Updates
On 24 February 2023, incorporated documents will become available in Planning Schemes Online (PSO).
As part of the digital transformation of Victoria’s planning schemes, planning scheme ordinances, maps, amendments and histories are already available.
PDF maps will be available soon.
Incorporated documents
Using planning scheme incorporated documents
PSO now has improved search and filter capabilities when in a scheme’s incorporated documents.
Once the planning scheme has been selected you have the option to view its incorporated documents by selecting the incorporated documents tab.
You can search the documents using an amendment number or document name and filter using a date of operation, status or location.
Planning scheme histories
Using planning scheme histories
Planning scheme histories allow you to view a planning scheme (ordinance and maps) as it was at a certain point in time.
Once a planning scheme has been selected you have the option to view its history by selecting the histories tab.
This will take you to a list of all the histories to that planning scheme. The list provides a summary of the amendment which changed the planning scheme and the date it came into operation.
Planning scheme histories are available over 3 distinct time periods, which all have a different navigation format.
The 3 distinct time periods and their formats
These planning scheme histories are provided in a HTML format.
- Ordinance and maps are available via the navigator menu and tabs
- A combined PDF of the entire historic planning scheme is available
- After selecting an ordinance section, a PDF version can be opened or a copy obtained to paste into a Word or other text document.
Planning scheme histories for this time period are available in a table format with tabs for ordinance and maps. These documents are all available in pdf format
Planning scheme records from 1946 to the introduction of Victoria's 'new format' planning schemes (1997-2000) may be viewed at Public Record Office Victoria (PROV).
By selecting the link, you will be taken to a page that lists the content of series held at PROV with instructions on how to access the series information.
Ordinance
Navigating a planning scheme
Planning schemes contain maps and ordinance. Policies and written clauses are under the ‘Ordinance’ tab, and the ‘Maps’ tab will show where zones and overlays apply.
Find out more about planning schemes.
To navigate within a planning scheme, use the menu on the left of the planning scheme by selecting the ˅ icon to expand sections. This reveals the clauses, sub–clauses and schedules as you continue to expand. Select the title in the menu to display ordinance information.
To close, use the ˄ icon, or ‘Collapse all’ at the top of the menu.
Search within a planning scheme
To find a specific ordinance in a planning scheme use the search on the left of the planning scheme. You can search by:
- an ordinance number, for example, ‘23.02’
- keywords, for example, ‘biodiversity’ or ‘bushfire’
- a map code, such as DDO24 or HO23
- an amendment number, such as C123 or VC148
Search results show all instances of the search term used, check all results to see if the section you are looking for has been returned.
Copy a clause, sub clause or schedule
After locating a clause, sub-clause or schedule, open a PDF version or copy and paste by selecting an option next to the title.
The PDF option will open a downloadable PDF version of the section you are viewing only. The Copy option will save the ordinance you are viewing so you can paste it into a Word or other text document.
View more than one section at a time
To view more than one section, you can open clauses, sub-clauses and schedules in a new browser tab.
Navigate to a section in the planning scheme and right click on the title in the menu. Select the 'Open link in new tab' option and a new browser tab will open next to the current one.
Maps
Using interactive maps
You can use the maps to search for a property address, generate a planning report or view planning controls.
Select the 'Maps' tab and wait for the interactive map to load.
Select the search icon on the map and enter an address, then choose an address from the list of properties in the search box.
The map will take you to the selected address. Planning scheme zones and map sheet numbers are displayed by default on the map.
View planning controls for a property
After searching for an address, view planning controls applicable to a property on the map by selecting the ‘Planning controls’ option in the Property address popup. This will create a list of current policies for the property.
Select a planning control from the list to open the policy in a new browser tab.
View planning scheme overlays
To see planning scheme overlays, use the menu on the right-hand side of the map.
Check the ‘Planning scheme overlays’ option, and then select the overlay types you want to view on the map.
You can add or remove any of the map layers in the menu as required.
Page last updated: 23/02/23