Overview
On 22 February 2022, the Victorian government passed the Sex Work Decriminalisation Act 2022, decriminalising sex work in Victoria.
The Victorian government decriminalised sex work to achieve better public health and human rights outcomes for all Victorians.
More information is available about decriminalising sex work in Victoria.
Changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes
To support the decriminalisation of sex work, the planning rules are changing.
The changes mean a sex services business will now be treated like any other business, subject to the same rules and regulations.
This is made possible by Amendment VC217, which makes changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes.
Amendment VC217 commences on 1 December 2023.
Find out more about Amendment VC217
What’s changing?
As of 1 December 2023, a sex services business can operate exactly the same as any other business in Victoria.
Where can a sex services business operate?
Under the new rules, a sex services business can operate anywhere a shop can.
Where the use of land for a shop is permitted, a sex services premises will also be permitted and will be subject to the same conditions and requirements that apply to a shop in all zones.
To find out more go to Planning Advisory Note 79: Amendment VC217 - Decriminalising sex work (PDF, 105.5 KB) or (DOCX, 33.8 KB)
Can my neighbour start a sex work business from their home?
Under the new rules, anyone can undertake sex work from their home, subject to certain conditions.
These include the home being the person’s principal place of residence, and that the business does not adversely affect the amenity of the neighbourhood.
If a neighbour is concerned that a home based sex work business is adversely affecting the amenity of the area, they can report it to their local council.
To find out more go to Planning Advisory Note 79: Amendment VC217 - Decriminalising sex work (PDF, 105.5 KB) or (DOCX, 33.8 KB)
What’s the planning process for setting up a sex services business?
The planning process for a sex services business will be the same as any other business.
Standard requirements and exemptions for the development of land will apply to a sex services premises in the same way as for other uses.
Are there any rules around signage for a sex services business?
The sign requirements for a sex services business will be the same as any other business.
There are no specific requirements in the planning scheme for signs associated with sex work.
The content of signs is not regulated by the planning scheme.
Advisory note
The department has prepared a planning advisory note explaining the changes introduced by Amendment VC217
- Planning Advisory Note 79: Amendment VC217 - Decriminalising sex work (PDF, 105.5 KB) or (DOCX, 33.8 KB)
More information
If you have any questions about street-based sex work, child welfare, local laws or content of signs please refer to the Department of Justice and Community Safety website.
- WorkSafe to learn about matters relating to workplace health and safety.
- Department of Health for information on the health response to the sex work reforms.
- Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission for information about your rights regarding discrimination.
- Consumer Affairs Victoria for information about licensing and regulation of sex work service providers.
- Victoria Police for information about the role of Victoria Police as Victoria transitions to the decriminalisation of sex work.
Contact us
For enquiries about Amendment VC217 please email Planning Systems.
Page last updated: 28/06/22