18 Jun Faster, Simpler Town Planning Process?

Heard the stories about how long it can take to get a planning permit and wondering if there was a way to fast track it?

While there is no way to fast track standard planning applications, if your project is relatively minor then it might qualify for the fast track process known as VicSmart.

The specific application types eligible for this program have been carefully determined by the State Government and are available in all areas. Individual Councils also have the ability to select additional applications to be VicSmart. A range of different minor applications are covered such as single dwelling additions, car parking reductions, single tree removal, commercial/industrial additions and business signage. Each of the applications have specific criteria to be met. Provided that you meet the conditions, VicSmart applications provide an efficient and contained process that will reduce the cost and time burden for you.

What all VicSmart applications have in common is that they are considered to be minor applications that should be able to be processed within a short timeframe.

The Key Features of the VicSmart process:

Simplified Applications

VicSmart applications have a reduced set of information requirements and decision criteria, making the process more efficient and contained. The Council should only ask for the information that is on the list of requirements, reducing the burden of wasteful further information requests and providing applicants with certainty in what information should be provided up front.

Non-Advertised Applications

Under this program, applications will not be advertised, allowing for a more streamlined review process. This helps in expediting the decision-making timeline through removing this administrative load.

Rapid Decision-Making

The primary goal of this initiative is to significantly reduce processing times compared to the standard planning permit process. In some cases, applications may be decided in as little as 10 business days though typically we have seen applications take around 3-4 weeks.

Low Cost

The application fees associated with VicSmart applications are significantly reduced from standard fees. Furthermore, as the application won’t be advertised, there will be no advertising fees charged. Overall the process provides a cost saving to applicants.

Who Can Use VicSmart?

In theory, anyone can lodge a VicSmart application. In reality though, it may be difficult to lodge a successful VicSmart application without some professional assistance. Given the emphasis is on providing a pre-defined set of information, managing a VicSmart application without professional help or advice could be problematic. In the main, we have found that the level of information required has not been unreasonable or out of scale with the minor nature of the application types. However, the checklist of information does need to be provided to Council’s satisfaction in order for the application to be accepted for processing. If the required information is not provided, the application will at best be delayed, and at worst may even be returned without lodgement. It is at this point that VicSmart applications may be difficult for inexperienced people.

Utilising either a town planner or other professionals such as a designer or builder to make sure that the VicSmart application is complete may save both time and a headache, particularly if you are not sure about all of the information that you need to provide.

What Does the Process Involve?

For us the process typically involves:

• Preparing a planning report, ensuring all relevant decision guidelines for the applicable VicSmart application type are discussed.
• Organising plans to be drawn up, making sure all relevant information is included.
• Filling out the correct VicSmart Application Form and VicSmart Checklists.
• Lodging all of the necessary material in to the Council.
• Hopefully receiving the approval back within the 10 day turnaround!

VicSmart has been running for a few years now and we have done quite a few in a range of different Council areas. We have found them to be generally quite simple and fast, which is obviously the intention of the program. It is certainly satisfying to work on a project and receive a permit and endorsed plans only weeks after being engaged, rather than months or years like with many of the more complex applications!

If you want to discuss a minor application to see if it can qualify for VicSmart, or if you need help with a current project, please give us a call to see how we can help.