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Planning permit application: Public notice, advertising and feedback
person presenting plans to a group

Contact the Statutory Planning Team

For any queries regarding the process:

Public notice and consultation

View the Advertised Planning Permit Applications available for public notice.

Application consultation

Notice is are sent to surrounding properties and any other parties which may be affected by a proposal. This can be in the form letters to neighbours, sign(s) on-site and pubic advertising. 

Some planning permit applications are publicly advertised in order to better understand local views and conditions. During the public advertising period, planning permit application documents are available to view either online or in person at the City of Ballarat Customer Service, The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat Central.

Please note, application documents are only available for the purpose of considering a development proposal in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Documents must not be used for any purpose which may breach copyright laws.

Make a submission in response to an application

A submission may be an expression of support or objection.

Some applications are exempt from the notice requirements and review rights of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. These applications will not be advertised.

To make a submission:

  1. Go to the Advertised Planning Permit Applications available for public notice
  2. Search and select the planning application you wish to respond to
  3. Review documentation, select the 'Submit Response' button at the bottom of the page
  4. Complete the application response, including uploading supporting attachments

Submission requirements:

  • A submission must include your name and contact details (email address, postal address and/or telephone number). Without contact details we are unable to acknowledge your submission or provide you with future correspondence regarding the application.
  • An objection must set out your reasons for opposing the development and how you might be affected. The most effective objections are those which include suggested alternatives.

Submission process considerations:

  • Petitions are considered one submission only and all correspondence will be addressed to the lead signatory. Please be aware that as lead signatory, responsibility for advising other signatories of the progress of an application (including consultation meetings and City of Ballarat meetings) rests with you.
  • The City of Ballarat can only consider representations based on planning grounds (property devaluation and commercial competition are not valid grounds upon which to base a representation).
  • All submissions will be made available to the permit applicant at the conclusion of the advertising period. Personal and identifying information will however be redacted in accordance with privacy legislation.
  • Submissions are accepted until a permit has been issued.

Post-objection consultation framework

XXXXX please review content - lead with City of Ballarat's role in this and/or instructions for the person wanting to do this.

Search the Town Planning Public Register

To view previously advertised planning applications, search the Town Planning Public Register using a property address or application number.

Please note: Only redacted copies of permits and plans can be provided in accordance with Section 2.1 of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. As such, documents provided to third parties will not include the personal information of the permit applicant or parties associated with the preparation of permit documents.

Advertised plans and planning registers
Man looking at a laptop screen

I want to view advertised plans

Some planning permit applications are required to be advertised to anyone who may be affected by the proposal, usually the adjoining owners and occupiers. During the advertising period, the plans and documents associated with the planning application will be available for viewing. Applications can be viewed online. You will need the planning permit number or the property address as per the notice you have received or sign at the front of the site.

The documents and plans are made available for the sole purpose of consideration and review as part of the planning permit process under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The documents and plans must not be used for any purpose which may breach copyright.

View advertised plans

I want to express my support for a planning permit application

You are able to make a submission in support of a planning permit application currently on advertising.

The submission must include your name, postal address, email and phone number. If you do not include these details, you will not receive updates or notice of Council's decision on the application. Please also include the planning permit reference number which will start with PLP, or the address of the property.

Submissions can be lodged online, or you can call our Planning Team to discuss other options.

Submissions are not confidential. As required in Section 57 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, a copy of your submission including your name and address may be made available to any person, including the applicant, for the purpose of consideration as part of the planning process and may also be included in any Council meeting agenda.

Express my support

I want to lodge an objection to a planning permit application

If you believe you will be adversely affected by the proposal, you can submit an objection to Council. The submission must include your name, postal address, email and phone number. If you do not include these details, you will not receive updates or notice of Council's decision on the application. 

The submission must state the reasons for your objection and how you will be affected by the application. As part of your submission, you can include suggestions for changes to the application to address your concerns. Please also include the planning permit reference number which will start with PLP, or the address of the property.

Submissions can be lodged online, or you can call our Planning team to discuss other options.

Your objection should be submitted before the closing date on the Notice of the Application, however Council must consider any objection received before a decision is made on the application. 

Petitions are counted as one objection are counted as one objection, regardless of the number of signatories. All correspondence will be sent to the first signatory or any other person as nominated. Separate objections are required from each petitioner if they wish to have objector status and associated appeal rights.

