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Issued 2018 to current
AN80: Telecommunications facilities Amendment VC226
This advisory note explains changes to the telecommunications planning provisions introduced by Amendment VC226 to the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) and all planning schemes which came into operation on 4 November 2022. It should be read in conjunction with the VC226 Explanatory Report.
Date published: January 2023
AN79: Amendment VC217 Decriminalising sex work
This advisory note explains changes to be introduced by Amendment VC217 to the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) and all planning schemes which will come into operation on 1 December 2023. It should be read in conjunction with the Amendment VC217 Explanatory Report.
Date published: June 2022
AN76: Non government schools Amendment VC165
This advisory note provides information about the introduction of planning scheme provisions to streamline the planning process for non-government schools.
Date published: December 2019
AN75: Stormwater management Amendment VC154
This advisory note provides information about the changes made to the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes by Amendment VC154 to introduce new stormwater management provisions for urban development and amend State planning policies related to integrated water management.
Date published: October 2018
AN74: Amendment VC152
This advisory note provides information about the changes made to the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) and all planning schemes by Amendment VC152, relating to:
- Major hazard facilities
- Residential aged care facilities
- Public and shared housing.
Date published: October 2018
AN73: New requirements for a planning authority to consult Environment Protection Authority
Ministerial Direction No.19 and Ministerial Requirement for information ensure that a planning authority seeks early advice from Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) when undertaking strategic planning and preparing a planning scheme amendment that may result in significant impacts on the environment, amenity and human health due to pollution and waste.
Date published: October 2018
AN72: Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) and planning schemes Amendment VC148
This Advisory Note provides information about changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) and planning schemes introduced by Amendment VC148.
Date published: July 2018
AN71: Planning Policy Framework Amendment VC148
This Advisory Note provides information about the Planning Policy Framework (PPF) introduced by Amendment VC148.
Date published: July 2018
AN69: Amendment VC143
This advisory note provides information about Amendment VC143 which makes changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes to improve the operation of the residential zones.
Date published: May 2018
AN68: Bushfire State Planning Policy Amendment VC140
This advisory note clarifies the operation of the updated framework and strategies introduced by Amendment VC140, which updated policy in Clauses 10 and 13.05 in the State Planning Policy Framework to provide more directive strategies to manage bushfire risk in planning and decision making.
Date published: March 2018
AN67: Amendment VC142
This advisory note provides information about Amendment VC142 which makes changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) and planning schemes arising from the Smart Planning Program.
Date published: January 2018
Issued 2013 to 2017
AN66: New planning provisions for apartment developments Amendment VC136
Provides information about the changes made to the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes by Amendment VC136 to introduce new standards for apartment developments in Victoria.
Date published: April 2017
AN65: Yarra River Protection Planning Controls Amendment GC48
Date published: February 2017
AN64: Transitional arrangements for metropolitan growth area infrastructure contributions
Sets out transitional arrangements for levying infrastructure contributions in metropolitan greenfield growth areas upon commencement of the new Infrastructure Contributions Plan System on 27 October 2016, to ensure a smooth transition from the existing Development Contributions Plan System.
Date published: October 2016
AN63: Planning and Environment Amendment (Recognising Objectors) Act 2015
Provides guidance about the requirement that responsible authorities and VCAT consider the number of objectors to a permit application in considering whether a proposed use or development may have a significant social effect.
Date published: October 2015
AN62: Bushfire replacement buildings Amendment VC119
AN62 provides information about the changes to Clause 52.39 – Bushfire – Replacement Buildings made by Amendment VC119.
Date published: April 2015
AN61: VC124 Changes to wind energy facility provisions and vegetation provisions
Amendment VC124 amends the wind energy facility provisions to reduce the allowable distance of a turbine to a dwelling from two kilometres to one kilometre with the landowner's consent. It also makes the Minister for Planning the responsible authority for all planning permit applications for the use and development of a wind energy facility. This advisory note provides information about these changes.
Date published: April 2015
AN56: Planning for Ports and their Environs
An overview of changes made through Amendments VC94 and VC112 to protect the ongoing operation of Victoria’s commercial trading ports. It provides guidance and information to applicants and responsible authorities about preparing and assessing a permit application on port land and its environs.
Date published: October 2014
AN55: VicSmart Planning Assessment
VicSmart Plannng Assessment is a planning permit process for straight forward proposals. Amendment VC114 introduces the VicSmart planning assessment provisions into the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes.
Date published: August 2014
AN54: Stage 2 of the Planning and Environment Amendment (General) Act 2013
Information about Stage 2 of the Planning and Environment Amendment (General) Act 2013 (the General Act), which introduces process improvements to reduce paperwork, simplify key planning processes and promote quick decision making.
Stage 2 includes amendments to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Subdivision Act 1988 as well as consequential amendments to the Planning and Environment Regulations 2005, the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes, and the Ministerial Direction on the Form and Content of Planning Schemes and Minister’s Directions No.11 - Strategic Assessment of Amendments and No.15 - The Planning Scheme Amendment Process.
