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The amendment process

A planning scheme amendment may involve a change to a planning scheme map, a change to the written part of the scheme, or both.

Amendments can have significant planning implications and affect the wider community because they change the way land can be used or developed. They can also change the basis for making planning decisions in the future.

An individual can request an amendment to a planning scheme. The request should be discussed with the council. Planning authorities should contact us before submitting an amendment request.

Types of amendments

There are 4 types of amendments:

  • V amendment – makes changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions only
  • VC amendment - makes changes to the VPP and one or more planning schemes
  • C amendment – makes changes to one planning scheme only
  • GC amendment – makes changes to more than one planning scheme.

A combined permit and amendment process is available if both are required.

Learn more about planning scheme amendments.

1. Request an amendment

Amendment requests, including ministerial and prescribed amendments, must be submitted using the Amendment tracking system.

Planning authorities can proceed with a request by creating a draft amendment prior to submitting it to the Minister.

Planning Practice Note 46: Strategic assessment guidelines sets out what council should consider before amending its planning scheme.

When preparing an amendment planning authorities must have regard to Ministerial direction 15 – the planning scheme amendment process which sets times for completing steps in the planning scheme amendment process.

Additional information about timeframes:

2. Authorisation

Before an amendment can be prepared it must be authorised by the Minister for Planning. The purpose of authorisation is to identify whether a proposed amendment is consistent with state policy and interests, and to ensure it makes appropriate use of the VPP.

The Minister may also authorise another minister or public authority to prepare an amendment under section 9 of the Act.

Planning authorities are encouraged to discuss a proposed amendment with the relevant department office prior to seeking authorisation. We can provide advice about strategic issues related to the amendment, and which planning provisions would best achieve the intent. Early consultation with us will also help planning authorities to meet the timeframes outlined in Ministerial direction 15 – the planning scheme amendment process.

The Requesting Authorisation to Prepare a Planning Scheme Amendment guideline provides information to planning authorities on the process of requesting authorisation to prepare a planning scheme amendment under sections 8A, 8B and 9 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Requesting authorisation to prepare a planning scheme amendment

Planning authorities submit an authorisation request via the Amendment tracking system.

Explanatory report
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Explanatory Report [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Explanatory Report Authorisation
Notes Refer to Practice Note 46: Strategic Assessment Guidelines for help completing the explanatory report.
Amendment map sheets
Format PDF
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] [map sheet number] [type of map]Map(s) [planning scheme map(s) number affected] [amendment stage]

To delete a map, insert d- before the [type of map]

If more than one map, insert _ between each [planning scheme map(s) number affected]
Examples Gumnut C1gumn 001znMap1 Authorisation
Gumnut C1gumn 002ddoMap1 Authorisation
Gumnut C1gumn 005ho3Map8 Authorisation
Gumnut C1gumn vpoMap10 Authorisation
Gumnut C1gumn lsio-foMap12 Authorisation

More than one map:
Gumnut C1gumn 006emoMaps5_6_7_8 Authorisation

Delete a map/s:
Gumnut C1gumn 004d-ddo3Map8 Authorisation
Gumnut C1gumn 003d-ddoMaps2_3 Authorisation
Notes Map sheet numbers are located at the bottom right hand corner of maps prepared by the department Mapping service.
At authorisation stage, maps need to indicatively show the area being amended.
Use VicPlan or council’s GIS mapping services to prepare authorisation maps.
Authorisation maps must be submitted using the correct naming convention.
Amendment clauses and schedules
Format ATS Authoring
Instruction Run an interim publish to see what the final clause or schedule will look like.
For 'Name suffix' select: 'Authorisation'
Tick 'Produce PDF Comparisons'
Select 'Run interim publish' to create a track change document of the clause and schedule against the current version.
Example interim publish screen with Authorisationunder consideration selected and Produce PDF comparison checked
Notes Final form and track changes of ordinances do not need to be attached when lodging the amendment.
Contact us for advice on appropriate use of planning provisions and statutory drafting.
Draft planning permit (may be requested at authorisation stage)
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] [planning permit number] Draft Planning Permit [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn PG12345 Draft Planning Permit Authorisation

Templates for processing planning scheme amendment documents.

