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Prepare your planning application

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Planning permit application requirements vary between different types of permits.  Find out about the planning process and what information you need to provide with your application.

What is a planning permit?

A planning permit lets you use or develop land consistently with the Knox Planning Scheme. You will likely also need a building permit to complete your project. You can apply for both permits at the same time, but the building permit can only be processed after the planning permit is approved.

Some applications may qualify for fast-tracking under the VicSmart process.

Steps to prepare a planning application

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Step 1: Written planning advice (optional)

Not sure if you need a planning permit? The Planning Services team can provide written advice to clarify planning controls for your site and confirm whether a permit is required.

To request written advice:

  • Submit your request through Council's online services.
  • Include as much detail as possible about your project to help us provide tailored advice.
  • Pay the applicable fee.
  • We aim to deliver written advice within 10 business days once we have all required documents and fees.

Note: This service does not include a preliminary assessment of your proposal. For a more detailed review, consider using our pre-application advice service.

Get written planning advice

Step 2: Before you apply

Before applying, check what information you need. If you don’t include all required details, your application will be sent back.

You’ll need:


Use our Application Checklist to make sure you’ve got everything.

Step 3: Do your research

Taking the time to gather the right information upfront can save you time, money, and effort during the planning permit process. Follow these steps to get started:

Create a Planning Property Report

Visit VicPlan to generate a planning property report for your site.

This report shows the zones and overlays that apply to your property, which will help you understand:

  • What is allowed or restricted on the site.
  • What information you need to include in your application.
  • The guidelines used to assess your application.


Review the Knox Planning Scheme

Check the Knox Planning Scheme to identify policies and controls relevant to your site and proposal. 

Understanding these policies will help you determine the requirements for your application and the factors Council considers when making decisions.

Contact Non-Council Referral Authorities (if needed)

After gathering the above information, you may need to contact external authorities for additional guidance. 

For example, Melbourne Water:

  • To confirm flood levels if your property is in a Special Building Overlay or Land Subject to Inundation Overlay.
  • To understand restrictions if there is a drainage easement on your site.


Doing your due diligence now can streamline the process and help avoid unexpected challenges later.

Step 4: Get a copy of the Title

Your certificate of title contains important details about your property, including any covenants, encumbrances, or easements that could affect your proposal. Understanding these restrictions early can help you plan effectively.

You’ll need to pay a small fee to obtain the title

You can’t get a title from the council, but you can apply for one online through Land Victoria. 

You’ll need:

  • The property address or lot details.
  • An email address.
  • A credit card to pay the fee.

Your title search must not be more than three months old.

Follow our step-by-step guide to get your certificate of title quickly and easily.

Apply for a Certificate of Title

Step 5: Pre-application advice

Get a head start on your planning application with expert advice. Our pre-application service helps you spot potential issues early, refine your plans, and boost your chances of getting approved the first time.

Pre-application advice can:

  • Show if your project meets planning rules.
  • Suggest design changes.
  • Identify possible issues like drainage or vegetation concerns.
  • Submit your pre-application request online.

You’ll need:

  • A copy of the title and any restrictions.
  • A summary of your project.
  • Drafted site and elevation plans (to scale).
  • An existing conditions plan.

Keep in mind:

  • You must be registered to use the service. Registrations take up to 24 hours to process. Once you're registered you can submit your request.
  • You must upload all plans and supporting documents at the same time. You must also pay an application fee.
  • Once this is complete, we will email you to confirm your request.
  • We aim to give advice on your pre-application in 10 business days after receiving documents and fees. 
  • We can't refund your pre-application advice fee once you've submitted your planning application.

Submit your pre-planning advice request

Step 6: Prepare your application

A well-prepared application saves time and reduces the chance of needing updates later. 

Use the advice from your pre-application meeting and our minimum information checklist to guide you through the process.

You may also want to engage professionals to help with your planning permit application, such as:

  • Planning consultants
  • Building designers or architects
  • Traffic engineers
  • Environmentally sustainable design (ESD) engineers
  • Other technical specialists

Investing in expert support can help ensure your application meets all requirements.

Planning fees and charges

Planning services and permits may require a fee.

Find out about planning fees

Refund requests

You may request a full or partial refund of a planning or building-related fee.

Please note: Council grants refunds at its own discretion.

Request a refund

Need help?

Contact Planning Services and we will get back to you.

Or call our Planning Services team on 9298 8125.

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