Council can only consider objections that are based on planning grounds (property devaluation and commercial competition are not valid grounds of objection). Some planning permit applications are exempt from notice and appeal rights, as outlined in the Ballarat Planning Scheme. These applications are not advertised and there is no opportunity to object. 

Submissions are not confidential. As required in Section 57 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, a copy of your submission including your name and address may be made available to any person, including the applicant, for the purpose of consideration as part of the planning process and may also be included in any Council meeting agenda.

Lodge an objection

I want to view the status of past planning permit applications

The status of past planning permit applications can be tracked online.

Check status of a past application

Before applying for a planning permit

Determine if you need a planning permit, and if so, ensure you have all your information ready to lodge an application.

Image of blueprints

Do I need a permit?

There are a number of different factors that determine whether or not you need a planning permit. These include, but are not limited to:

  • the types of works you want to do (renovations/a new house/two or more houses/a new cafe)
  • where the property is located (what zone it's in)
  • how big the property is
  • whether the property is in an area that may possibly flood (is it in a land subject to inundation overlay?)
  • whether your property is adjacent to a major road
  • whether your property is in an area where heritage controls apply
  • if you're wanting to run a business from home
  • if you want to subdivide land.

If you want information confirmed in writing, you can apply for written advice.

Doing my homework

When turning your ideas into reality consider the following:

When preparing to lodge your application:

I want to seek pre-application advice

The purpose of a planning permit pre-application meeting is to discuss complex applications with planning officers before you submit your application.

Typically, pre-application meetings are reserved for larger-scale more complex applications. If you query relates to a smaller scale matter written advice, in the form of an email or letter response, can be issued. 

For more information on the pre-application process, please see our Pre-Applications Page for details.

I want to seek written advice as to whether a planning permit is required

 

Request written advice when you need to clarify whether a planning permit is required for your project.

Before applying, you'll need to ensure you have the following information:

Apply for written advice

 

I want to request a copy of a planning permit or endorsed plans

To get copies of existing planning permits or endorsed plans, you'll need to apply. Before applying, you will need to have the following information:

  • property address
  • planning permit reference number

Request copy of planning permit

Planning fees

The cost of an application depends on what you're planning. The factors that influence your fee include:

  • the type of permit (planning, subdivision, covenant removal)
  • the cost of the development
  • in some cases, the type of property (single dwelling or multi-dwelling)

A full list of planning related fees can be found in our fee schedule.

Planning permit application: Process and requirements overview
aerial image of the Ballarat CBD look west from Town Hall

Contact the Statutory Planning Team

For any queries regarding the process:

Overview

The planning permit process can be complicated. The Ballarat planning scheme sets out the controls that govern all land within the Ballarat municipality. This includes the zoning of land as well as any applicable overlays. These controls establish a framework to guide the development of a site together with relevant state and local planning policies. 

The videos below provide an overview of the key aspects of the planning process. These processes may vary depending upon the nature and complexity of a particular case.

Starting the application process

To start the application process, we recommend seeking preliminary advice from a planning professional or from the City of Ballarat’s Statutory Planning team. 

City of Ballarat Planners can confirm if a permit is required in response to your request for advice. A request for written advice or a pre-application meeting may be necessary. 

If you are ready to get started:

Requirements and review process

To start, you must provide the following key documents relevant to your proposal:

  1. ***Lodge a planning permit application***
    This instruction had said to 'provide a completed planning permit application' - would lodge a planning permit app sit here or earlier?
     
  2. Current copy of the title for the land. Including copies of any covenants and agreements. This should be no older than 30 days. View more property and land titles information at land.vic.gov.au
  3. Scaled and dimensioned drawings/plans. This should clearly document your proposed development, including a site plan, demolition plans, floor plans and elevations, as a minimum.
  4. A written response to the relevant provisions of the Ballarat planning scheme.
  5. The prescribed fee. Summary of planning and subdivision fees

Any relevant supporting technical documents, including but not limited to:

