portal, please contact the Planning Department on 03 9217 2170 or submit an enquiry, and one of our friendly team will get back to you and step you through the process.

Access the online planning application portal

Information you'll need 

You must include the following in your application:

  • a full copy of the Certificate of Title, searched from the land titles office within the past three months, along with copies of any restrictions, covenants or agreements under Section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. You can find this information on the Landata website
  • a written submission explaining how your proposal responds to the requirements of the relevant zone, overlays and planning policies
  • architectural plans illustrating the proposed use and or development, including what is existing and what is proposed
  • other relevant documents required for your particular type of application, as outlined in the following section. 

We may need extra information depending on the details of your proposal and any site-specific considerations. See how to apply for a planning permit.

Planning permit fees

Your planning permit application or enquiry costs depend on what you want to do. Please see our planning permit fees page for more information. 

Note: planning permit application fees are not refundable and are exempt from the goods and services tax (GST).

Planning application process timeframes 

Application processing times can range from 10 days for simple, straightforward applications (e.g. replacement of a fence) to more than six months for larger, more complex applications (eg. construction of several townhouses on a block).

There are a number of variables that impact the timeframe. For example, your application may take longer if you haven't provided all the information we need with your application, or if there are objectors, or insufficient information was provided when the application was lodged, or if there are objectors, or if an objector lodges an appeal with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Learn more about the planning permit application process

Fast-tracking your planning permit application 

In some cases, you can fast-track your planning permit application. For more information, see Have your planning permit fast-tracked.

Other relevant documents

You may require additional relevant documents for your application type. Use these checklists to ensure you’ve submitted everything we need to begin assessing your planning application.

Change of land use

Include a detailed summary of the proposal showing:

  • total site area and proposed floor area  in square metres
  • existing use of the premises
  • proposed use of the premises
  • hours of operation of the current and proposed use
  • employee numbers of the current and proposed use
  • number and allocation of car parking spaces.

Include a copy of a scaled and fully dimensioned site plan at A3 size, showing (as a minimum):

  • boundaries and dimensions of the site
  • location of existing buildings on adjacent properties
  • location of existing buildings on the subject site
  • details and location of any on-site car parking spaces and access ways, including the location of external storage areas and loading docks (if applicable) within hard stand areas
  • details of proposed access to the site, including vehicle crossovers.

Include a copy of scaled and fully dimensioned floor and elevation plans at A3 size, showing (as a minimum):

  • floor plans of any existing buildings or structures with net floor area calculations and including nominated setbacks from boundaries and other key site features
  • the proposed use of each room and area within the building
  • natural ground levels and finished floor levels, to Australian Height Datum
  • wall heights and overall building heights for each elevation
  • details of any advertising signage
  • details of any alterations to the colours, finishes or materials on the building façade.

Include a written assessment demonstrating the provision for on-site car parking complies with Clause 52.06 of Whittlesea Planning Scheme. Where compliance can’t be demonstrated, or there’s no relevant car parking ratio in Clause 52.06, you should include a report prepared by a qualified traffic engineer that:

  • assesses the anticipated demand for car parking generated by the proposed development or use
  • demonstrates whether or not available car parking on the site or in the surrounding area can cater for the anticipated demand. 

Building and works

Include a copy of a detailed site plan in A3 size with the following information:

  • boundaries and dimensions of the site
  • adjoining roads
  • layout of existing buildings and any significant vegetation on the site
  • all building boundary setbacks, including projections at each level
  • internal layout of all existing and proposed buildings and/or works
  • provision of entrances, car parking, loading of vehicles and access to parking spaces and loading bays (fully dimensioned) to relevant Australian Standards.

Include a copy of a detailed elevation and section plan in A3 size, which provides the following information:

  • all proposed buildings and/or works on the site (with alterations and additions highlighted) and intended use of the components of the building
  • relationship of elevations to natural ground level showing proposed cut or fill
  • site levels, floor levels of all buildings, and building heights (at the highest points)
  • height and length of walls
  • dimensions of windows and their height above ground level
  • details of construction materials and external finishes
  • relative levels to Australian Height Datum of the proposed overall building heights, floor to ceiling and finished floor levels to all structures.

