Learn about the planning system in Victoria and the information and services available to assist you
A detailed guide for both infrequent and regular users of Victoria's planning system.
Find guidance for practitioners on applying and drafting planning provisions.
The Minister for Planning's has a range of powers, roles and responsibilities including the issuing of Ministerial directions.
Local councils make most of the planning decisions that affect local areas. Find out about the role of councils and how to get local planning information.
Explore the wide range of planning services offered by the department.
Learn what planning schemes are and how they work
Access all planning schemes in Victoria including the Victoria Planning Provisions and scheme histories.
Get a planning report for a property, land parcel or crown land showing planning zones, overlays and related information.
Search for and view details of exhibited and approved amendments to Victorian planning schemes.
Navigate your planning scheme with an explanation of each component and section, and learn about the Victoria Planning Provisions and incorporated documents.
Online planning services and tools that provide you with planning information for your property.
Find templates and information for planning professionals who prepare and process amendments.
View a list of ministerial interventions for the current and previous years by the Minister for Planning in Victoria.
Understand the different planning approval pathways in Victoria
Find out if you need a permit, how to apply for one and the permit process.
A faster way of dealing with low-impact, straightforward planning permit applications known as VicSmart planning assessment.
View a list of applications and decisions on planning permits where the Minister for Planning is responsible for making the decision.
Find out if there are additional permit requirements for your application.
Accelerated assessment and determination for eligible development projects.
Learn how approvals are being streamlined to support Victoria's economic recovery and investment in social and affordable housing.
Learn about the coordinated services and delivery of Victoria’s major transport and infrastructure projects.
The concierge helps coordinate and streamline approvals to get state projects delivered by industry and government agencies off the ground faster.
The planning of a network of vibrant community hubs known as activity centres
The planning system's role in protecting our airports, their operations and the communities around them
The Better Apartments Design Standards have been introduced to improve the liveability and sustainability of apartments in Victoria
Learn more about planning for buffers and land use compatibility.
Learn how the planning and building systems respond to bushfire
Planning controls to guide the future development of Melbourne's central city
Planning for the protection and enhancement of Victoria's coastal areas
Learn about the draft Amendment C211 to the Darebin Planning Scheme and draft Planning Permit that applies to 30 St Georges Road, 32-36 Oakover Road and 47, 49 Showers Street in Preston
Learn about the role of planning schemes to support decriminalising sex work
Planning considerations for development abutting or near existing dams
Amendments to the Planning and Environment Act were introduced in 2018 to safeguard the state's distinctive areas and landscapes
Guide to effective stakeholder engagement when planning settlements in areas exposed to natural hazards and climate change risk
Learn about how we are planning for future management of Victoria’s extractive resources
Learn about the Future Homes project, the designs, and specific information for builders and developers
The Government Land Service changes planning provisions and corrects planning scheme anomalies for Victorian government land
The Great Ocean Road Region Strategy plans for the region's future land use and transport demands
Green wedges are the non-urban areas of metropolitan Melbourne that lie outside the Urban Growth Boundary
Learn how the Victorian Government is strengthening planning for Melbourne’s green wedges and agricultural land to ensure these areas are protected and supported for future generations.
Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC), a fund for essential infrastructure development in Melbourne’s growth areas of Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham.
Learn about the new guidelines on preparing a proposal to redevelop a golf course
The initiatives and reforms to the planning system to be introduced as part of the Victorian Government's housing strategy
Infrastructure Contributions fund the provision of essential infrastructure to support new or growing communities
The Latrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy: Regional Land Use Study aims to guide the future land uses of rehabilitated mines and surrounding areas
Local councils are responsible for decisions about local heritage in Victoria
Planning considerations for areas around major hazard facilities
Amendment C408melb and planning permit PA2101202 is a proposed permit and amendment
Planning for industrial and commercial land to meet future needs
The importance of open space in the community and how it is planned
Find out about Plan Melbourne and the previous planning strategies for metropolitan Melbourne
The Victorian Government is committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing
Learn how the planning system supports environment protection.
Browse a list of planning policies and current initiatives
Learn about approved reforms that streamline planning for public and shared housing.