  • a Heritage Impact Statement (HIS)
  • a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP)
  • Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Statement, including a Built Environment Sustainable Scorecard (BESS) assessment
  • Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA)
  • Flood Impact Assessment
  • Drainage/Stormwater Assessment
  • Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI)
  • Arboricultural Report
  • Biodiversity Impact Assessment
  • Noise Impact Assessment
  • Written Consent of the Public Land Manager

Please note: Section 47 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 states that where a permit is required to use or develop land, an application must be made to the Responsible Authority in accordance with the Planning and Environment Regulations 2015 (refer Regulation 13). Section 47 states an application must include (inter alia) advice regarding the estimated cost of the development (provision exists on the application form to input this amount) together with the prescribed fee and the information required by the Ballarat planning scheme. The documentation required by the Ballarat planning scheme is dependent upon the nature of the proposal.

Planning fees

View the City of Ballarat Summary of planning and subdivision fees

Planning fees are dependent upon the application type and nature of the proposal. Fees are updated on 1 July each year by the State government. The City of Ballarat is able to set its own fees in relation to certain application types.

Public notice, advertising and feedback

Application decision making process

Following the assessment process, the City of Ballarat will issue either:

  • A planning permit, subject to conditions
  • A Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit, subject to conditions
  • A refusal to Grant a Planning Permit.

Where the permit applicant or a registered third party does not agree with the City of Ballarat’s decision, an ‘Application for Review’ may be lodged with VCAT, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Visit vcat.vic.gov.au to learn more.

Application timeframes

In accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987, a decision should be issued within 60 days of the receipt of an application.

Provisions exist to ‘stop the clock’ where further information is required and this can often delay the process:

  • Delays may also be experienced waiting for referral comments
  • Organising mediation meetings
  • Negotiating improved outcomes. 
  • The complexity of a case may also cause delays, particularly if the resolution of certain issues requires the input of a variety of stakeholders, including other government agencies.

A fast-track planning approvals process also exists. This is known as the ‘VicSmart’ approval pathway and is reserved for smaller cases satisfying particular qualifying criteria. 

To apply you must submit:

  1. A completed: Application for a VicSmart Planning Permit

Standard timeframe for these applications are within 10 business days. Provisions exist to ‘stop the clock’ where further information is required and this can often delay the process

Further information regarding VicSmart applications can be found in the relevant zone and overlay(s) that apply to a site and Clauses 59 and 71.06 of the Ballarat planning scheme.

Conditions

All planning permits include conditions. Often these conditions require the submission of documents for further approval. Once submitted, these documents will be assessed and if in accordance with relevant conditions will then be endorsed to form part of the permit.

Sometimes documents need to be referred to other City of Ballarat departments and government agencies for further consideration. This can sometimes delay the approval process.

Documents submitted in accordance with planning permit conditions:

To prevent delays, please clearly reference the planning permit number and the condition(s) in accordance with which the documents are being submitted in the subject line of your email.

Documents submitted in accordance with engineering conditions:

Next steps

When these documents have been endorsed and the City of Ballarat Planning Permit Application Process is complete, it is good to consider what other permits may be required. These might include:

Planning help

Help, forms and checklists for your planning journey.

Image of a person looking at doors in a field

Forms and checklists

Do you have everything you need to apply for your Planning Permit? Make sure you have everything together by using one of our forms or checklists.

Planning application forms

Application for Planning Permit
Application for a VicSmart Planning Permit
Application to Amend a Planning Permit
Application for Amendment by Secondary Consent
Amendment to Planning Application
Extension of Time Request
Request To Endorse Plans Pursuant To Conditions Of Permit

Subdivision forms

Public Open Space Form
Bond and Fees Form
Discharging condition for 173 Agreement

Other forms

Application for Certificate of Compliance
Copy of Planning Permit and or Endorsed Documents

General planning permit application checklists

Checklist - Existing Use Rights
Checklist 1 - Construction and/or Extension of a Single Dwelling or Multi Dwellings on a Lot
Checklist 2 - Industrial
Checklist 3 - Business
Checklist 4 - Advertising Signage
Checklist 5 - Waiver of Car Parking
Checklist 6 - Subdivision
Checklist 7 - Applications for Works to Buildings in Heritage Areas
Checklist 8 - Applications for Demolition of a Building in a Heritage Area
Checklist 9 - Construction of a Water Tank
Checklist 10 - Vehicle Crossover in a Heritage Area
Checklist 11 - Solar Panels in a Heritage Area
Checklist 12 - Buildings & Works
Checklist 13 - Use of Land
Checklist 14 - Liquor Licence
Checklist 15 - Bushfire Management Overlay
Bushfire planning information
Checklist 16 - Applications within the Dowling Forest Precinct
Checklist 17 - Rural Subdivision
Checklist 18 - Rural Dwelling
Checklist 19 - Native Vegetation Removal

