We want to make sure all buildings, works and uses are safe for people and the environment. You may need a planning permit if you want to:

• change a heritage-listed building
• knock down a building
• build a fence
• remove a tree
• build a deck
• renovate
• add rooms to your home
• add a small second dwelling
• subdivide a property
• change the use of a building - for example, from shop to office or café to retail
• add air-conditioning
• install solar panels
• start an industrial or commercial development
• apply for a liquor licence
• set up a billboard or shop sign
• change a parking requirement (including bicycle parking)

When you apply for a permit, we’ll make it easy for you to track what’s going on. You can check the progress of your application online. We will also keep you posted about each step.

Step 1: Apply and pay (Lodgement)

You can apply online via VicSmart if your project involves only minor works. It’s the fastest way to get a permit. Visit the VicSmart website to see if you’re eligible.

Please submit all other applications on our Yarra eServices portal. You can prepare your application yourself or ask a professional to help you – for example, an architect, building designer or planner.

Visit our apply for a planning permit page to understand which documents you need.

Do you need advice?

Our planning team is happy to discuss your project with you before you apply. They can help you spot any potential issues early and provide guidance in line with the requirements of the Yarra Planning Scheme.

Book a pre-application meeting

Step 2: Preliminary Assessment

Our planners review your application to check if anything is missing. We’ll contact you if we need more information.

Step 3: Notification and Referrals

Neighbours must get a chance to comment on some planning applications. If this is the case, we will publish your application on our website for at least 14 days and notify people of the application being made with details of how to lodge an objection if they wish. We will also send letters to your neighbours and put up a sign on your property site.

We may also ask other officers or external experts to review your proposal.

Step 4: Post-notification

We will share all feedback with you at the end of the notice period. We’ll also write a report.

You’re welcome to contact our planners and discuss ways to modify your project, if necessary. If you change your plans, we may need the application to be formally amended and for notification to occur again.

Step 5: Assessment

Depending on the complexity of your project, one or several of our senior planners will assess your application in detail.

Some projects are required to go to our Planning Decisions Committee. At a committee meeting we’ll invite you and all other parties to voice your concerns and arguments during a hearing, after which the committee will make a decision.

Step 6: Decision

You can expect one of three outcomes:

1. We give you a permit. Often this occurs when there are no objections to your application.
2. We give you a permit with conditions that may require changes to your proposal, or restrict your proposal. 
   
   If your application did receive objections and your application is supported by Council, we will notify the public. If a member of the public still wants to object, they can take the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) within 28 days.
   
    
3. We refuse you a permit. This can happen even if there are no objections.

Find out more about decisions and appeals

Step 7: Appeal the decision

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) can choose to review our decision if you or someone else asks them to. Visit the VCAT website to ask for a review and learn more.