Apply for planning permit

If you want a permit for a site under 500 square metres in area, you must provide extra ResCode information.

• For a single-dwelling development, see Clause 54.01 of the Stonnington Planning Scheme.
• For multi-unit developments, see Clause 55.01 of the Stonnington Planning Scheme.

Plan ahead

• Find out about any relevant planning policies or guidelines.
• Think about using a design professional, sustainability consultant or planning consultant. This is important if your proposal is large or complex.

Site analysis

• Take photos of the site and surrounding area, including neighbouring properties.
• Consider sustainability opportunities and constraints.
• Talk to neighbouring property owners to find out what they value about their property and why.
• Get a surveyor to record the exact dimensions, slope and conditions of the site and surrounding area (if necessary).
• Make a site description to show the characteristics of the site and surrounding area.

Prepare concept or sketch plans

• Prepare plans for your proposal, thinking about the opportunities and limits shown by your site analysis.
• Think about sustainable design and landscaping for your proposed development.
• Prepare a design response statement. This shows how your initial design responds to the site and surrounding area, including sustainable design aspects.
• Find out more in Sustainability in Your Planning Application.

Get free pre-application advice

• We offer pre-application advice for more complex land use and major development proposals. Before lodging your application, you can send a pre-application advice request.
  For simple proposals or changes and additions, pop into our office to talk with a planner.
• We can let you know if you're on the right track, and talk about any potential issues. We'll also let you know about relevant Council policies to think about for your application.

Talk to your neighbours

• Think about talking with neighbours before finalising plans. If they're unhappy with something in your proposal, you could reach a compromise before lodging your application.
• Being upfront from the start reduces the potential for later conflict. If there are no objections, your application will likely be processed faster.

Review and finalise your plans

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

Lodge your application

• View the checklist (available in our ePlanning portal and application pack) for all the necessary information, then lodge your planning application with Council.

Yes, you can:

• lodge revised plans to a planning application
• change the proposal details or site address (if no decision has been made).

Before we can review the changes, you need to:

• complete a Revised Application Declaration form(PDF, 203KB)
• pay any fees that apply.

For more information, log into your account on the ePlanning portal.