VicSmart permit application checklists

Checklist 1 - Realign a boundary between two lots
Checklist 2 - Subdivide land into lots each containing an existing building or car parking space
Checklist 3 - Subdivide land with an approved development into two lots
Checklist 4 - Construct a front fence in a residential zone
Checklist 5 - Construct a building or works in a Commercial, Industrial Zone or Mixed Use Zone
Checklist 6 - Construct a fence in an overlay
Checklist 7 - Remove, destroy or lop one tree
Checklist 8 - Minor subdivision, minor buildings and works, painting or tree lopping in a Heritage Overlay
Checklist 9 - Display a sign in a Commercial or Industrial Zone
Checklist 10 - Reduce a car parking requirement
Checklist 11 - Reduce or waive loading & unloading requirements
 

More Information

Please see our Pre-Applications Page for details. 

Policies and strategies

Reference documents under the Ballarat Planning Scheme

Local Incorporated Documents under the Ballarat Planning Scheme

View Local Incorporated Documents on Planning Victoria website.

Other planning documents

Planning fees

There are a range of factors that determine how much you have to pay for a Planning Permit.

Calculating your fee

The cost of your application depends on what you’re doing. The key factors that influence your fee include:

  • The type of permit (use, development, use and development, subdivision)
  • The estimated cost of any development
  • The type of proposal and/or property (VicSmart, single dwelling on a lot, multiple dwellings on a lot)

For a full list of Statutory Planning fees, view our fee schedule.

I want to seek written advice as to whether a planning permit is required

Request written advice when you need to clarify whether a planning permit is required for your project.

Before applying, you'll need to ensure you have the following information:

  • An electronic version of your plans
  • Copy of your title including any relevant covenants and agreements

Apply for written advice

 

I want to request a copy of a planning permit or endorsed plans

To get copies of existing planning permits or endorsed plans, you'll need to apply. Before applying, you will need to have the following information:

  • Property address
  • Planning permit reference number

Please note: Copies are made available for the purposes of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 only. The information provided must not be used for any other purpose. By taking a copy of a document you acknowledge and agree that you will only use the document for the purpose specified above and that any dissemination, distribution or copying of a document is strictly prohibited.

Request copy of planning permit

I want to apply for a report and consent for a proposed demolition

Do you need to progress your building permit application but your registered building surveyor first needs report and consent for demolition under Section 29A of the Building Act? You will need to apply for a 29A Report and Consent for Demolition.

When a Section 29A request is received, we’ll determine whether a planning permit is required for the demolition, and if so, if a planning permit has been issued. If a planning permit has been issued for the demolition or no planning permit is required to demolish, we’ll issue consent.

A Section 29A consent request will be refused if a planning permit is required for demolition and no planning permit has been issued for the proposed demolition, or if the demolition proposed under the request differs from that extent of demolition approved in the planning permit.

The City of Ballarat can't issue Section 29A consents:

  • where City of Ballarat is not the responsible authority for the land
  • where a planning permit has been issued by the Minister for Planning
  • for permits issued for properties on the Victorian Heritage Register under the Heritage Act 1995.

Before proceeding, make sure you have the following information:

  • Planning and Building Permit application reference numbers
  • A full and current (no older than 30 days) copy of your Certificate of Title including the Plan of Subdivision and correct ownership details. 
  • A digital copy of your plans and any supporting documents
  • Credit card details for payment of the application fee. 
  • The cost is outlined in our fee schedule

Apply for Report and Consent for Demolition

Owner/Manager responsibilities for plantations on private land

Whether you have an existing plantation or are thinking of establishing a new plantation, you need to be aware of your responsibilities.

Native timber harvesting in Victoria’s state forests will end by 1 January 2024. If you’re considering establishing a new plantation, or harvesting an existing plantation, here’s what you need to know. 

