Lodging an Application

When you lodge your application with Council, you must submit:

• A completed Application Form
• The correct application fee (see Fee Schedule)
• A recent copy of your Land Title including details of any covenants or encumbrances noted on the Title
• A written summary of works you plan to undertake
• Three copies of any site plan
• Three copies of any elevations Any photos you have of the site

Additional ResCode information is required for single dwellings on a site less than 500 square metres (refer to Clause 54.01 of the Stonnington Planning Scheme) and for multi-unit development (refer to Clause 55.01 of Stonnington Planning Scheme).

Detailed information requirements are set out in the checklist accompanying each application pack.

It is necessary for you provide all the information we need to efficiently assess your application.

Helpful steps to consider when preparing an application:

 1. Do your homework

• Research any planning policies or guidelines that may apply to your proposed development or site.
• Does your proposal meet the requirements of these policies?
• You should consider engaging a design professional and/or planning consultant, particularly if your proposal is large or complex.

2. Undertake a site analysis

• Take photographs of the site and surrounding area, including neighbouring properties. What are the opportunities presented by the site? What are the constraints?
• At this early stage, it is also worthwhile talking to adjoining property owners to find out what they value about their property and why.
• You may need to engage a surveyor to record the exact dimensions, slope and conditions of the site and the surrounding area.
• Prepare a site description in order to illustrate the characteristics of the site and surrounding area.

3. Prepare concept / sketch plans

• Prepare concept / sketch plans of your proposal, taking into consideration the opportunities and constraints identified by your site analysis.
• At this stage of your planning, it is also important to consider the integration of landscaping into your proposed development.
• Prepare a design response statement, outlining how your preliminary design has responded to the site and surrounding area.

4. Pre-application meeting

• Pre application advice is available to help with the more complex land use and major development proposals.  Before you lodge your planning application, you can submit a pre application request for preliminary advice.  For simple proposals or alterations and additions, you can pop into our office and have a brief discussion with one of our town planners.
• We can let you know if you are on the right track, and discuss any potential issues or areas of concern with you. We can also tell you about any relevant Council policies that you will need to consider when preparing your application.

 5. Talk to your neighbours

• You may wish to talk to your neighbours before finalising your plans. If they are unhappy with an aspect of your proposal, you may be able to reach a compromise before lodging your planning application.
• Being up front from the start will reduce the potential for conflict later on. If there are no objections to what you are proposing, it is likely that Council will take less time to process your application.

6. Review and finalise your plans

• Weigh up the feedback received from Council and your neighbours. Review your plans and incorporate any suggested changes that you think are reasonable.
• Finalise your plans and any written material, including your neighbourhood and site description and design response.

7. Lodge your application

• Complete all information by referring to our existing checklists and lodge your planning application with Council.
• If your application is for a single or multi-dwelling development in a residential area, you will need to comply with the relevant ResCode requirements.

Was this page helpful? If you need further information or assistance, please call our Planning Support Team on 8290 3329.