A Planning Permit generally includes two documents:
- the planning permit itself
- the approved plan(s) which are commonly referred to as the ‘endorsed plans’.
Depending on the size and type of development approved, a planning permit may also include additional endorsed documents such as a Waste Management Plan (WMP), or a Construction management Plan (CMP).
If you have a planning permit, you must comply with all of the conditions on the planning permit and adhere to what is shown on the approved (endorsed) plans.
If you want to make changes, you can submit an application to amend a planning permit, the endorsed plan(s), or both.
Common examples of changes made to a planning permit:
Amending the permit:
- Example: You own a restaurant and want to change the hours that you operate that are controlled by a condition on your planning permit. You would need to apply to Council to amend the permit.
Amending the approved plans:
- Example: You want to change the design of an approved extension to your house. You would need to apply to apply to Council to amend the plans so that they show the new design.
Amend the permit and the approved plans:
- Example: You own a restaurant and want to increase seating by using a courtyard at the rear and have a liquor license so that your patrons can drink alcohol with their food. You would need to apply to apply to Council to amend both the permit and the approved plans.
What are the two types of amendments that can be considered?
- Section 72 Amendment:
This is for changes to the planning permit itself (permit conditions or permit preamble) and/or to approved plan(s) and it is named after the section of the Planning & Environment Act 1987 that allows a permit to be amended. This amendment follows the same process as a planning application process.
Important note: we cannot amend a permit if it was issued at the direction of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) if the Tribunal has directed that the responsible authority must not amend the permit.
- Secondary Consent Amendment:
This is for minor changes to plan(s) only. This amendment type cannot make changes to the planning permit itself (permit conditions or permit preamble). It is named after a provision for change given in a permit condition.
The Secondary Consent provision is not appropriate for an amendment that would normally require notification (advertising) of an application.
For example, some planning permits include conditions which end with the phrase “…must not be altered without the written consent of the Responsible Authority.” This means that you can apply in writing for secondary consent to make minor changes.
How do I apply?
Step 1: Search for your planning application
Planning applications portal
Step 2: Select your amendment
You'll find the section 'Available Actions for Planning Permit Applicant' at the bottom of the planning application. This is where you can apply for an amendment and submit your supporting documentation.
Online lodgement of Section 72 Amendments and Secondary Consent Amendments may not be available for some applications. If this option is not available, email [email protected] to get a manual application form.
Lodging the wrong type of amendment application can add additional time and cost to the processing of an application.
If you want to make plan changes, and would like to check whether your plan changes are ‘minor’ and can be considered as a Secondary Consent amendment application before lodging your application, you can email your plans to [email protected].
Step 3: Payment
Section 72 Amendment: We’ll email you an invoice to arrange payment 1 business day after you submit your application. Once payment is received, we’ll proceed with your application.
Secondary Consent: Payment is required at the time of lodgement.
What are the fees?
Learn more about fees for planning permits and subdivision.
A Planning Permit generally includes two documents:
- the planning permit itself
- the approved plan(s) which are commonly referred to as the ‘endorsed plans’.
Depending on the size and type of development approved, a planning permit may also include additional endorsed documents such as a Waste Management Plan (WMP), or a Construction management Plan (CMP).
If you have a planning permit, you must comply with all of the conditions on the planning permit and adhere to what is shown on the approved (endorsed) plans.
If you want to make changes, you can submit an application to amend a planning permit, the endorsed plan(s), or both.
Common examples of changes made to a planning permit:
Amending the permit:
- Example: You own a restaurant and want to change the hours that you operate that are controlled by a condition on your planning permit. You would need to apply to Council to amend the permit.
Amending the approved plans:
- Example: You want to change the design of an approved extension to your house. You would need to apply to apply to Council to amend the plans so that they show the new design.
Amend the permit and the approved plans:
- Example: You own a restaurant and want to increase seating by using a courtyard at the rear and have a liquor license so that your patrons can drink alcohol with their food. You would need to apply to apply to Council to amend both the permit and the approved plans.
What are the two types of amendments that can be considered?
- Section 72 Amendment:
This is for changes to the planning permit itself (permit conditions or permit preamble) and/or to approved plan(s) and it is named after the section of the Planning & Environment Act 1987 that allows a permit to be amended. This amendment follows the same process as a planning application process.
Important note: we cannot amend a permit if it was issued at the direction of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) if the Tribunal has directed that the responsible authority must not amend the permit.
- Secondary Consent Amendment:
This is for minor changes to plan(s) only. This amendment type cannot make changes to the planning permit itself (permit conditions or permit preamble). It is named after a provision for change given in a permit condition.
The Secondary Consent provision is not appropriate for an amendment that would normally require notification (advertising) of an application.
For example, some planning permits include conditions which end with the phrase “…must not be altered without the written consent of the Responsible Authority.” This means that you can apply in writing for secondary consent to make minor changes.
How do I apply?
Step 1: Search for your planning application
Planning applications portal
Step 2: Select your amendment
You'll find the section 'Available Actions for Planning Permit Applicant' at the bottom of the planning application. This is where you can apply for an amendment and submit your supporting documentation.
Online lodgement of Section 72 Amendments and Secondary Consent Amendments may not be available for some applications. If this option is not available, email [email protected] to get a manual application form.
Lodging the wrong type of amendment application can add additional time and cost to the processing of an application.
If you want to make plan changes, and would like to check whether your plan changes are ‘minor’ and can be considered as a Secondary Consent amendment application before lodging your application, you can email your plans to [email protected].
Step 3: Payment
Section 72 Amendment: We’ll email you an invoice to arrange payment 1 business day after you submit your application. Once payment is received, we’ll proceed with your application.
Secondary Consent: Payment is required at the time of lodgement.
What are the fees?
Learn more about fees for planning permits and subdivision.
