VicSmart is a streamlined assessment process for straightforward planning permit applications.

The Victorian government decides which applications can be processed under VicSmart. 

Examples of VicSmart applications include:

• Application for a fence (front, side and rear)
• Application for a roller door.
• Installation of an air conditioning unit (not visible from the street).
  
  

Vicsmart applications are:

• Not advertised.
• Assessed against VicSmart provisions in the Yarra Planning Scheme.
• Not required to be referred to external authorities during the application process.
• May still require further information from you.
• Required to be determined by a planner within 10 business days (calculated from the time that the planner receives all relevant information).
  
  

The VicSmart process involves 4 simple steps:

1. Prepare: Check the planning scheme, discuss your proposal with us, pick up checklists and any other information.
2. Submit: Submit the application to us with all the required information.
3. Assess: Our planner will assess the application against pre-set criteria.
4. Decide: Our planner approves or refuses the application within 10 business days.
   
   

Submit your application

To check if your application qualifies, please refer to VicSmart's application checklists (PDF 934kB).

• Check the VicSmart website to see if your application can be fast tracked. 
• View Yarra Planning Scheme to check the planning controls that apply to your property
• Check for heritage overlays and zones
• Read the Planning permit process - seven step guide (PDF)

How can I make sure that my application is processed efficiently?

• Speak to your neighbours about your proposal before lodging your application.
• Seek professional advice from a planner or pre-application advice from one of our planners before lodging your application.
• Make sure that all of the required information is included in your application.
• Select one person (permit applicant) to be in contact with us.
• Work collaboratively with us and objectors (if there are any) at an early stage of the application process.

Pre-application meeting

You may also want to request a pre-application meeting to discuss any concerns or raise questions.

Request a pre-application meeting

Planning Property Enquiry

You may also want to request a Planning Property Enquiry.

Request a Planning Property Enquiry

• Obtain a recently 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.
• Obtain a Plan of Survey from a licensed land surveyor. 
• A covering letter explaining your proposal and any accompanying reports. This can include a planning report clearly identifying details of the proposed business such as operating hours and number of staff. 
• Provide a copy of any other detailed reports such as Sustainability Management Plan,  Traffic Management Plan / Traffic Impact Assessment or Acoustic Reports and a copy of your paid Metropolitan Planning Levy (if required).
• Electronic site and elevation plans prepared by a suitably qualified architect or draftsman drawn to scale. It should also clearly depict:
  • any existing and new buildings 
  • finished floor levels 
  • site levels 
  • setbacks from all boundaries 
  • wall and overall building heights taken from natural ground level at the building line as well at the boundary line 
  • car parking and accessway design 
  • proposed earthworks/areas of cut and fill along with retaining wall and fence details. 

How do I lodge my planning permit application?

You can ask a professional to lodge your application or you can prepare your application yourself.

Submit your application and supporting documents

How much do planning permits cost?

• Planning application fees are set by the Victorian government.
• The lodgement fee depends on the type of proposal.
• To find out more - visit the Planning and Subdivision Fees page. 

After checking your application:

• We may request further information from you.
• We may request referrals. 

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

We will process planning permit applications as quickly as possible. We're mindful of the time and financial pressures that applicants are often under.

Under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 we have 60 statutory days to make a decision on an application, unless the application qualifies for the VicSmart process. In the section below you can check if your application qualifies for VicSmart. 

Depending on the size, complexity and detail of the application it may take us longer than 60 days for us to process. Please include all the relevant information to ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible.

If required, your application will be advertised for at least 14 days.

This advertising usually involves: 

• a letter to your neighbours 
• a sign on the site of the property

Your advertised planning application will be made available to view online. People who are affected may submit an objection. 

• Consider any objections that have been raised
• We may hold a community meeting with all parties if needed
• Consider any referral comments
• Assess planning scheme provisions
• We prepare a report

The decision on your planning application will be either:

• Approval of a planning permit
• Notice to grant a planning permit
• Notice of refusal to grant a planning permit 

A review by VCAT is undertaken only if an application has been made by:

• Permit applicant against conditions or refusal
• Objector against notice of decision