Planning permit applications

Information about the planning permit process and tips to help you prepare a planning permit application.

completed application form
an application fee when required
recent Certificate of Title - no older than 28 days
a covering letter explaining your proposal
neighbourhood and site description
a design response or explanation of the proposed use
three copies of plans drawn to scale (1:100 or 1:200) and fully dimensioned, as well as an A3-sized set.
Plans must show the site, floor layout and elevations.

Research any planning policies or guidelines that may apply to your proposed development or site.
Does your proposal meet the requirements of these policies?
You should consider engaging a design professional and/or planning consultant, particularly if your proposal is large or complex.

Take photographs of the site and surrounding area, including neighbouring properties. What are the opportunities presented by the site? What are the constraints?
At this early stage, it is also worthwhile talking to adjoining property owners to find out what they value about their property and why.
You may need to engage a surveyor to record the exact dimensions, slope and conditions of the site and the surrounding area.
Prepare a site description in order to illustrate the characteristics of the site and surrounding area.

Prepare sketch plans of your proposal, taking into consideration the opportunities and constraints identified by your site analysis.
At this stage of your planning, it is also important to consider the integration of landscaping into your proposed development.
Prepare a design response statement, outlining how your preliminary design has responded to the site and surrounding area.

Before you lodge your planning application, make an appointment for preliminary discussions with one of our town planners.
We can let you know if you are on the right track, and discuss any potential issues or areas of concern with you. We can also tell you about any relevant Council policies that you will need to consider when preparing your application.

You may wish to talk to your neighbours before finalising your plans. If they are unhappy with an aspect of your proposal, you may be able to reach a compromise before lodging your planning application.
Being up front from the start will reduce the potential for conflict later on. If there are no objections to what you are proposing, it is likely that Council will take less time to process your application.

Weigh up the feedback received from Council and your neighbours. Review your plans and incorporate any suggested changes that you think are reasonable.
Finalise your plans and any written material, including your neighbourhood and site description and design response.

Complete all information by referring to our existing checklists and lodge your planning application with Council.
If your application is for a single or multi-dwelling development in a residential area, you will need to complete and submit a Residential Urban Character Study Form for residential development.
If your application is for a discretionary use in a residential area, you will need to complete and submit a Residential Urban Character Study Form for discretionary uses.

You may also find the Making a Planning Application Information Sheet useful to consider before submitting an application.