Planning Guides, Resources and Fees
Checklists: (PDFs)
General Planning Application Checklist (Buildings and Works)(PDF, 212KB)
Dwellings in the Farming Zone(PDF, 104KB)
Two or More Dwellings on a Lot(PDF, 108KB)
Advertising Signage(PDF, 98KB)
Change of Use(PDF, 98KB)
Removal of Native Vegetation(PDF, 137KB)
Application Requirements for Dams(PDF, 255KB)
Applications in the Bushfire Management Overlay(PDF, 101KB)
Application for Licenced Premises(PDF, 132KB)
Applications in a Commercial or Industrial Zone(PDF, 140KB)
Applications in the Heritage Overlay(PDF, 104KB)
Applications in the Rural Zone(PDF, 98KB)
Subdividing Land in a Residential Zone(PDF, 104KB)
Application for the Use and Development of a Brewery, Cidery, Distillery or Winery(PDF, 135KB)
Guides:
Sample Plans - Elevation Plan(PDF, 274KB), Floor Plan(PDF, 125KB), Site Plan(PDF, 134KB)
Subdivision Process(PDF, 103KB)
Small Second Dwellings(PDF, 93KB)
Farm Management Plans(PDF, 98KB)
Land Management Plans(PDF, 140KB)
Planning Scheme Amendment (Rezoning) Information(PDF, 91KB)
Camping on Private Land (Including Hipcamp)(PDF, 83KB)
ResCode Assessment - Residential Subdivision(DOCX, 56KB)
ResCode Assessment - Two or more Dwellings on a Lot(DOCX, 45KB)
ResCode Assessment - One Dwelling on a Lot(DOCX, 53KB)
Shipping Containers(PDF, 92KB)
FAQs
What is the difference between planning and building?
Planning permits and building permits are different. They are controlled by different laws and regulations. If you are planning to use or develop a piece of land in Pyrenees Shire, you may need a planning permit, building permit, or both.
Planning permits relate to the use and development of land for a specific proposal whereas building permits relate to the construction or alteration of a building (or buildings), as well as their structural safety and amenity.
What are the steps in the planning process?
How do I check the Zones and Overlays for my property?
Every property is zoned to provide rules as to how the land can be used or developed. A property generally only has one zone. Some properties also have Overlay controls. Overlay controls may protect heritage or show areas that require special considerations, like those prone to fire or flooding. Both the Zone and the Overlay may detail the permit requirements. You can confirm the relevant Zones and Overlay at VicPlan - https://mapshare.vic.gov.au/vicplan/
Can I build a dwelling in the Farming Zone?
The primary purpose of the Farming Zone is to ensure that non-agricultural uses, including dwellings, do not adversely affect the use of land for agriculture. Depending on the size of the lot and its location on the land, a planning permit may be required to construct a dwelling in a Farming Zone. Dwellings under minimum lot sizes in the Farming Zone are unlikely to be supported by Council unless a full planning justification, including an adequate farm plan, is presented for the construction of a dwelling.
Information can be found here – Dwellings in the Farming Zone(PDF, 104KB)
Can I rezone my land?
If you wish to change the zone to your land, you need to request a rezoning from Council. Rezoning must follow a particular process and has to be approved by the Minister for Planning. Rezoning is treated as an amendment to the Pyrenees Planning Scheme.
Zones apply to land are based on assessments that include consideration of the surrounding land use, patterns of developments and environmental characteristics. If you wish to rezone your land, you will be required to justify why an Amendment to the Planning Scheme should be changed.
Information can be found here – Planning Scheme Amendment(PDF, 91KB)
Do I need a permit to construct a fence?
When proposing to build a new fence, there may be a requirement for a Building and/or Planning Permit. Prior to applying, it is important to discuss the proposed fence with any neighbours who share the same boundary.
Common reasons that require a Planning Permit for a fence include:
- the fence is in an area where heritage controls apply
- the fence is in a flooding zone or overlay
Please note: Regulations concerning the cost sharing of boundary fences is a civil matter and is outside Council’s jurisdiction. You will find further support at www.disputes.vic.gov.au
I want to build a house and a shed; can I build the shed first to store materials or live in whilst the house is being built?