Streamlined approvals for reconstruction after storms and floods.
Learn about how we are helping rural and regional councils.
Regional Growth Plans provide a broad direction for land use and development across regional Victoria
The government is considering planning scheme changes to create three new regional parks and a sports precinct
Amendment C273 proposes the use and development of an art gallery, function centre, restaurant and two dwellings known as the ‘Rosemaur Gallery’ at 193-209 King Road, Harkaway
Learn how the Smart Planning program has contributed to making Victoria's planning system efficient and responsive
The planning process to consider proposals for public housing estate renewal
Current planning protections against overshadowing for your rooftop solar system
Landscape assessment studies help to ensure that Victoria's landscapes are there for future generations to enjoy.
Safeguarding Victoria’s resources for future growth
Learn about amendment C371 that proposes to facilitate the use and development of land for a new campus for the University of Melbourne at 241 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne
Much of the high quality of life enjoyed across Melbourne and Victoria is achieved through good urban design
Explore Victoria’s waterways and find out what we’re doing to protect them from inappropriate development, safeguard public access and achieve greater biodiversity
Find information about Environment Effects Statements (EES), the assessment process in Victoria, and projects that have been referred for or are undergoing assessment
Browse the list of projects referred for decision on requirements for environmental assessment.
Browse a list of projects under assessment for environmental impact.
Learn about recently completed projects under the Environment Effects Act 1978 since 2007.
In Victoria, environment assessment of the potential environmental impacts or effects of a proposed development may be required. Learn about the process involved.
Learn how to submit an EES referral.
The department administers the integrated assessment and approvals processes under the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009 on behalf of the Minister for Planning.
Learn about the bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and Victoria for environmental assessment.
Download guidelines, advisory notes and forms relating to Environment Effects Statements.
Explore planning research topics and resources
Official state government projection of population and households.
Measuring population growth and change in Victoria.
Data about Victorian dwellings, vacant land and recent residential development.
Monitoring residential and industrial development and land supply.
View research reports prepared by the government on regional issues.
Explore insights into demographics, land use and development across Victoria.
View a list of recently released and past issues of Research Matters.
Learn about the legislative framework for Victoria's planning system
Learn about the Planning and Environment Act 1987, a key piece of planning legislation that provides the legal framework for Victoria’s planning system.
Learn about the Subdivision Act 1988, land consolidation, easements, common property and owners corporations.
Learn about regulations, which are statutory rules created under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Subdivision Act 1988.
Learn about the fees charged by state and local authorities for planning and subdivision services.
Learn about the penalties for failing to comply with the Planning and Environment Act 1987, a planning scheme or conditions on a planning permit.
Learn how the planning system interacts with restrictive covenants
Ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the state's building system
Learn what the Building Division is responsible for and how we fit within DELWP.
Information about the regulatory framework in Victoria.
The Expert Panel’s Framework for Reform discussion paper has now been released and is available for public comment on the Engage Victoria.
The Victorian Government is continually looking at ways in which the building system in Victoria can be improved to ensure the safety, liveability and sustainability of our built environment.
Learn about the various statutory boards and advisory committees.
Information about the various national building bodies.
Caravan parks are an important and valued part of the Victorian lifestyle and economy.
The Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 ensure that regulations are regularly reviewed to remain efficient and effective.
Learn about the safety requirements for private swimming pools and spas.
View the programs and teams committed to building a system that delivers safe, quality buildings.
Learn about voluntary agreements to fund cladding rectification works.
Access planning resources and publications including reports, forms, guidelines, incorporated documents and much more.
Browse our library of resources and publications.
Learn about the Planning Permit Activity Reporting System (PPARS) and the reports it produces.
Information about accessibility guidelines for presentation of maps and visual data.
View a list of Planning Advisory notes containing point-in-time information on a range of planning processes and topics
View a list of Planning Practice notes on a range of planning processes and topics
Sign up for Planning Matters, a weekly email containing information on new planning scheme amendments, planning project updates and publications.
VicSmart checklists (PDF, 933.7 KB) or (DOCX, 617.7 KB)
Page last updated: 27/08/20