Date published: October 2013
AN53: Reformed Rural Zones for Victoria
Information about the reformed rural zones introduced into the Victoria Planning Provisions by Amendment VC103. It explains why the rural zones were reformed, their main features and how the reformed rural zones affect planning schemes, permits and permit applications.
Date published: September 2013
AN52: Reformed Residential, Commercial and Industrial Zones for Victoria
Information about the reformed zones introduced into the Victoria Planning Provisions by Amendment V8 and Amendment VC100. It explains why the zones were reformed, their main features, their implementation and how the reformed zones affect planning schemes, permits and permit applications.
Date published: July 2013
AN51: Commencement of Stage 1 of the Planning and Environment Amendment (General) Act 2013
Information about the commencement of Stage 1 of the Planning and Environment Amendment (General) Act 2013 (the General Act). The General Act implements a number of government election commitments and introduces process improvements and red tape reductions to reduce paperwork, simplify key planning processes and promote quick decision making. It amends the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and public open space requirements in the Subdivision Act 1988 and makes consequential amendments to the Local Government Act 1989.
Date published: July 2013
AN49: Amendment VC81 Telecommunications Services and Facilities in Subdivisions
The Victorian Government has been working with the Commonwealth’s Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy to review and upgrade the associated statutory controls and regulations. Amendment VC81, introduced on 18 February 2013, amends the Victoria Planning Provisions to simplify the planning processes associated with the delivery of telecommunications facilities in new subdivisions.
Date published: June 2013
AN48: Ministerial Direction No. 15 - The Planning Scheme Amendment Process
Information about Ministerial Direction No.15 which sets times for completing steps in the planning scheme amendment process.
Date published: September 2012
AN47: Amendments VC82 and VC91 Changes to Wind Energy Facility Provisions
Information about changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes made by Amendments VC82 and VC91.
Date published: July 2012
AN46: Bushfire Management Overlay Mapping Methodology and Criteria
Outlines the mapping methodology and criteria used to determine where the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) will apply.
Date published: August 2013
AN41: New Subdivision (Procedures) Regulations 2011
Information about the new Subdivision (Procedures) Regulations 2011 - to regulate the plan certification process and associated matters - which commenced on 8 October 2011 and revoked the Subdivision (Procedures) Regulations 2000.
Date published: October 2011
AN40: Amendment VC83 - Bushfire Protection Planning Provisions
Information about the bushfire planning provisions introduced by Amendment VC83 including Clause 13.05 – Bushfire, the Local Planning Policy Framework, the Bushfire Management Overlay Clause 44.06, Bushfire protection: planning requirements Clause 52.47, Bushfire protection: exemptions Clause 52.48, native vegetation Clauses 52.16 and 52.17 and overlays which seek to manage vegetation, Decision guidelines Clause 65, Referrals Clause 66 and Definitions Clause 72.
Date published: November 2011
AN39: Amendment VC83 - Bushfire protection - Vegetation Exemptions
Information about new Clause 52.48 Bushfire protection: exemptions, which provides vegetation removal exemptions around buildings used for accommodation and along fence lines
Date published: November 2011.
AN35: Amendment VC78 - Wind Energy Facility Provisions - Clause 52.32
Information about changes made by Amendment VC78 to promote greater consideration of the effects of a Wind energy facility proposal on the local community, include additional application requirements, amend the decision guidelines, make local councils the responsible authority for all wind energy facility permits and updating reference to the most recent edition of the Policy and Planning Guidelines.
Date published: March 2011
AN33: Amendment VC83 - Community Fire Refuge and Private Bushfire Shelter Exemptions
Detail about the new planning permit exemptions for buildings and works associated with a community fire refuge and a private bushfire shelter at Clauses 52.48-3 and 52.48-4.
Date published: November 2011
AN31: Amendment VC71: The Revised State Planning Policy Framework
Information about changes made by Amendment VC71 which introduces a revised State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF), policies from Melbourne @ 5 Million and the Victorian Integrated Housing Strategy into the SPPF, a new Clause 52.46 for brothels, and a change to Clause 52.02 Easement, Restrictions and Reserves.
Date published: September 2010
AN30: Amendment VC68 Delivering Melbourne's Newest Sustainable Communities
Information about the changes made by Amendment VC68 which facilitate key policy directions of Melbourne 2030: a planning update – Melbourne @ 5 million, The Victorian Transport Plan and Freight Futures: Victorian Freight Network Strategy, integrated land use and transport initiatives of Delivering Melbourne’s Newest Sustainable Communities, expanding the Urban Growth Boundary around Melbourne’s growth areas and the designation of non-urban land and land potentially suitable for urban development, reserving land for the Regional Rail Link Section 2 (west of Werribee to Deer Park) and the Outer Metropolitan Ring / E6 Transport Corridor establishing grassland reserves in Melbourne’s west.
Date published: August 2010
AN29: Amendment VC66 Regional Blueprint
Information about changes - including introducing the Regional Victoria Settlement Framework, settlement hierarchy and regional settlement principles - that affect the policy and strategic context for planning for development in regional and rural Victoria by changing Clauses 12 and 14 of the State Planning Policy Framework, and which establish a consistent projected population growth period of 15 years across Victoria for considering land supply.
