Planning pre-application service
If you have a planning proposal and want to know more about the permits process, you can request pre-application advice from a City of Yarra planning officer. Our pre-application discussion is an opportunity to submit proposed plans and documentation and then speak with one of our Statutory Planners before your formal planning permit application is lodged with Council.
Pre-application discussions may include a telephone conversation or a face-to-face/virtual meeting.
This service helps point out potential issues, discuss ways to improve your plans – and help you avoid costly delays later. It also highlights the required information/plans/reports to reduce delays prior to lodging a formal planning permit application.
From the pre-application process, you will receive:
- A clearer understanding of relevant planning policies and guidelines.
- Clarification on the planning assessment process.
- Merits-based advice to help refine your proposal prior to applying for a planning permit.
- A point of contact within the Statutory Planning team.
If you have no or limited experience with the Victorian planning system, please get in touch with the Statutory Planning team – planning can be complicated but we are here to help.
See below for a list of frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- new buildings (excluding outbuildings e.g. sheds)
- home extensions (excluding ground floor)
- two or more dwellings
- mixed-use or multi-floor buildings
- change of use
We do not provide pre-application services for smaller projects, including:
- minor renovations
- minor building works, such as front fences and ground-floor extensions
- signage
- subdivision
For smaller projects you can obtain verbal advice by calling us on 03 9205 5373 or by visiting the Richmond Town Hall (333 Bridge Road, Richmond) between 8:30am to 5pm - no appointment is required.
We recognise that each planning application is unique and each site faces a particular set of constraints and opportunities. Currently, pre-application advice is a complimentary service offered to assist permit applicants with their next project.
It's important that you share with us as much information as possible. We may not be able to help you on time if we find that information is missing or questions remain unanswered.
For building extension permits
Please upload:
- a basic site plan showing
- what's on your site (conditions and buildings)
- what's on the sites next to yours (including building locations, windows and open spaces)
- a concept design plan showing
- what you want to build (including building footprint, windows, doors, decks)
- elevations (including windows and doors)
- photographs of the site and surrounding area
For 'change of use' permits
Tell us about:
- the current and future use
- the hours of operation
- the expected number of staff and guests
- on-site parking
- the use and buildings on sites next to yours (including the nearest residential home)
We will make contact within 2 weeks from the date it is lodged. During peak periods this may vary, please contact us if you do not hear anything within 2 weeks.
Due to the application being preliminary in nature written information is generally not provided (with the exception of general advice for minor applications e.g. list of mandatory requirements).
If you seek formal written advice, please lodge a Planning Property Enquiry by accessing the link below. Fees apply, see Planning fees.
We offer a range of guides and checklists on our website for common planning permit applications.
If you have further queries, you can contact our planning team.
- Email us at [email protected]
- Call us between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday: 9205 5373
- Visit us at the Richmond Town Hall (333 Bridge Road, Richmond) if you have a general enquiry - no appointment is necessary
- If you're starting or expanding a business in Yarra, you can submit a business concierge enquiry. You'll receive support, including information about what permits you may need from across Council.