Applying for a Planning Permit

Before you begin a new development, whether it be building, extending, undertaking certain earthworks, removing native vegetation or commencing a different land use you may need to apply for a Planning Permit.

A Planning Permit gives you permission to use or develop land in a certain way. It makes sure the work complies with the Yarriambiack Planning Scheme.

Where you are constructing a building or structure and require a building permit, you can lodge applications for a Planning Permit and Building Permit at the same time, however the Building Permit application can only be determined once the Planning Permit is granted.

Certain applications are eligible to be fast-tracked under VicSmart.

When do I need a Planning Permit?

You will need a planning permit if you are proposing to:

  • Build or carry out works, other than building or works in association with a dwelling in a residential zone;
  • Build or carry out works in an Overlay, for example the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay, or the Environmental Significance Overlay;
  • Change the current or existing land use
  • Subdividing land
  • Removing native vegetation
  • Creating access to a Road in a Road Zone Category 1, for example the Henty, Borung, or Sunraysia Highways, or any Regional Roads Victoria road.

Stage 1: Before you apply

Make sure you are clear in what you are proposing. Documenting what your thoughts through sketches and written notes will assist. You will require detailed plans and a detailed outline of what your proposal is for any application.

The amount of detail you need to provide in a Planning Permit application will vary, depending on the planning controls applying to your land and the complexity of the project.

To help you understand what you need to prepare we recommend a pre-application meeting with Council’s planning department to ensure you cover the appropriate information for your application. This meeting can occur via phone, teleconference, in person, or via email.

If you do arrange for a pre-application meeting, please be as open and honest about your proposal. Any aspect that is held back may result in delays in the assessment of your application.

Stage 2: Prepare your application

For all Planning Permit applications, you will need to:

  1. Obtain a recent Certificate of Title, Title Plan, and any other Instrument that applies to the land. The Landata website can be used to obtain these documents a fee of approximately $30 may apply. The certificate cannot be more than 3 months old. Detailed instructions can be found on the planning application form.
  2. Write a covering letter explaining your proposal and include:
    • Detail the use of land proposed
    • The purpose of the use and the types of processes to be utilised
    • The type and quantity of goods to be stored, processed or produced
    • How excess land will be maintained
    • Hours of operation
    • Number of staff
    • Whether a Works Approval or Waste Discharge Licence is required from the Environment Protection Authority Whether a licence under the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 is required
    • The likely effects, if any, on the neighbourhood, including: Noise levels and any remediation proposed
    • Air-borne emissions
    • Emissions to land or water
    • Traffic, including the hours of delivery and dispatch
    • Light spill or glare.
    • Any other matter identified in the Yarriambiack Planning Scheme that needs to be addressed.
  3. Provide plans and other documents outlining your proposal.
    • A fully dimensioned development plans drawn at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200 which include, as appropriate:
      • The boundaries and dimensions of the site
      • Adjoining roads
      • Elevations including colour and materials of all buildings and works
      • Driveways and vehicle parking and loading areas
      • Setbacks of adjoining buildings where setback reduction is sought
      • The layout of existing and proposed buildings and works identifying the intended use of the components of the building.
  1. Completed Planning Permit application form
  2. Planning permit application fee.

Stage 3: Lodge your application

Lodge the form and supporting documentation with Council.

3.1 Submit the application form and plans

We prefer that you submit the application in electronic format. Email the application form, plans and supporting documents to planning@yarriambiack.vic.gov.au.

If plans are required to be A1 in size, a hard copy is to be provided to Council. An electronic version is still required to be submitted.

Alternatively, we also accept applications submitted by post or in person. Address these submissions to:

Yarriambiack Shire Council

PO Box 243

Warracknabeal, Vic. 3393

Note that subsequent correspondence from Council will be provided to the email address stated on the application form.

3.2 Pay the application fee

There is a fee for applying for a Planning Permit, as set by Victoria State Government regulations. Fees can be paid over the phone, via cheque, or in person at the Yarriambiack Shire Council at 34 Lyle Street, Warracknabeal.

Fees can be found below, or please contact Council’s planning department. If you are applying for a number of fee items (for example construction of 3 dwellings and subdivision, or construction of an industrial building and removal of native vegetation) then a composite fee will apply therefore it is encouraged to contact Council’s planning department.

Further information

For more information, contact Planning at 5398 0100 or email planning@yarriambiack.vic.gov.au.

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