Wodonga Council
Apply for a planning permit

Page URL: https://www.wodonga.vic.gov.au/Building-Planning/Planning/Apply-for-a-planning-permit

Apply for a planning permit

 /  Building + PlanningPlanningApply for a planning permit

Home bluprint planning with tape measure_small

A planning permit is permission to develop or use land for a particular purpose. It is an offense to carry out any use, or to develop land, if that use or development requires a planning permit under the Wodonga Planning Scheme and a planning permit has not been obtained from us.

Some common reasons a planning permit is required include:

  • Starting a business; 
  • Constructing, altering or extending a building;
  • Subdivisions;
  • Clearing native vegetation;
  • Changing the use of a property; or
  • Applying for a liquor licence. 

A planning permit only applies to the land for which it has been granted and is usually subject to conditions. 

PLEASE NOTE: You may need to obtain other approvals in addition to planning permit approvals – such as a building approval. See the building section for more information.

Remember, a planning permit is not a building permit. It is also your responsibility to apply for permits and to comply with the conditions of a permit and the Wodonga Planning Scheme.

Getting started with a planning application

How do I get started?

When you have found out what zones and overlays apply to your land and need advice, you can arrange a pre-application meeting to discuss your proposal with a planning officer. It is not a planning officer's role to design the application or predict a decision, but they can give advice and guidance on the process.

You can make an appointment by phoning the community focus team on (02) 6022 9300 or you can book online.

You need to bring to this appointment the property address, a copy of title if you have one, information about what you are proposing to do. This may include sketches or draft plans.

Our planners can tell you if you need a planning permit, advise what you need to include in your application, and make sure that what you want to do is not prohibited.

You may choose to seek professional advice, or prepare a planning permit application yourself using our planning application checklists as a guide. To ensure that your application can be processed quickly and efficiently, it is essential that all the relevant information is included.

What do I need to include?

A planning permit application must include:

  • A completed 'Planning permit application form' (don’t forget to sign and date it);
  • Payment of the application fees - See 'Fees and charges' for more information;
  • A certificate of title less than 90 days old, including all details and full copies of any registered covenants or agreements. You can get this from the Titles Office by phoning (03) 8936 2456  or online at landata.vic.gov.au; and
  • Three copies of the site and floor plans and all elevations at A3 size (all development and some use applications). All plans must be drawn to scale with dimensions and drawn to a professional standard. If not, you may be asked to provide new plans that meet the standard. Electronic copies of the application documentation can be included if available.


How can I lodge a planning permit?
At this stage, you will need to complete the relevant application form and email through to planning@wodonga.vic.gov.au
Information for community groups working on public land

This information is intended as a guide only, please check for specific advice before conducting any works.

Planning permits

Requirements for planning permits will vary depending on the site and the works proposed. Management activities, tree planting and weed removal will generally not require permits. Placement of fill and construction of tracks, trails, culverts or built structures may require approvals. Work in and around waterways and areas of Aboriginal cultural sensitivity are likely to require approvals. It can take several months to gain planning approval, so check in with council's planning department when developing a project to avoid delays. Don't wait until works are due to commence.

Native vegetation

In Victoria, a permit is required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation. Native vegetation is defined as: Plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses This includes standing dead trees with a trunk diameter greater than 40cm. Pruning does not require a permit providing no more than 1/3 of the canopy is removed. Planted vegetation and exotic species are NOT protected by planning regulations in Wodonga. Plan around native vegetation, including ground layer and aquatic species, to avoid the need to obtain permits. On council managed land removal of any vegetation (with the exception of weeds) should generally be avoided.

Waterways

Works in, on or over the bed and banks of waterways may require a permit from the North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA). Works that may require approval include removal of debris or vegetation (including weeds), stabilisation works and retaining structures. CMA staff will be able to advise you if proposed works need approvals (it's useful to have a plan to show them). Further information and application forms can be found on the CMA website.

Cultural heritage

Many of Wodongas waterways (and most Crown land) are identified as areas of Aboriginal cultural sensitivity. This means any works that involve mechanical ground disturbance (including construction of walking tracks and grading) may require cultural heritage approvals from the Aboriginal Victoria. Standard re-vegetation and maintenance activities will not require such approvals. Councils planning department will be able to tell you if an area is mapped for sensitivity and if your proposal will require approvals.

Land tenure

Always establish land owner status before planning or conducting works, this is especially important around waterways and reserves, where there can be multiple land owners/managers (i.e. council, the Crown, Parklands Albury Wodonga, developers and private residents). Always obtain the written consent of the landowner/manager for any works you wish to undertake. This is generally a requirement for permit and grant applications, but is also just good practice.

Checklist

Before undertaking any activity or applying for funding for works on public land please check the following.

  • You have the written consent of the landowner or land manager.
  • Check with the council regarding planning permit requirements and cultural heritage sensitivity.
  • If you are working on or near a waterway, check with NECMA regarding their approvals process.
  • Only apply for funding when you have all the required approvals.

For further information about works on public land, please contact Wodonga Council's planning department on (02) 6022 9300.


Could you be eligible for a VicSmart application?

VicSmart is a streamlined assessment process for straightforward planning permit applications. Classes of application are identified in the planning scheme as being VicSmart and have specified requirements for information, assessment processes and decision guidelines.

Key features of VicSmart include:

  • 10 day permit process;
  • Applications are not advertised; and,
  • Information to be submitted with an application and what council can consider is 'pre-set'.


To be classed as a VicSmart application a proposal must:

  • Be one of the state application types;
  • Meet all the criteria; and,
  • Be located in the specified zone or overlay.


Where a proposal falls into more than one class of VicSmart application the requirements of each class need to be met. Learn more about the VicSmart process below.