We always encourage applicants to have a chat with us before applying. You can book a pre-application meeting to get detailed advice before applying by following the link below. 

Our planning fees are available via our website. Most of our fees are regulated under the Planning and Environment (Fees) Regulations 2016 and are GST free.

A copy of title must be submitted with most applications – even if you may think Council already has a copy of title, or you recently submitted an application at the same site.

When submitting your planning application, ensure that:

• the copy of title is less than 60 days old
• you provide a plan of subdivision along with the copy of title
• the title and plan of subdivision cover all of the land your planning application is on and that the dimensions match (that is: sometimes one site is made up of multiple titles – we require all of those titles)
• you provide a copy of any covenants or section 173 agreements that are listed on the title (under 'Encumbrances, Caveats and Notices')
• the owner details you enter into the application form match exactly

You can get a copy of the title by Landata or by phoning 03 9194 0605.

We have also put together some instructions to help you request a copy of your title on their website.

A secondary consent application is a formal request made to a local council or responsible authority to approve minor changes or amendments to endorsed plans under an existing planning permit. 

A secondary consent application can be made when changes do not 'transform' the core of the application, change permit conditions, or negatively impact neighbours.

The Neighbourhood and Site Description (NSD) is a key piece of information used by Council to assess planning permit applications for residential development. 

It provides a verified and accurate depiction of the features of the site and surrounds.

Advertising is the formal notice provided to others about a planning application. Notice may be given by:

• direct mail to all adjoining owners and occupiers to the property
• a public notice erected on the property for 14 calendar days (this period extends to 21 days over the Christmas period)
• a public notice placed in the local newspaper

You will be required to sign a Statutory Declaration at the end of the advertising period confirming that you have displayed the notice on your property for that period of time as part of the application process.

Any person who may be affected by the granting of a planning permit may submit an objection to Council.

Planning information meetings are an opportunity for everyone involved in or affected by a planning permit application to discuss issues in an open forum.

These meetings are also an opportunity for the town planner to explain the next steps in the planning permit process.

Most planning permits include conditions that must be met as part of the development or use of the land. 

Conditions vary between applications and are designed to address site-specific issues and ensure the proposal meets planning requirements.

Conditions will relate to:

• when you must start work by (date)
• when you must complete your works (usually 5 years from approval)
• when the permit expires
• specifics in relation to overlays
• specifics in relation to the work being undertaken.

Other permits

Before commencing any approved activities on your property you may still require approval from other departments or organisations for various permits.

A Section 173 Agreement is a legal agreement made between Council and another party under Section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act (1987).

A Section 173 Agreement generally requires you to carry out or not carry out the actions set out in the agreement. These agreements are used when we need to impose extra requirements on an application which are not covered in the conditions on your permit or in the planning scheme controls.

Geelong has a lot of history and heritage. Heritage overlays have been developed to preserve conserve and protect buildings objects landscapes or other artifacts of historic significance.

You can check if your property has a heritage overlay online. 

From February 2026, The Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Act 2026 introduced changes to planning permit expiry provisions as part of broader reforms to create a more efficient planning system and support housing and economic growth across Victoria.

As a result of these changes, planning permits issued under the new provisions now generally allow three years for development to commence and five years for development to be completed. Previously, permits typically expired if development did not commence within two years or was not completed within four years.

These updated timeframes provide greater flexibility for permit holders while supporting the delivery of development projects.