In the Ballarat Planning Scheme, ‘Timber Production’ is a defined land use, and requires compliance with Clause 53.11 (Timber Production) of the Ballarat Planning Scheme. 

Clause 53.11-2 requires compliance with the ‘Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 (as amended 2022)’, known as ‘the Code’. Some zones require planning permits in addition to compliance with the Code. The Code regulates timber harvesting in State forests, private native forests and plantations. It outlines environmental standards for planning and conducting commercial timber harvesting. 

Important values like biodiversity, recreation and cultural heritage are protected under the Code. Before establishing a plantation on private land, you must submit either a ‘Plantation Development Notice’ or a planning permit application to the City of Ballarat in accordance with section 4.1 of the Code. 

Before harvesting a plantation on private land, you must submit a ‘Timber Harvesting Plan’ to the City of Ballarat in accordance with section 4.5 of the Code. 

Blue gums are a popular plantation wood, and a favourite food and habitat for koalas. If you are considering establishing or harvesting a blue gum plantation, then koalas will likely be present and you are required to assess if they are present. For blue gum plantations, the Conservation Regulator requires owners and managers of blue gum plantations to hold an authorisation to disturb Koalas during plantation management operations, which would come in the form of a Koala Management Plan. 

Templates for both ‘Plantation Development Notice’, and ‘Timber Harvesting Plan’ is available in DELWP’s ‘Management Guidelines for private native forests and plantations’. 

A Koala Management Plan template and further information is available in the State Governments ‘Minimising impacts to Koalas in blue gum plantations – Regulatory Guide’. 

For more information, please contact the City of Ballarat on 5320 5500.

Page topics

Planning Building
Planning permit process

What is the process to obtain a planning permit?

Person walking along logs

Before you apply

Before preparing an application, ensure you have all the documentation required.

We offer pre-application meetings, written advice, policies and strategies and checklists to ensure that you are better prepared before you lodge your application.

Application process

Lodge your application

  • Lodge your application online, pay the application fee and we will shortly confirm the contact details of the planner working with you on your application

We will review your application and provide feedback

Through an initial assessment of your application we may:

  • request further information
  • refer your application to another authority
  • suggest making changes to your application
  • indicate we don't support your application in its current form

We may advertise your application

If required, we’ll advertise your application for at least 14 days. This can include:

  • sending a letter to your neighbours
  • placing a sign at the front of your property
  • advertising your planning application online
  • receiving objections to your application
  • scheduling and attending a mediation meeting with objectors

We will make a decision about your application

We will make our decision based on:

  • considering all submissions that we receive through advertising
  • considering any referral comments from other authorities and departments of Council
  • assessing planning scheme provisions
  • preparing a report 

Making our decision

Depending on the type of application, a planning decision may be made:

Our decision may be one of the following:

  • approval of a planning permit or an amended permit
  • notice of decision to grant or amend a planning permit
  • notice of decision to refuse to grant a permit or an amendment to a permit

We will give a copy of the decision to the person who has applied for the planning permit and anyone who has provided a submission either supporting or objecting to the proposal.

We aim to process applications as quickly as possible. We aim to make a decision within 60 days of receiving your application. If we require further information, the 60 days starts from the date we receive that information. The more steps your application needs to go through, the longer the assessment will take.

After our decision

When does a permit begin?

A permit operates from:

  • the date it was issued
  • the date of VCAT’s decision if no date is specified and the permit was issued at the direction of VCAT (in this case it will need to be backdated to the Tribunal decision date); or
  • the date on which it was issued (where no date is specified).

A permit can expire in three ways:

  • if the permit is not acted upon; or
  • if the use is discontinued as set out in section 68 of the Act; or
  • if a permit condition provides that a use may only be conducted until a certain time or that works must be removed after a certain time.

You can also change your approved planning permit, including extending the expiry date. 

 

VCAT may review your application

VCAT will only review your application if:

 

Complying with conditions

After we’ve approved your planning permit, sometimes you need to submit further documentation to comply with your permit conditions.

After you submit your documents, we:

  • assess your documents
  • may seek views from other specialists
  • advise you of our decision

After we approve your planning permit, you may need to apply for more permits such as:

This is not an exhaustive list, so make sure that you check with Council and other regulatory services that you have all your approvals in place before you start.