3. Prepare for exhibition

After the amendment has been authorised, a planning authority must:

  • conduct preliminary investigation
  • complete a strategic assessment
  • conduct consultation with relevant parties, including the department's regional office
  • prepare the amendment documentation.

If the amendment is given to the Minister under section 17(1)(c) of the Act, the planning authority must submit the exhibition documentation in the Amendment tracking system no less than 10 business days before it first gives public notice.

Panel hearing dates must be pre-set at least 25 days prior to notice of exhibition being given, to ensure that accurate information about the amendment is available when it is exhibited.

The planning authority must also arrange publication of the notice of the preparation in the Victorian Government Gazette.

The amendment must be submitted for exhibition in the Amendment tracking system.

Notice of Preparation of an Amendment
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Notice of Preparation of an Amendment [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Notice of Preparation of an Amendment Exhibition
Notes Refer to Practice Note 46: Strategic Assessment Guidelines for help completing the explanatory report.  
Explanatory report
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Explanatory Report [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Explanatory Report Exhibition
Notes Refer to Practice Note 46: Strategic Assessment Guidelines for help completing the explanatory report.
Amendment instruction sheet
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Instruction Sheet [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Instruction Sheet Exhibition
Notes Instruction sheet examples
Amendment map sheets
Format PDF
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] [map sheet number] [type of map]Map(s) [planning scheme map(s) number affected] [amendment stage]

To delete a map, insert d- before the [type of map]

If more than one map, insert _ between each [planning scheme map(s) number affected]
Examples Gumnut C1gumn 001znMap1 Exhibition
Gumnut C1gumn 002ddoMap1 Exhibition
Gumnut C1gumn 005ho3Map8 Exhibition
Gumnut C1gumn vpoMap10 Exhibition
Gumnut C1gumn lsio-foMap12 Exhibition

More than one map:
Gumnut C1gumn 006emoMaps5_6_7_8 Exhibition
 
Delete a map/s:
Gumnut C1gumn 004d-ddo3Map8 Exhibition
Gumnut C1gumn 003d-ddoMaps2_3 Exhibition
Notes We provide a free map preparation service to councils for planning scheme amendments.
A4 maps prepared by our map preparation service have a map sheet number allocated on the bottom right hand corner. A3 maps do not have a map sheet number.
Exact zoning and/or overlay changes should be clearly delineated.
Maps prepared by our map preparation service will use the correct naming conventions.
When inserting or deleting maps ensure the Schedule to Clause 72.03 is also part of the amendment to reflect this change.
Amendment clauses and schedules
Format ATS Authoring
Instruction Run an interim publish to see what the final clause or schedule will look like.
For 'Name suffix' select 'Exhibition'
Tick 'Produce PDF Comparisons'
Select 'Run interim publish' to create a track change document of the clause and schedule against the current version.
Example interim publish screen with Authorisationunder consideration selected and Produce PDF comparison checked
Notes Final form and track changes of ordinances do not need to be attached when lodging the amendment.
Contact us for advice on appropriate use of planning provisions and statutory drafting.
Incorporated documents
Format Word document or PDF
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Name of incorporated document [date of incorporated document] incorporated document [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Site Specific Control Subdivision Requirements May 2011 incorporated document Exhibition
Notes When referencing the incorporated document:
  • include month and a year in the incorporated document title
  • use the exact title of the incorporated document title including the date
  • all incorporate documents over 10MB must be split into parts and documented in the schedule.
Background documents
Format Word document or PDF
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Name of background document [date of background document] [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Site Specific Control Subdivision Requirements May 2017 Exhibition
Notes When referencing a background document:
  • include a month and a year in the background document title if applicable
  • use the exact title of the background document title including the date.
Draft planning permit
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] [planning permit number] Draft Planning Permit [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn PG12345 Draft Planning Permit Exhibition
Section 173 Agreements
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][address on the S173 Agreement] Section 173 Agreement [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn 14 Victoria Street, Gumnut Section 173 Agreement Exhibition
Any other prescribed documents and information relating to the exhibited amendment
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Document name [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Document name Exhibition

Templates for processing planning scheme amendment documents.

4. Exhibition

We will make the amendment publicly available to view on the day the first notice is given. During this time the community can make submissions to the planning authority (usually the council) about the amendment proposal.

We also list all amendments currently on exhibition.

5. Submissions, panels and advisory committees

This stage covers making submissions  and the consideration of submissions by an independent panel .

