Statutory Planning

Continued growth in demand for inner city living has resulted in Council’s statutory planning department being one of the busiest in the State. On average, it processes and assesses over 1,400 planning permit applications each year.

The Statutory Planning department is responsible for applying the planning guidelines in the Yarra Planning Scheme to all new developments and building works in Yarra.

If you want to make changes to buildings on your property, such as renovate, put up a fence, or install advertising signs, you may first need to obtain a planning permit and/or building permit. Similarly, if you want to change the way you use your property, such as converting a shed into a granny flat, changing part of your home into a business, or turning a shop into a restaurant, you may first need to obtain a planning and/or building permit.

Working out what permits you need can be complicated and is dependent on the planning restrictions and guidelines that apply to your site. It is strongly recommended that you call Council on 9205 5555 before starting any work to your property.


further information icon Further information

Urban Planning Branch
Richmond Town Hall
333 Bridge Road Richmond
Telephone 9205 5373
Email info@yarracity.vic.gov.au

links icon Links

Within this site
Council’s response to the Planning & Environment Act review PDF

External sites (Yarra City Council accepts no responsibility for the information or opinions contained within external sites)
The CitySounds 2 Acoustic Design Resource is an interactive resource, which has been developed by the City of Melbourne and RMIT for residents, architects/designers and builders. Outlined are some of the acoustic issues facing residents who live in the inner city, some basics about building construction, and a number of techniques for reducing noise, its transmission through building elements and the impact it has on residents.
Landata - Each planning application requires a copy of title or a recent title search.
Department of Sustainability and Environment - Planning home , ResCode
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA)
Building Control Commission
Australian Association of Planning Consultants - Victorian division