Find out when you need a planning permit and which documents you need.
This information applies to:
- house extensions
- building a single house that is the only dwelling on the property.
To build a granny flat, a second home, or multiple homes on the same property, visit Build a second home or multiple homes.
When you need a planning permit
Planning permit requirements vary, depending on the land size, the zone, and any overlays applying to the property.
Land less than 300 square metres
For a new house or an extension, you need a permit if your land is less than 300 square metres and in a:
- Mixed Use Zone
- Residential Growth Zone
- General Residential Zone
- Neighbourhood Residential Zone.
To find out which zone your property is in, visit Zones and overlays.
If your land is less than 300 square metres, we assess your application against factors including:
- street setback
- building height
- overlooking
- overshadowing.
The goal is to make sure an extension or new house:
- blends in well with the neighbourhood’s character
- has reasonable standards for comfort, such as how much sunlight and fresh air the new part of the house should get
- is built in a way that makes sense for the specific piece of land, so it works well with the surroundings.
Land in an overlay
You need a planning permit if your land is in a:
- Heritage Overlay, including any demolition work. Learn more about demolitions and the Heritage Overlay and design guidelines.
- Neighbourhood Character Overlay
- Special Building Overlay
- Land Subject to Inundation Overlay.
You might need a planning permit if your land is in a:
- Design and Development Overlay
- Significant Landscape Overlay.
If your lot is affected by an overlay, how we assess the application depends on the overlay. For example, the Neighbourhood Character Overlay focuses on how the house fits within its neighbourhood whereas the Special Building Overlay focuses on flooding.
Find your property’s overlays.
Documents to prepare
When applying for a planning permit, you must supply the following documents.
General
- A Copy of Title, including relevant lot plan and any restrictions listed on title (you can get a title from land data)
- A written description of the proposed works
- A written response addressing how the proposal responds to the Clause 54 (ResCode) requirements.
Site plans - existing
North orientation at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200, including:
- title boundaries and dimensions (this can be found on the copy of title on the relevant lot plan)
- floor plans showing the existing site layout (basement, ground, first and second if applicable) and dimensioned accordingly, including setbacks from boundaries and dimensions of walls
- boundary fence information, including height and materials
- details of any features of the site, including sheds, crossovers, driveways, trees and pools
- details of adjoining properties and features near the boundary, such as windows.
Elevations - existing
At a scale of 1:100 or 1:200, including:
- elevations for all sides – North, South, East, and West
- window treatments, such as glazing and details of whether the windows are openable
- the overall height of the proposal from natural ground level. Floor to ceiling and ceiling to floor heights must also be shown.
Demolition plans and elevations (if needed)
North orientation at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200, including:
- address of the property
- the title boundaries and dimensions (find this on the copy of title on the relevant lot plan)
- details of the parts of the dwelling to be demolished
- site details and features as per the existing site plans.
Learn more about demolitions.
Site plan - proposed
North orientation at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200, including:
- title boundaries and dimensions (find this on the copy of title on the relevant lot plan)
- fully dimensioned proposed floor plans, including setbacks from boundaries and the dimensions of walls
- details as required from the existing site plans, but detailing all proposed changes.
Elevations - proposed
At a scale of 1:100 or 1:200, including:
- proposed elevations for all sides – North, South, East, and West
- boundary fence information, including height and materials, and a dotted line showing the top of the existing or proposed fence
- window treatments, such as glazing and details of whether the windows are openable
- the overall height of the proposal from natural ground level. Floor to ceiling and ceiling to floor heights must also be shown.
Additional plans
- Shadow diagrams prepared for 22 September
- Overlooking diagrams.
Additional information
Faster 10-day permit processing
You may qualify for a streamlined permit process called VicSmart.
To build or extend a house on a lot less than 300 square metres, VicSmart applications must meet these Clause 54 standards:
- A3 Street setback
- A10 Side and rear setbacks
- A11 Walls on boundaries
- A12 Daylight to existing windows
- A13 North-facing windows
- A14 Overshadowing open space
- A15 Overlooking.
To apply, select ‘VicSmart’ when prompted in your online planning permit application. Learn more about VicSmart.
Apply now
If you need a paper planning permit application form, including a VicSmart form, contact the planning department on 03 8290 3329.
Learn more about Applying for a planning permit.
You will also need a building permit.