If there are submissions which cannot be resolved by the planning authority, the Minister for Planning will appoint an independent panel to consider submissions. When it receives the report from the panel, the planning authority must adopt the amendment, abandon the amendment or adopt the amendment with changes.

Browse amendments shows the progress of an amendment and panel reports.

6. Adoption

The planning authority considers all submissions and the panel report, and then decides whether to adopt or abandon the amendment.

7. Approval

After a planning authority has adopted an amendment, the amendment is submitted to the Minister for Planning for consideration and decision.

The amendment must be submitted in the Amendment tracking system with the prescribed information under section 31(1) of the Act.

Refer to Regulation 10 of the Planning and Environment Regulations 2015 for a list of the prescribed information to be submitted for the Minister.

Explanatory report
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Explanatory Report [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Explanatory Report Adopted
Notes Refer to Practice Note 46: Strategic Assessment Guidelines for help completing the explanatory report.
Amendment instruction sheet
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Instruction Sheet [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Instruction sheet Adopted
Notes Instruction sheet examples
Amendment map sheets
Format PDF
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] [map sheet number] [type of map]Map(s) [planning scheme map(s) number affected] [amendment stage]

To delete a map, insert d- before the [type of map]

If more than one map, insert _ between each [planning scheme map(s) number affected]
Examples Gumnut C1gumn 001znMap1 Adopted
Gumnut C1gumn 002ddoMap1 Adopted
Gumnut C1gumn 005ho3Map8 Adopted
Gumnut C1gumn vpoMap10 Adopted
Gumnut C1gumn lsio-foMap12 Adopted

More than one map:
Gumnut C1gumn 006emoMaps5_6_7_8 Adopted
 
Delete a map/s:
Gumnut C1gumn 004d-ddo3Map8 Adopted
Gumnut C1gumn 003d-ddoMaps2_3 Adopted
Notes We provide a free map preparation service to councils for planning scheme amendments.
A4 maps prepared by our map preparation service have a map sheet number allocated on the bottom right hand corner. A3 maps do not have a map sheet number.
Exact zoning and/or overlay changes should be clearly delineated.
Maps prepared by our map preparation service will use the correct naming conventions.
When inserting or deleting maps ensure the Schedule to Clause 72.03 is also part of the amendment to reflect this change.
Amendment clauses and schedules
Format ATS Authoring
Instruction Run an interim publish to see what the final clause or schedule will look like.
For 'Name suffix' select 'Adopted'
Tick 'Produce PDF Comparisons'
Select 'Run interim publish' to create a track change document of the clause and schedule against the current version.
Example interim publish screen with Authorisationunder consideration selected and Produce PDF comparison checked
Notes Final form and track changes of ordinances do not need to be attached when lodging the amendment.
Contact us for advice on appropriate use of planning provisions and statutory drafting.
Incorporated documents
Format Word document or PDF
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Name of incorporated document [date of incorporated document] incorporated document [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Site Specific Control Subdivision Requirements May 2011 incorporated document Adopted
NotesWhen referencing the incorporated document:
  • include month and a year in the incorporated document title
  • use the exact title of the incorporated document title including the date
  • all incorporate documents over 10MB must be split into parts and documented in the schedule.
Background documents
Format Word document or PDF
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Name of background document [date of background document] [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Site Specific Control Subdivision Requirements May 2017 Adopted
NotesWhen referencing a background document:
  • include a month and a year in the background document title if applicable
  • use the exact title of the background document title including the date.
Section 173 Agreements
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][address on the S173 Agreement] Section 173 Agreement [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn 14 Victoria Street, Gumnut Section 173 Agreement Adopted
Other prescribed information to accompany adopted amendment
Other prescribed informationA list of notices given under section 19(1) of the Act
A summary of action taken under sections 19(1B) if applicable, 19(2), 19(2A), 19(3) and 19(7) of the Act
Copies of any submissions or reports received on the amendment
If a panel is appointed under Part 8 of the Act:
  1. reasons why any panel recommendations were not adopted.
  2. report of the panel
A report on submissions not referred to a panel
A description of and reasons for, any changes made to the amendment before adoption
Draft permit
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][document name of the prescribed information] [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Document name Adopted

The amendment must be submitted in the Amendment tracking system with the prescribed information under section 31(1) of the Act.

