Councils make most of the planning decisions that affect their local government area. For example, they decide whether or not to grant a planning permit for a new use or development, and what permit conditions are appropriate.

Council decisions are based on what their local planning scheme allows. Councils develop planning controls for their local government area by preparing an amendment to their planning scheme and submitting it to the Minister for Planning for approval.

Contact your council planner

Councils can answer questions about planning in their local area. For example, you should call your local council to find out if something you want to do requires a planning permit. They can also explain the planning permit application process in your area.

Use Know your Council to find contact details and more information about your local council

Councils using online planning applications for subdivisions

In many areas you can apply for  subdivision certification online using SPEAR.

View the list of councils using online planning applications for subdivisions.

Search for planning applications in your area

Some councils make their planning application register available online. You may be able to view planning permit applications in your area.

Search for and visit your council's website

Planning permit activity in your area

Planning Permit Activity Reports provide an overview of the planning permits in each local government area.

Find out about planning permit activity in Victoria

View your local planning scheme

Select your local government area to view planning scheme maps and provisions.

Go to Planning Schemes Online

View planning scheme maps in an interactive format.

Use VicPlan to quickly find a property and get a planning property report

Use Planning Maps Online for planning information, drawing tools and custom maps

Get a free planning property report

Planning property reports include:

  • planning zones and overlays linked to the planning provisions
  • a planning zone map
  • planning overlays maps
  • Victorian Heritage Register information.

Download a free Planning Property Report for your property

View your local planning scheme amendments

Get up to date information on the status of amendments to all planning schemes in Victoria on the Planning Schemes Online website. Choose your planning scheme to view amendment documentation at each stage of the amendment process.

View a planning scheme amendment on Planning Schemes Online

View a list of amendment proposals currently on public exhibition

Page last updated: 07/04/22