Apply for a Planning Permit

Find out how to apply for a planning permit, including what documents you need, and how to submit your application.

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Changes to application requirements

State Government changes to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 in November 2025 have introduced new requirements for how Councils manage incomplete planning applications and amended permit applications.

These changes give Councils the ability to void applications submitted to Council without all the required information. Council is updating its processes to reflect these legislative changes from Monday 11 May 2026.

Why has this process been introduced?

Incomplete or poorly prepared applications can significantly delay assessment, create uncertainty for applicants, and slow decision‑making for all that are involved.

The changes aim to:

improve the quality of applications submitted to Council
reduce delays caused by missing information
ensure planning timeframes are fair and efficient
support faster and more consistent decisions.

By requiring applications to be complete from the outset, Council can focus on assessing proposals rather than repeatedly requesting basic or mandatory application information.

What does this mean for you as an applicant?

When you submit a planning application or amended planning application, you must include all mandatory information required under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and relevant planning controls.
If required information is missing, Council will request the missing information within 5 business days.
If all requested information is not provided within the required timeframe of 10 business days, the planning application will be deemed void.
The time taken by Council to request further information, and for the applicant to respond, does not count toward the statutory assessment timeframes, as the application is not considered received until all required information is provided in full and all at once, and payment of the fee is received.
If an application is voided, a new application will need to be submitted. Any fees paid for a voided application will be refunded.

How can applicants avoid delays?

To help your application progress smoothly:

check Council’s application checklists before lodging
ensure all plans, reports, and forms are complete and accurate
seek professional planning advice if required
respond promptly and fully to any requests for further information and payment.

Our commitment

Council Officers are committed to working with applicants and providing clear guidance on application requirements. These changes are intended to improve outcomes for applicants and the wider community by supporting timely and well‑informed planning decisions.

Before you apply

Check if your proposal is eligible for the VicSmart assessment process.
Prepare all required documents - incomplete applications won't be accepted.
For complex applications, consider getting advice from a planning consultant, architect or draftsperson.
Book a Planning Pre-application Discussion Service (a fee applies). This service lets you discuss your proposal with Council planning officers and receive written feedback.

What you must provide

A completed Application for a Planning Permit Form - 1.8MB (not needed if you apply via the Online Planning Portal).
A full and current copy dated within the last 90 days, including:
- Title Plan
- Register Search Statement
- All associated title documents (‘Instruments’).
A copy of any registered restrictive covenant or Section 173 Agreement on your land.
A digital copy of your plans and supporting documents Plans required for your planning application
If applicable, a current Metropolitan Planning Levy (MPL) certificate from the State Revenue Office.
Optional: A cover letter with extra details about your proposal.
Payment of the application fee - we will send an invoice for payment.

How to apply

Online: Online Planning Portal
Email: council@cgd.vic.gov.au
Post: Planning Department, City of Greater Dandenong, PO Box 200, Dandenong VIC 3175.
In person: Planning Service Counter during business hours.

What happens next

We will process your application after all required information has been submitted and the full fee is paid.
To see the steps involved, visit the Planning permit application process page.