Do I need a planning permit?
As the owner or occupier of the land, you’re responsible for checking whether a permit is required before you begin any work. You may need a permit due to:
- Zoning rules
- Overlay controls such as heritage and environmental overlays
- Provisions, such as a car parking reduction
As a guide, you can check whether a planning permit is required using our online tool called myLot*. myLot can help you
- determine if your project requires a planning permit
- understand why a permit is or isn't required, with references to the relevant planning rules
- determine what documents you'll likely need to submit with your planning permit application
- determine whether your project is eligible for a VicSmart application
Before using myLot, we encourage you to read the disclaimer and read the instructions on how to use the tool.
Disclaimer
myLot results are not an official planning decision.
myLot results are to be used as a helpful guide only. It is not an official planning decision. This service provides preliminary information only. You should always exercise due diligence by obtaining a confirmation through written planning advice or by obtaining a planning permit if required. Moving forward without necessary permits may lead to enforcement action.
How to use myLot
- Click the 'Launch myLot' button
- Sign up by clicking on the ‘Sign up’ tab and following the prompts. Signing up allows you to save your progress and refer back to older enquiries at any time
- Enter the address of your development proposal in the box provided under ‘Start a new enquiry’
- You’ll be prompted to answer questions about your proposal
- Once enough information is gathered, the service will analyse whether a planning permit is likely required
Frequently asked questions
Planning permits
Is a planning permit different to a building permit?
Yes. A planning permit is different to a building permit.
A building permit is the approval of the technical safety and structural integrity of construction work and is issued by a private building surveyor (building permits are not issued by Council).
Do I need both a planning and a building permit?
In some cases, both permits are required. In these scenarios, a planning permit must be obtained first.
About myLot
What types of development does myLot cover?
This service is best for residential developments like home extensions, swimming pools and sheds, as well as developments related to residential properties such as home-based businesses.
The service is also not suitable for more complex proposals like subdivision and large multi-unit developments. Please contact our Planning team to discuss these types of proposals with a planner.
Can I use this service for a property I’m looking to purchase?
Yes. You can enquire about any address in a residential or rural zone in the City of Melton local area.
What if I don't know or haven't decided on a detail of my project?
That's okay! The service can provide guidance based on the information you do have. If there are details you're unsure about, you can explore different options with the service to understand the planning implications.
I'm a professional in the building sector. Is myLot suitable for me?
Yes. The service can be used by building professionals to quickly check planning requirements.
Reliability of myLot results
Will I get a definitive answer from this service?
The information provided by myLot is intended to be a helpful guide and is not a final planning decision. The service offers guidance based on your information and its interpretation of the planning rules.
However, it does not account for the factors such as:
- covenants, 173 agreements and other restrictions found on a certificate of title
- previous or existing planning permits, or existing uses
- other approvals may be required, such as building and asset protection permits.
Therefore, the service's advice should be reviewed by a council or private planner for final advice before proceeding, even if the case doesn't seem complex.
How accurate and reliable is the advice?
The service’s advice carefully analyses the planning legislation relevant to your site and proposal. It cites the specific rules and clauses that it interprets. However, as it cannot yet access specific property-specific data, its advice should be taken as guidance rather than a definitive answer.
Can I get a planner to verify the answers provided by this service?
Yes. Contact our Planning team to discuss the service’s advice with a planner.
myLot privacy and security
What data does the service collect and how is it used?
The service collects the information you provide about your project, which is used to provide guidance on planning requirements. The email you use to sign up is used to send you a copy of your results. No personal data is used for any other purpose.
Where is my data stored and is it secure?
All data is securely hosted on servers located in Australia. We adhere to strict data protection regulations and employ robust security measures to safeguard your information.
Who built this service?
This service is delivered by MyLot, an Australian technology company focused on AI for the planning and building sector.
Learn more at mylot.ai.
Does the service use AI?
Yes. The service uses AI to ask you the right questions about your proposal and to generate a report. Your email and property address are not disclosed to the AI and are not used to train the AI.
For more information, contact our Planning Department on 9747 7200.