Planning

Find out the steps, advice and support available when applying for a planning permit.

What to know

Planning permit process

There are many steps in the planning permit process. The time it takes to get a decision can depend on:

how complex the proposal is
who else is involved
if more information is required.

The planning permit process usually involves the following steps:

- Check if you need a planning permit for your proposal.
- Set up an account and register for My Port Phillip.
- Request a pre-application meeting with Council to get information and advice about your proposal.
- Consider sustainable design in your plans.
- Consider if you need to remove any vegetation to facilitate your development.
- View our permit checklist to get your documents ready.
- Check what planning permit application you need – a new application or an amendment to a previous permit.
- Check your eligibility for VicSmart or Fast-track application.
- Pay the planning fees.
- Submit your application online on My Port Phillip. You can use the standard application process or the VicSmart application process.
- You can be asked to submit additional plans during the review process.
- Council might advertise your planning application to the public.
- Understand how decisions are made when Council is reviewing your application.
- You can track the status of your application on My Port Phillip.
- You can change a planning permit application or, extend or change an approved application.

Planning confirmation

A planning confirmation letter will help you find out if your project needs a planning permit, a building permit or both. The more information you provide us, the more reliable and accurate our advice will be. It is a great place to start.

Planning pre-application meeting

Before you submit a permit application, discuss your proposal with Council to get advice and support on your project. We can also help with complicated proposals.

Things to consider

A number of things can affect the process when you’re considering a project, including:

Cost and time - many factors affect the time and cost it takes to get a planning permit. The costs can be for getting help from professionals, submitting applications and advertising your plans.
Who to involve - during the different stages of the project, you’ll connect with many people and groups such as City of Port Phillip Council, architects and your neighbours.
How decisions are made - Council considers many different things when they approve or refuse your permit request.
Heritage planning - Heritage Overlays are created to make sure that any developments keep or improve the character and history of Port Phillip.
Sustainable design - how to consider sustainable design in your plans.

Support for your business

You might need more than one permit to operate your business. Use our Business Permit Finder to see what permits and approvals you may need.

Help and support

If you have any questions or need help, please contact us:

Online: My Port Phillip online services
Phone: 03 9209 6424
In person: visit the Planning & Building Counter at St Kilda Town Hall during opening hours (8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday)

Planning

Planning permit process

Before you apply

Apply for a permit

After you apply

Planning confirmation

Planning pre-application meeting

Things to consider

Support for your business

Help and support

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