Date published: July 2010
AN28: Amendment VC69 Waste Transfer and Materials Recycling Facilities
Explains the changes made by Amendment VC69 to the Victoria Planning Provisions and planning schemes to provide guidance on the application of Clause 52.10 – Uses with adverse amenity potential for the new resource recovery purpose group, and on the new particular provision for resource recovery facilities at Clause 52.45, and outlines the intention for further changes to the waste transfer and materials recycling facility provisions.
Date published: August 2010
AN27: The New State Planning Policy Framework
Detail about the revised State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF). Amendment VC71 introduced a revised SPPF, modernised with new themes and an improved structure, to accommodate new and emerging state policies, improve policy expression and help strengthen its links with the Local Planning Policy Framework.
Date published: September 2010
AN25: New Car Parking Provisions
Information about changes to the car parking provisions in Clause 52.06 of the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes, and the new Parking Overlay to be introduced to the VPP. It explains the background to and main features of the new car parking provisions and how they affect existing uses, permit applications and approved parking precinct plans.
Date published: June 2012
AN22: Amendment VC60
Information about changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions and planning schemes made by Amendment VC60 about renewable energy, wind and solar energy facilities, maritime precinct policy, river health, broiler farms, native vegetation exemptions, subdivision of land in more than one zone and minor matters including construction of cat cages and other domestic animal enclosures.
Date published: September 2009
AN19: Amendment VC56 - Government Funded Social Housing
Information about the introduction of Clause 52.41 Government funded social housing which supports the development of social housing projects funded under the Social Housing Initiative – part of the Commonwealth’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.
Date published: May 2009
AN18: Amendment VC56 - Government Funded Education Facilities
Information about the introduction of Clause 52.40 Government funded education facilities which supports the development of school facilities funded under the Building Education Revolution Program – part of the Commonwealth’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.
Date published: May 2009
AN17: New Exemptions for Native Vegetation Removal in Planning Schemes
Information about the exemptions for native vegetation removal introduced as part of Amendment VC49, affecting Clauses 52.17 as well as the Environmental Significance, Vegetation Protection, Significant Landscape, Erosion Management and Salinity Management Overlays. These provisions require that a planning permit be obtained to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation. Each provision also includes specific exemptions that enable native vegetation to be removed without the need for a planning permit if it is related to certain activities.
Date published: September 2008
AN16: Amendment VC49
Information about changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions and planning schemes made by Amendment VC49 including: removal of permit requirements for minor matters; changes to the Heritage Overlay and Clause 52.05 advertising sign provisions; new exemptions for native vegetation removal in Clause 52.17 and a number of environmental and land management overlays; revised provisions for native vegetation precinct plans; changes to referral and notice requirements for certain matters; introduction of public transport considerations for new development.
Date published: September 2008
AN14: New Planning Provisions for Melbourne Airport
Advises about the background to the introduction of the new Melbourne Airport Environs Overlay controls into the Victoria Planning Provisions, the application of the new Overlay controls, their main features and how they affect existing uses, permits, permit applications and approved development.
Date published: May 2007
AN13: Interim Provisions for Structure Plans
Advice about how to request interim provisions for structure plans, when the Minister will agree to introduce interim provisions for structure plans and how interim provisions for structure plans are implemented in the planning scheme.
Date published: March 2007
AN11: Reducing amendment timeframes
Information about action taken by the Department of Sustainability and Environment to: reduce timeframes for responding to amendments initiated by councils including the performance targets for amendment processes; reduce amendment timeframes and future changes to streamline amendments.
Date published: February 2007
AN09: Changes to the gaming provisions in planning schemes
Information about changes in 2006 to the gaming provisions in the Victoria Planning Provisions and planning schemes, including changes to Clauses 19, 52.28 and 72.
AN06: Changes to the planning scheme amendment process
Information and advice about the changes to the planning scheme amendment process under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 as amended by the Planning and Environment (General Amendment) Act 2004. Covers: authorisation to prepare and procedures for approval of an amendment and for approval by a planning authority; certification; effect on current amendments and on amendments in Green Wedge areas.
Date published: May 2005
AN05: Changes to the planning permit process
Information and advice about the changes to the planning permit process under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 as amended by the Planning and Environment (General Amendment) Act 2004 including: what a time limit on further information means; how an application can be amended; what the responsible authority and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal must consider when making a decision; how a permit can be amended; and transitional provisions.
Date published: May 2005
AN04: Interim Height Limits for Neighbourhood Centres
Information and advice about how to apply an interim height limit to a neighbourhood centre and the provisions of the DDO schedule: Interim Neighbourhood Centre Height Limit Area.
Date published: November 2004
AN01: Planning provisions for Melbourne's Green Wedges
Information and advice about the Planning and Environment (Metropolitan Green Wedge Protection) Act 2003, Core Planning Provisions for Metropolitan Green Wedge Land and the application of zones to green wedge land.
Date published: November 2003
Page last updated: 11/12/23