Planning Controls

April 23, 2024

What is an Activity Centre Zone?

Posted at 10:04h in Commercial/Industrial, Planning Controls, Property Information

The Activity Centre Zone is a zone that has been created to facilitate development and land use planning within an activity centre. Unlike most other zones, the types of uses allowed are determined by the Council, which allows for a bespoke planning control, unique for the...

February 26, 2024

Bushfire Management Overlay Explained

Posted at 14:15h in Planning Controls, Planning Process

What Is A Bushfire Management Overlay? A Bushfire Management Overlay or BMO is an Overlay that identifies an area where there is a bushfire hazard. The purpose of the BMO is to ensure that future development is only permitted where the risk to life and property...

February 07, 2024

Transport Zones Explained

Posted at 14:11h in Planning Controls, Property Information

Is your property adjacent to a Transport Zone? Not sure what that means? Read on for information on how it might affect you. When looking at a Planning Certificate or Zoning Map of your property, you might see that the land is adjacent to a different...

December 15, 2023

Town Planning Research Tools

Posted at 11:03h in Planning Controls, Planning Process

Town planning research is important to get your town planning project off the ground. To assist people on the start of their development journey I thought it would be useful for me to tell you about some of the tools and tips that I use...

October 10, 2023

Garden Area Requirements are Mandatory

Posted at 16:02h in Planning Controls

In Victoria, if you are constructing or extending one or more dwellings there is a requirement to set aside a portion of the land for the Garden Area. The Garden Area amount varies depending on the size of the lot and only applies for...

July 12, 2023

Kingston’s New Residential Planning Rules

Posted at 10:58h in Planning Controls

*** An update on the planning scheme amendment process. August 2023, Kingston Council have submitted the Amendment to the Minister for authorisation. *** Kingston Council are currently exhibiting an amendment to the Planning Scheme to make changes to the housing zones and...

March 09, 2023

Common Residential Zones in Melbourne

Posted at 10:36h in Housing, Planning Controls

Within Melbourne suburbs the three most common residential zones that you are likely to encounter are: Neighbourhood Residential Zone, General Residential Zone, Residential Growth Zone. Each of these zones are similar in that their main priority is for residential uses to continue and be...

February 23, 2023

Car Parking For Planning Applications

Posted at 16:45h in Planning Controls, Planning Process

Car parking is a common issue for many planning application. For many projects a car parking reduction is required and must be supported by the Council. For some applications there may also be objections raised about car parking concerns from surrounding residents. ...

July 12, 2022

Existing Use Rights

Posted at 14:15h in Planning Controls

The basis for existing use rights came about from common law. It is based on the principle that it would be unfair for the planning scheme to change and make someone’s use or livelihood suddenly be unlawful. Once an existing use right is...

February 06, 2022

Business Signage

Posted at 23:25h in Planning Controls

As you embark on your new business project it is important to know that it is not just the change of use or building works that may require a planning permit. The business signage you put up on and around the building may also need...