Check if you are installing a satellite dish in a Heritage Overlay

1. Go to VicPlan and search for the address of your property.

2. Follow the prompts to create and open a free Planning Property Report.

3. Read the report to see whether a Heritage Overlay affects the part of the site where you are installing the satellite dish.

Are you planning to install a satellite dish in a Heritage Overlay?

• If yes, go to the next step.
• If no, measure the size of your dish.

Check if your property is on the Victorian Heritage Register

1. Refer to the report from VicPlan.
2. Look for the Heritage Overlay Schedule link and take note of the schedule number.
3. Click the Heritage Overlay Schedule link. The Schedule to the Heritage Overlay page appears.
4. Find your schedule number. See whether the 'Included on the Victorian Heritage Register' column displays 'Yes' for your schedule number.

If the property is on the Victorian Heritage Register:

• You may need approval from Heritage Victoria for or any buildings and works including internal changes. Contact Heritage Victoria for advice on how to apply for their approval.
• You may continue to apply for other permits while your Heritage Victoria application is being assessed. But you can only begin construction after all necessary approvals and permits are granted.

Is your property listed on the Victorian Heritage Register?

• If yes, contact Heritage Victoria and apply for their approval. Then check the diameter of your dish.
• If no, go to the next step.

Check if your dish will be visible from the street

Consider whether your dish in a Heritage Overlay will be visible from the street.

Will members of the public in a street be able to see your satellite dish?

• If yes, apply for a Planning Permit.
• If no, go to the next step.

Check if the dish diameter is less than 1.2m

Measure the diameter of the dish.

Is the dish less than 1.2m wide?

• If yes, you don't need a Planning Permit. See if you need a Building Permit.
• If no, go to the next step.

Check if the dish diameter is more than 2.4m

Refer to the diameter measurement.

Is the dish more than 2.4m wide?

• If yes, apply for a Planning Permit.
• If no, go to the next step.

Check whether the dish can be seen from outside the property

Look at the installation design of your 1.2m to 2.4m-wide dish from the point of view of someone in a street or public park.

Is your dish visible from a street or public park?

• If yes, apply for a Planning Permit.
• If no, go to the next step

Check if the dish will be seen from a neighbour's window

Consider whether your 1.2m to 2.4m-wide dish will be placed opposite the window of a building from which people will be able to see it.

Will the dish be placed less than 3m from a boundary that is opposite the window of a habitable building?

• If yes, apply for a Planning Permit.
• If no, go to the next step.

Check whether the dish is set back from property boundaries

The wider the satellite dish, the more it needs to be set back from the property’s boundaries. Dishes that are 1.2m to 2.4m wide (and can’t be seen from the street or a neighbouring building) don’t need a Planning Permit, as long as they meet the following setback requirement:

The dish is set back from the side or rear boundary 1 metre, plus 0.3 metres for every metre of height over 3.6 metres up to 6.9 metres, plus 1 metre for every metre of height over 6.9 metres. (Source: Boroondara Planning Scheme)

Contact Statutory Planning to help you find out whether the position of your dish meets the setback requirement.

Is your satellite dish adequately set back from the property’s boundaries?

• If yes, you don't need a Planning Permit. See if you need a Building Permit.
• If no, apply for a Planning Permit.

Apply for a Planning Permit, if needed

If you have determined that you need a Planning Permit for your project:

1. Obtain a clear copy of your Certificate of Title, including the lot plan. You can get this from the Landata website. The Certificate of Title must be no more than 28 days old. If the Certificate of Title discloses a restrictive covenant, then provide a copy of the document that created the restrictive covenant.
2. Provide a site and floor plan, drawn to scale with accurate dimensions. Display the location and size of the proposed satellite dish in relation to all existing buildings on the site. Include the set backs to title boundaries.
3. Provide elevation plans, drawn to scale with accurate dimensions. Display the location, height and diameter of the proposed satellite dish in relation to existing buildings and title boundaries on the site.
4. Write a cover letter explaining your proposal.
5. See whether your application is eligible for fast-tracking under VicSmart.
6. Complete the Planning Permit application form and lodge the form, fee and supporting documents with Council. 
   To download the form and submit the application, see Apply for a Planning Permit.
   For fee information, email Statutory Planning.
7. Now, check whether you need a Building Permit.

Check whether the satellite dish is attached or freestanding

A satellite dish may be attached to a roof, or may be a freestanding structure. Consult your plans to see how your dish will be installed.

Will the satellite dish be attached to the roof?

• If yes, go to the next step.
• If no, assess your freestanding dish.

Check the height of an attached satellite dish

Roof-mounted satellite dish

If your dish is attached, measure the distance from the top of the dish to the highest point where it is attached to the building.

Is the distance you measured more than 3m?

• If yes, you need a Building Permit. Go to the next step to see whether you also need Report and Consent of Council.
• If no, you don't need a Building Permit. As long as there are no Planning Permit restrictions, you can proceed to install the dish. You can now exit this guide.

Check if the attached dish requires Report and Consent

Before you install an attached satellite dish, you may need Report and Consent.

Measure the distance from the top of the dish to the highest point of the roof.

Is the distance you measured more than 3m?

• If yes, you need to apply for Report and Consent. You need to then apply for a Building Permit.
• If no, you do not need Report and Consent. You need to apply for a Building Permit.

Check the height of a freestanding satellite dish

Freestanding satellite dish

If your dish is freestanding, measure the distance from the top of the dish to the ground.

Is the distance you measured more than 8m?

• If yes, apply for a Building Permit.
• If no, you don't need a Building Permit. As long as there are no Planning Permit restrictions, you can proceed to install the dish. You can now exit this guide.

Apply for a Building Permit, if needed

If you have determined that you need a Building Permit for your project:

1. Read the Building Permit application checklist (see download below) to determine which supporting documents you need for your circumstances. If you are unsure what you need, contact the Building Services team on 9278 4999 or email Building Services.
2. If you applied for Report and Consent of Council, provide evidence that Report and Consent was granted.
3. Complete the Application for a Building Permit.
4. Lodge the Building Permit application form, fee and supporting documents with the City of Boroondara. For fee information, email Building Services.

You can only begin your installation after the Building Permit is granted.

You may exit the guide.

Timeline

Statutory Planning aims to respond to Planning Permit applications within 60 days, as governed by the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

A Building Permit application is assessed within 10 business days. The first response after you apply is usually a request for further information.