Advertising signage

Include a detailed description of all components of the proposal including:

  • number of existing and proposed signs
  • type of illumination (if any)
  • proposed hours of luminance for illuminated signs (if applicable).

Include application requirements as set out in Clause 52.05-2 of the Whittlesea Planning Scheme and a site context report.

Include a copy of a scaled and fully dimensioned existing conditions plan in A3 size, showing (as a minimum):

  • location of all existing buildings, structures and advertising signs
  • location and layout of driveways and car parking areas
  • elevation plans of existing buildings and signs.

Include a copy of scaled and fully dimensioned elevation plans in A3 size, showing (as a minimum):

  • location of the sign/s, including the dimensions and size of the building and/or structure accommodating the sign/s
  • exact details of the sign/s, including wording, colours, logos, dimensions (height and width) and a calculation of the area of the sign/s
  • details of any proposed lighting (if applicable), including if it’s externally or internally lit, the level of luminance (brightness measured in lux) and whether it’s animated or flashing.

Medium density housing

Include a detailed summary of the proposal with:

  • total site area in square metres
  • number of dwellings and the size of each dwelling in square metres
  • total site coverage percentage of the development
  • number and allocation of car parking spaces
  • areas to be covered with solid surfaces, including buildings and paved areas in square metres
  • identification of any trees or native vegetation to be removed from the property and those to be retained
  • area of private open space associated with each dwelling and any communal open space.

Include a neighbourhood and site description, as described in Clause 55.01 of the Whittlesea Planning Scheme, incorporating use of a site plan, photographs or other techniques.

Include a design response as described in Clause 55.01-2 of the Whittlesea Planning Scheme. This must include correctly proportioned street elevations or photographs showing the development in the context of adjacent buildings. It must also explain how the proposed design:

  • derives from and responds to the neighbourhood and site description
  • meets the objectives of Clause 55
  • responds to any neighbourhood character features for the area
  • reduces and/or addresses off-site amenity impacts such as overshadowing, overlooking and visual bulk.

Include a copy of a scaled and fully dimensioned site plan in A3 size, showing (as a minimum):

  • location of existing buildings on adjacent properties including:
    • nominated setbacks from the common boundaries to the subject site
    • details of the height and exact length of walls on the common boundary
  • location of habitable room windows within 9 metres of the development site
  • location of existing and proposed buildings on the subject site
  • all trees proposed to be removed, and those to be retained
  • setback of the buildings and works from title boundaries
  • details and location of any car parking structures, areas and access ways including the location of all on-site car parking, detailing line markings for tandem car spaces and turning templates
  • details of the road reservation immediately next to the development site including:
    • vehicle crossovers (existing and proposed)
    • traffic calming devices
    • kerbing
    • footpaths
    • services (e.g. light poles, service pits etc.)
    • street trees
    • purpose, location and width of easements.

Include a copy of a scaled and fully dimensioned existing conditions plan in A3 size, showing (as a minimum):

  • location of all existing buildings, structures and vegetation
  • internal building layout for existing buildings and structures
  • location and layout of driveways and car parking areas
  • contours/site levels

Include a copy of scaled and fully dimensioned floor and elevation plans in A3 size, showing (as a minimum):

  • floor plans of the proposed buildings and structures and any existing buildings to be retained, including nominated setbacks from boundaries and other key site features
  • natural ground levels and finished floor levels, to Australian Height Datum
  • wall heights and overall building heights for each elevation
  • external colours, finishes and materials

Include:

  • a copy of a scaled landscape plan in A3 size for the development
  • a copy of shadow diagrams (at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200) of the proposed buildings and adjacent structures at 9am, 12pm and 3pm at the September equinox
  • a report from a qualified arborist where there are existing trees on the subject site or trees on adjoining properties near the proposed buildings. The report should include:
    • species, height, girth, canopy width and approximate age of the trees proposed for removal
    • a statement regarding the health, structure and vigour of the trees
    • comments in relation to the future health of the tree
    • a recommendation based on all of the above.

Share your feedback 

Have you recently applied for a planning permit with the City of Whittlesea? We're seeking feedback on your experience.

We'd love for you to share how satisfied you were with our service. This information will help us improve and deliver a service that meets your needs.

Phone: 03 9217 2170

Email: info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au