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Get Written Planning Information

The Planning team can provide advice to help you understand how the planning scheme applies to a property and whether a planning permit may be required for proposed works or development. 

Advice can be provided either verbally (by phone) or in writing. A fee applies for written planning advice. Written advice can be useful for record-keeping for business purposes, or where a building surveyor requires confirmation of whether a planning permit is required for proposed works. 

A property address must be provided with all enquiries, as planning requirements and controls are specific to each site. 

If you would like a copy of a planning permit or any other documents relating to a specific planning permit, you will need to lodge your request via our Freedom of Information section.

You may visit our Wurriki Nyal office at 137-149 Mercer St Geelong to view copies of planning permits (you cannot take copies this way) - follow this link to book a meeting.

What information can we provide? 

You can request planning information, including: 

  • A list of planning permits relating to a property. 

  • Information about planning permit triggers and relevant planning controls. 

  • Written confirmation of whether a planning permit is required for a proposed use or development. 

  • General advice about how the planning scheme applies to a property. 

For more complex enquiries, written advice is recommended as it provides a formal record of the information provided. 

How do I request a written response? 

You can request written planning information by submitting an online application through our Planning General application portal or by completing the application form. 

When applying, select the relevant planning information request type and provide details about the property and the information you are seeking. 

Please allow up to 10 business days for a written response. 

What information should I provide with my enquiry? 

To help us provide accurate advice, please include: 

  • The property address. 

  • A clear description of your proposal or enquiry. 

  • Any relevant plans, sketches, photographs or supporting documents. 

Planning advice is site specific, so a property address must be provided with all enquiries. 

What fees are involved? 

A fee applies for written planning information requests. 

The fee will depend on the type of information requested. See the fee schedule here. 
 

To apply online you will need to log in to our online portal and you will need supporting documents. 

Steps to applying via our online portal

  1. Select the type of application you wish to apply for under 'Planning General' 

  2. Select the property that you are seeking information on. 

  3. Complete the applicant details with relevant contact information. 

  4. Complete the fields to explain your request upload supporting documents or list relevant application numbers. These fields will vary depending on the type of application you are submitting. 

  5. Complete the credit card information and request an instant receipt which can be emailed. 

  6. Allow up to 10 business days for your response. 
     

You will need to: 

  1. Download and complete a planning information request form (see below) 

  2. Submit your completed application together with relevant fees either: 

  • email to [email protected] or 

  • in person at any of our Customer Service Centres or 

  • by mail to Statutory Planning 
    City of Greater Geelong 
    PO Box 104 Geelong VIC 3220 

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