Refer to Regulation 10 of the Planning and Environment Regulations 2015 for a list of the prescribed information to be submitted for the Minister.

Explanatory report
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Explanatory Report [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Explanatory Report Approval
Notes Refer to Practice Note 46: Strategic Assessment Guidelines for help completing the explanatory report.
Amendment instruction sheet
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Instruction Sheet [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Instruction sheet Approval
Notes Instruction sheet examples
Amendment map sheets
Format PDF
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] [map sheet number] [type of map]Map(s) [planning scheme map(s) number affected] [amendment stage]

To delete a map, insert d- before the [type of map]

If more than one map, insert _ between each [planning scheme map(s) number affected]
Examples Gumnut C1gumn 001znMap1 Approval
Gumnut C1gumn 002ddoMap1 Approval
Gumnut C1gumn 005ho3Map8 Approval
Gumnut C1gumn vpoMap10 Approval
Gumnut C1gumn lsio-foMap12 Approval

More than one map:
Gumnut C1gumn 006emoMaps5_6_7_8 Approval
 
Delete a map/s:
Gumnut C1gumn 004d-ddo3Map8 Approval
Gumnut C1gumn 003d-ddoMaps2_3 Approval
Notes A4 maps prepared by our map preparation service have a map sheet number allocated on the bottom right hand corner. A3 maps do not have a map sheet number.
Exact zoning and/or overlay changes should be clearly delineated.
We provide a free map preparation service to councils for planning scheme amendments.
Maps prepared by our map preparation service will use the correct naming conventions.
When inserting or deleting maps ensure the Schedule to Clause 72.03 is also part of the amendment to reflect this change.
Amendment clauses and schedules
Format ATS Authoring
Instruction Run an interim publish to see what the final clause or schedule will look like.
For 'Name suffix' select 'Approval'
Tick 'Produce PDF Comparisons'
Select 'Run interim publish' to create a track change document of the clause and schedule against the current version.
Example interim publish screen with Authorisationunder consideration selected and Produce PDF comparison checked
Notes Final form and track changes of ordinances do not need to be attached when lodging the amendment.
Contact us for advice on appropriate use of planning provisions and statutory drafting.
Incorporated documents
Format Word document or PDF
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Name of incorporated document [date of incorporated document] incorporated document [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Site Specific Control Subdivision Requirements May 2011 incorporated document Approval
NotesWhen referencing the incorporated document:
  • include month and a year in the incorporated document title
  • use the exact title of the incorporated document title including the date
  • all incorporate documents over 10MB must be split into parts and documented in the schedule.
Background documents
Format Word document or PDF
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][planning scheme suffix] Name of background document [date of background document] [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Site Specific Control Subdivision Requirements May 2017 Approval
NotesWhen referencing a background document:
  • include a month and a year in the background document title if applicable
  • use the exact title of the background document title including the date.
Section 173 Agreements
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][address on the S173 Agreement] Section 173 Agreement [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn 14 Victoria Street, Gumnut Section 173 Agreement Approval
Other prescribed information to accompany adopted amendment
Other prescribed informationA list of notices given under section 19(1) of the Act
A summary of action taken under sections 19(1B) if applicable, 19(2), 19(2A), 19(3) and 19(7) of the Act
Copies of any submissions or reports received on the amendment
If a panel is appointed under Part 8 of the Act:
  1. reasons why any panel recommendations were not adopted.
  2. report of the panel
A report on submissions not referred to a panel
A description of and reasons for, any changes made to the amendment before adoption
Draft permit
Format Word document
Naming convention [Planning scheme] C[number][document name of the prescribed information] [amendment stage]
Example Gumnut C1gumn Document name Approval

Templates for processing planning scheme amendment documents.

An amendment becomes part of the planning scheme when it is approved and notice is published in the Victoria Government Gazette.

Ministerial intervention

The Minister for Planning has the power to intervene on matters associated with planning scheme amendments.

View a list of Ministerial amendment interventions.

Amendments on exhibition

Notice of public exhibition of amendments and approved amendments is published in the general Victoria Government Gazette every Thursday, or in special gazettes on other days, if necessary.

View amendments currently on exhibition and recently approved.

View all amendments to Victorian planning schemes.

Subscribe to Planning Matters to receive notification about planning scheme amendments.

Page last updated: 08/02/24