Swimming pools and spas

Find out if you need a planning permit to install a pool or spa.

When you need a planning permit

Land in an overlay

You need a planning permit if your land is in a:

  • Special Building Overlay
  • Land Subject to Inundation Overlay

You might need a planning permit if your land is in a:

  • Neighbourhood Character Overlay
  • Heritage Overlay
  • Design and Development Overlay

To find out if your property is in an overlay, visit zones and overlays.

Faster 10-day permit processing

You may qualify for a streamlined permit process called VicSmart.

If you're eligible, apply for your planning permit online and select ‘VicSmart’ when prompted.

Learn more about VicSmart

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. A title can be obtained from land data.

Plans

Proposed plans and elevations at a scale of 1:100, including:

  • north orientation
  • address of the property
  • the title boundaries
  • existing levels and features of the site including the house, structures, fencing and trees.
  • location of the proposed pool or spa, including the location of pumps, equipment and paving.

Additional documents for land in an overlay

Land in a Heritage or Neighbourhood Character Overlay

Demolition plans and elevations, including:

  • north orientation and at a scale of 1:100
  • address of the property
  • the title boundaries and dimensions (this information can be found on the copy of title on the relevant lot plan)
  • details of buildings, structures or garden to be removed.

Apply now

If you need a paper planning permit application form, including a VicSmart form, contact the planning department on 03 8290 3329.

To learn more, visit Applying for a Planning Permit.

Register your pool or spa

You will also need to register your pool or spa to make sure it meets safety requirements. To find out how, visit swimming pools and spas.