VicSmart is a streamlined assessment process for straightforward planning permit applications. Classes of application are identified in the planning scheme as being VicSmart and have specified requirements for information, assessment processes and decision guidelines.
Key features of VicSmart include:
- a 10 day permit process
- applications are not advertised
- information to be submitted with an application and what council can consider is pre-set
- the Chief Executive Officer of the council or delegate decides the application.
Extension of VicSmart
The government has made three extensions and one minor modification to VicSmart since its original introduction.
In August 2020, Amendment VC186 introduced a new VicSmart Class for Secondary Dwellings in appropriate residential zones as a pilot in four planning schemes.
More information on the Secondary Dwellings Code
In March 2017, Amendment VC135 introduced new VicSmart classes for:
- building and works up to $1 million in industrial areas
- building and works up to $500,000 in commercial and some special purpose areas
- a range of low impact developments in rural areas (up to $500,000 in agricultural settings and $250,000 in more sensitive rural settings)
- small scale types of buildings and works in selected overlays
- subdivision, advertising signs and car parking.
In July 2017, Amendment VC137 introduced new VicSmart classes for:
- a single storey extension to a single dwelling where specific design criteria are met
- buildings and works up to $100,000 in residential zones, where not associated with a dwelling.
In January 2018, Amendment VC142 further modified VicSmart by:
- deleting the Loading and unloading of vehicles class of application
- including additional classes of development under the Heritage Overlay, including an electric vehicle charging station and services normal to a building (other than a dwelling).
In July 2018, Amendment VC148 integrated Vicsmart into applicable zones, overlays and particular provisions, and relocated operational and related provisions.
In August 2020, Amendment VC186 introduced a new VicSmart Class for Secondary Dwellings to facilitate the development of one additional small dwelling on the same lot as an existing dwelling in appropriate residential zones.
This class of application is part of a pilot program and only applies in the Greater Bendigo, Kingston, Merri-bek and Murrindindi Planning Schemes.
Do I qualify for VicSmart?
To be classed as a VicSmart application a proposal must:
- be one of the state application types
- meet all the criteria
- and be located in the specified zone or overlay.
Council may also have additional application classes listed in their planning scheme that can apply locally.
Where a proposal falls into more than one class of VicSmart application the requirements of each class need to be met.
Applicant's guide
How to apply under the Special Building Overlay
VicSmart Checklists
VCAT review process
Resources for councils
More information about the introduction of VicSmart and additional tools for councils are available.
More information
To find out whether your application is eligible for VicSmart, please contact your local council as the responsible authority for issuing planning permits.
Page last updated: 27/10/22