A planning permit will be required to externally paint a building if your property is in the Heritage Overlay and:

• Your property is in a Heritage Overlay that contains external paint controls, and
• You want to paint a surface that is currently unpainted

To check the property’s heritage overlay schedule visit Vicplan and search the affected property address. You can check the Yarra planning scheme to find out if external paint controls apply to the Heritage Overlay Schedule that affects your property.

Yes, a permit is required if the painting constitutes an advertisement or sign.

Internal paint controls are rare, but they sometimes apply.

You can check the Yarra planning scheme to find out if internal paint controls apply to your address.

If internal paint controls apply to your property, a permit is required before carrying out internal painting.

Some properties that are on the Victorian Heritage Register may require a permit from Heritage Victoria for internal painting.

• Completed application form, which you will fill in online when you lodge your application.
• A recent copy of Certificate of Title from Landata that’s no more than 3 months old, including a full copy of any restrictive covenants or section 173 agreements.
• The applicable Fee. You can learn more about fees here.
• A full set of plans which must include:
  • A site plan showing:
    • The title boundaries of the site
    • The location of existing buildings on the site
    • The location of the area that is proposed to be painted   
  • Existing and proposed elevation drawings to scale showing the area and colour to be painted

• A cover letter to explain your project. This is especially helpful if your proposed paint is not of a typical design or colour used within the area.
• Written justification about how your proposal responds to local heritage policy within the City of Yarra.
• Details regarding the surrounding neighbourhood context.  

• A materials schedule which includes images and/or samples if an effective way to display the colour, and design (if applicable) of your proposed painting.
• For this type of application, you may be able to prepare the plans yourself. You may be able to use annotated photographs and representative imagery. Alternatively, you may wish to engage a person suitably qualified to prepare architectural plans which are typically clearer.
• Applications for external painting are eligible for VicSmart processing. Learn more about VicSmart.