How to apply for a planning permit
Most people, at some stage, will want to make some changes to their home or property, and may need to lodge a planning permit application with Council.
The planning permit system ensures development in Yarra is managed effectively, is suitable for its surroundings, and considers possible environmental and heritage impacts.
For a simple explanation of what is involved in the different stages of the planning permit process, please refer to the Overview of the Planning Permit Process fact sheet.
Planning Permits Overview (128.90kB)
It is important to find out exactly what planning controls apply to your property before you begin. This information can be obtained via:
If you do not have a current certificated title, you can obtain one from the Land Information Center
How to apply for a planning permit
To make an appointment either telephone Planning Customer Service on 9205 5373 or visit the Urban Planning office at Richmond Town Hall. Bring a sketch map of your proposal and address details when meeting the planner (wherever possible).
Under the provisions of the Yarra Planning Scheme, some areas within the City of Yarra are affected by a Heritage Overlay. Within a Heritage Overlay, restrictions apply to any development, building or works. A Planning Permit is required for all works and demolition.
When you have established with a Planning Officer that a permit is required for the project, application forms can be obtained from any Access Point, the City of Yarra's Urban Planning Branch, or from this website.
Here is the Planning Application Form (368.04kB). If you would like a hard copy of the form, please pick one up from the Richmond Town Hall or ask for one to be mailed out to you by contacting Council's Planning unit on 9205 5373.
You can find further instructions on how to fill out the Planning Permit Application Form by downloading this document:
How To Complete Planning Application Form
Timeframe
Planning applications can take several weeks to process and even longer if there are objections or appeals against the proposal.
When first discussing the project it is best to check with a Planning Officer who can advise you of the likely timeframe for obtaining a planning permit for your particular project.
Ordinarily, Council has 60 days to make a decision on an application.
Council’s Statutory Planning Department provides a Fast Track planning permit application process for the more straight-forward planning projects, such as building a fence.
The fact sheet below provides an overview of the Fast Track process and explains the eligibility criteria for obtaining a planning permit through this system.
Fast Track Planning Applications (1.46MB)
Costs
The lodgement fee depends on the type of proposal. Fees are set by the State Government and must be paid before an application can be assessed.
To find out the fee you will be charged, please call Council’s Planning Department on 9205 5373. Council also charges for public notification sign/s to be displayed on the relevant site as well as for letters to be sent out to the owners and occupiers of surrounding properties who may be affected by the application/amendment.
Further information
Statutory Planning
9205 5373
info@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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