VicSmart Planning Applications

VicSmart is a simple and fast assessment process for eligible types of applications that have specified requirements for information, assessment processes and decision guidelines.

Key features of VicSmart applications:

  • 10 business day approval process for complete applications
  • They are not advertised to neighbouring properties

VicSmart eligible applications

The following permit applications may be eligible as VicSmart applications:

  • Remove, destroy or lop 1 tree in a Vegetation Protection Overlay
  • Remove, destroy or lop canopy trees
  • Construct or extend a single dwelling, including a small second dwelling, on a lot in a residential zone
  • Construct 2 dwellings on a lot (including the construction of 1 dwelling where 1 dwelling already exists on the land)
  • Display a sign in a commercial, industrial or special purpose zone
  • Realign the common boundary between 2 lots
  • Subdivide land into lots each containing an existing building or car parking space
  • Subdivide land with an approved development into 2 lots
  • Subdivide land into 2 lots for residential development (no development application)
  • Construct a front fence within 3 metres of a street in a residential zone
  • Construct a building or carry out works including carports, garages, pergolas, verandahs, decks, sheds or similar structures
  • Construct a building or carry out works in an overlay
  • Minor classes of buildings and works in a Heritage Overlay
  • Minor subdivision or buildings and/or works in a Special Building Overlay*
  • Reduce or waive up to 10 car parking spaces

*Special Building Overlay applications must obtain pre-approval from Melbourne Water before being submitted to Council.

To check if your application is eligible for VicSmart and understand the application requirements you should:

  • Generate a Property Report to find your zone and any overlay controls.
  • Check your permit type for application requirements.
  • Submit a complete application, meeting the prescribed application requirements via the link below.

Before submitting, ensure you have the required documents to support your application. These are outlined for each application type in the Monash Planning Scheme and the Department of Transport and Planning website: Checklists for VicSmart applications.

Where a proposal falls into more than one class of VicSmart application, the requirements and document for each permit type will apply.

All eligibility criteria must be met for an application to be assessed through the VicSmart process. If your application is not eligible for VicSmart, our regular permit process must be followed.

 

Apply online

Step 1.Remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree

On residential land you may require a planning permit if you want to remove, destroy or lop a tree that is:

  • is over 5m in height
  • has a canopy diameter of at least 4 metres
  • has trunk circumference greater than 0.5 metres, and
  • is within 6m of your property’s front boundary and 4.5m of its rear boundary

More information

VicSmart Application - canopy tree removal

Step 2.Remove, destroy or lop a single tree in VPO

If you want to remove, destroy or lop a single tree on a land located within the Vegetation Protection Overlay.

VicSmart Application - single tree removal

The application only qualifies for a VicSmart in the VPO, if there has not been another permit granted for tree removal within the last 12 months.

The removal, destruction or lopping of more than 1 tree in the VPO is a regular planning application and does not qualify as a VicSmart.

Step 3.Other applications

If you want to apply for any other eligible VicSmart Application permit:

VicSmart Application - all other permit types