Understanding the required approvals is crucial before starting any large-scale development. We can help keep you on the right track. A large-scale development can include:
- Residential – more than 4 dwellings
- Non-Residential – greater than 500sqm
However, some of the permits and approvals described on this page may be applicable to smaller developments.
Several approvals might be required depending on the type of development or business uses which are proposed:
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Permit/Approval Types
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Planning
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Environment
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Public Land
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Civil Works
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Building
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Public Health
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Local Laws
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For land use, development, vegetation removal, signage and parking.
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For the removal or pruning of a Council tree.
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For the use of public land which may include the use of a road reserve or subterranean/ air rights.
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For drainage works and works carried out on the footpath, crossover, nature strip and roadway.
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To comply with building legislation.
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To comply with the Food Act and Public Health and Well Being Act.
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For any activity on the footpath including outdoor dining, selling or displaying goods, A-frame signs etc.
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The complexity of your project and the types of approvals that you require can impact upon application timeframes including whether Council needs to refer the application for specialist advice or request further information.
- Planning - 3 to 12 months
- Civil Works - 2 weeks to 3 months
- Public Health - 1 to 3 months
- Building - 1 to 2 months
- Local Laws - 2 weeks
- Environment - 1 to 2 weeks
- Public Land - 1 to 18 months
*Timelines are indicative only
Planning permit
Start by reviewing planning requirements to determine if you need a planning permit. A Planning Permit may be required for development, land use, vegetation removal, landscaping, signage and a car parking reduction.
Do I need a planning permit?
Once you have confirmed that a planning permit is required, you can seek assistance or advice prior to lodging your application by requesting a pre-application meeting.
Book a pre-application meeting
There are several steps involved when applying for a planning permit. Find out how to prepare and submit your planning permit application and learn more about the process
Planning Permit Application Process
If you are constructing or altering a building of five or more storeys, please refer to Council’s Quick Reference Guide to Constructing or altering a building of five or more storeys(PDF, 291KB) so that we may assist with ensuring your application is lodged in accordance with Council’s standards.
Check the wording of your planning permit carefully as it is expected that you comply with all the conditions. Once your planning permit is issued and plans have been endorsed, there are other permits and approvals that you may need before you can commence construction.
Follow this step-by-step process on obtaining the necessary approvals.
Drainage tapping permit
Required to connect your stormwater to a Council asset such as a pit, pipe or street outlet.
Apply for a drainage tapping permit
Development engineering plans
Applies to all developments including the construction of stormwater drainage, roads, footpath, and other related infrastructure.
Development Engineering Plans
Construction Management Plan
Required to show what the contractor must do during construction to protect the environment and to minimise disruption to the local community.
Construction Management Plan
Building permit
Required to build or renovate most commercial, industrial and residential developments.
Building permits
Council report and consent
Applies if works are proposed that differ from the Building Regulations, require special consideration or may impact community assets or infrastructure.
Report and consent (dispensation)
Asset protection permit
Applies if your project is likely to impact public assets or infrastructure.
Apply for an asset protection permit
Build over an easement
Required if you need consent from Council to build over an easement.
Apply to build over an easement
Protection of the public
Applies if your proposed building work is likely to impose a risk to the safety of the public.
Apply for protection of the public
Removal/pruning and replacement of Council trees
Required if the removal, pruning or replanting of a Council tree is required as part of your planning permit.
Request Council tree removal/pruning and replacement for development
Temporary occupation of road and Council land for works permit
Applies if you intend to temporarily occupy roads and Council lands for works.
Apply for a temporary occupation of road and Council land for works permit
Parks crossing permit
Required if you need to access a property through parks, reserves or links managed by Council.
Apply for a parks crossing permit
Road reserve permit
Required for excavation of Council’s land for works within the road reserve.
Apply for a road reserve permit
Vehicle crossing permit
Applies if you need to construct, remove, change or upgrade a vehicle crossing.
Apply for a vehicle crossing permit
Permanant occupation of public land for private and commercial use
Required for any permanent use of public land which may include the use of a road reserve or subterranean/ air rights. Such proposals will be subject to one or more separate statutory processes. The outcome of statutory processes is not guaranteed irrespective of whether a Planning Permit for the occupation/works has been issued.
For further details please contact Property Management at on 1300 322 322.
External authority consents
Applies to works which might impact upon any land or asset owned/managed by an External Authority such as VicTrack, Melbourne Water, South East Water etc.
After all required permits and approvals have been granted, you may begin construction.
All the conditions of your permits and approvals must be adhered to during the construction phase. You may be subject to penalties if you breach a permit or conduct works without the appropriate approvals in place.
Once construction is completed, follow the next steps on obtaining the relevant approvals.
Drainage inspection
Required when installation of drainage infrastructure is complete.
Apply for a drainage inspection
Certificate of final inspection/occupancy permit
Required to allow you to occupy the building after work is completed and approved.
Building permit process
If you are commencing a new use, you may need other permits and approvals. Read more about each approval below.
Please note that if you’re starting a hospitality, retail or beauty business, our Business Concierge can also help guide you through the process.
Ask our Business Concierge
Food business
All new food businesses must apply for registration under the Food Act 1984. Please visit Food Businesses for more information.
Footpath trading
Required if your business places items on the footpath outside of your business, or a neighbouring business with written approval, including outdoor dining, parklets (on road reserves), planter boxes, display of goods and temporary signage.
Footpath Trading & Parklet
Health and beauty businesses
Applies if you are starting a new health or beauty business, such as hairdressers, beauty parlours and cosmetic tattooing businesses.
Apply for a Health Business Permit
Swimming pool, spa pool, or water feature
Required for developments that incorporate any swimming pool, spa pool or interactive water feature.
Accommodation businesses
Required if you are starting a Rooming House, Hotel/Motel, Hostel, Student Dormitory or Residential Accommodation where persons can live on payment of consideration of the proprietor.
Apply for Prescribed Accommodation Business Permit
If you wish to learn more about approvals you need to commence your development, please contact Customer Service on 1300 322 322.