Guide to Victoria’s Planning System

Using Victoria’s Planning System

Who is this guide for?

planning professionals, such as planners, local council, referral authorities
people who are new to planning, who may be applying for a permit or affected by a planning proposal
students, or anyone that wants to learn about our planning system

Introduction

The objectives of planning, the Victoria Planning Provisions and planning schemes.
Chapter 1: Planning schemes

Planning schemes are legal documents containing policies and provisions that control land use and development.
Chapter 2: Amendments

A change to a planning scheme map, the written part of the scheme, or both, is called an amendment.
Chapter 3: Planning permits

A planning permit is a legal document that allows a certain use or development to proceed on a specified parcel of land.
Chapter 4: Other procedures

Guide to certificates of compliance, planning certificates and building applications for demolitions.
Chapter 5: Reviews

Find out about the process for just and timely review of planning decisions.
Chapter 6: Acquisition and compensation

Find out how an authority can compulsorily acquire land for a public purpose.
Chapter 7: Enforcement

How we ensure compliance with the planning scheme, planning permits and agreements and prevent or stop breaches.
Chapter 8: Agreements

Understanding section 173 agreements, when to use them, and how to record, amend, review and enforce them.
Glossary

Glossary of terms used in the guide, and references used throughout.