If a shed is proposed on a lot without a dwelling, this may be classified as another form of land use such as a store which:
- may be prohibited by the zone; or
- may require you to have a planning permit.
Living in a shed is often seen as a cost‐effective and practical option while building a house. However, it is illegal to occupy a shed or garage for residential purposes unless Building and Planning Permit approvals have been obtained to construct a permanent residence on the site. Any shed proposed to be used for temporary accommodation would also need to comply with the Building Code requirements for residential buildings. Residential buildings require a higher standard of construction and significant and costly upgrade works will usually be required.
Can I subdivide my property?
A planning permit is required in most cases to subdivide land. You will need to engage a licensed land surveyor to first prepare a plan of subdivision. This is the formal plan submitted with your planning permit application and eventually your certification application.
Information can be found here – Subdivision Process(PDF, 103KB)
Can I put a shipping container on my property?
Shipping containers are treated much the same as sheds. You may need a planning and/or building permit to use a shipping container. This includes for:
- personal storage
- commercial purposes
- farm or machinery storage
- habitable purposes
Information can be found here – Shipping Containers(PDF, 92KB)
Can I camp on my land or let others camp on my land (including Hipcamp)?
To use the land commercially to provide land for camping, a planning permit may be required. Land used to allow accommodation in caravans, cabins, tents, or the like is defined as a Camping and Caravan Park. Certain Zones may require a planning permit for this type of accommodation.
Information can be found here – Camping on Private Property(PDF, 83KB)
Can I have a granny flat/tiny home in addition to my primary dwelling?
The Victorian Government has made it easier to build a small second home in residential and rural areas across Victoria. To make it easier to build a small second home, otherwise known as a small second dwelling, the Victoria Planning Provisions, all planning schemes, and the Building Regulations have changed.
A Small Second Dwelling is defined as:
A building with a gross floor area of 60 square metres or less, on the same lot as an existing dwelling and used as a self-contained residence, which must include:
a) a kitchen sink;
b) food preparation facilities;
c) a bath or shower; and
d) a toilet and wash basin.
In most cases, a small second dwelling will not require a planning permit; however, a building permit is always required. You should apply for Written Advice to confirm planning requirements.
Application for Written Advice - https://pyrenees.greenlightopm.com
Information can be found here – Small Second Dwellings(PDF, 93KB)
What is a Section 173 Agreement?
A Section 173 Agreement is a legal agreement made between Council and the landowner under Section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. In some cases, a third party, such as a referral authority, may be involved in an agreement.
A Section 173 Agreement may be required by Council in a planning permit to set out requirements or restrictions on the property for current and future landowners
Example scenarios where it may be used include to:
- protect native vegetation
- restrict development to within an approved building envelope
- prevent development in an approved building exclusion zone
- ensure land is developed according to a planning permit
- secure planting to compensate for approved removal of native vegetation
- prevent the further subdivision of land.
Agreements are prepared by a solicitor, and all costs through to the registration of the agreement are to be met by the applicant.
What are existing use rights?
Existing use occurs when your land is being used in a legal way, either with an approved permit or an approved use where a permit is not required, and the planning controls now in place prohibit that use. Proof must be provided of continuous use for 15 years is and the use cannot have ceased for a period of two years during this time.
Do I need an architect or draftsperson to draw my proposed plans?
Council encourages all plans be drawn by an architect or draftsperson and be of a professional standard. These plans will also be required for your building permit in most cases. Plans must include all the required information and be drawn to scale.
For further information about the requirements when preparing plans to be lodged, please review these sample plans.
Useful Links
CFA – Planning and Bushfire Management Overlay
VCGLR – Liquor Licencing Victoria
VicPlan – Zones, Overlays and Property Reports
Heritage Listings – Is my place heritage listed?
Landata – Title & Property Information
Water Corporations - Find your Water Corporation
Fees and Charges
See below link to all Victorian Statutory Planning Fees
Statutory Planning Fees