You need a Planning Permit for building works on residential lots less than 500 m2 in area (smaller lots).
Building works includes:
Why you need a permit
A Planning Permit makes sure your building:
- has enough sunlight, private open space and landscaping
- does not impact negatively on your neighbours by overlooking or overshadowing their property
- complies with our Neighbourhood Character Design Guidelines and Boroondara Planning Scheme.
Meeting these design requirements can be difficult when you are developing on a smaller lot.
Permit exemptions
Some works on smaller lots are exempt from needing a Planning Permit.
Works are exempt if:
- the property meets specific conditions under Clause 62 of the Boroondara Planning Scheme.
- there are no other factors that require a Planning Permit.
This usually includes works like building a pergola, verandah or deck.
Heritage overlays
You may need extra documents to support your application if your lot is in a heritage overlay.
For more information visit our heritage and property development page.
Apply for a Planning Permit
Once you are ready, apply for a Planning Permit.
You can also check if you are eligible to apply via VicSmart.
How we assess your application
We assess your application against:
- Clause 54 of the Boroondara Planning Scheme
- the Neighbourhood Character Study.
The planning scheme covers neighbourhood character, external and internal amenity.
Neighbourhood character means the development must:
- respect the streetscape (look and feel) of the neighbourhood
- respond to the context in which it sits.
External amenity means the development must not:
- unreasonably overshadow or overlook surrounding properties
- provide unreasonable visual bulk to surrounding properties.
Internal amenity means the development must:
- have an appropriate site layout and design response
- provide for the needs of future residents.
We will only approve your permit if it meets the planning scheme objectives.
More information
Email [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4888.