Use this page to check if you may need a planning permit, request written planning advice, and obtain property information for your land. You can also find out how to get documents such as Certificate of Title, planning reports, and copies of planning permits and endorsed plans.
General phone advice
Our Planning team can give general advice over the phone to help you work out if you need a planning permit.
- All phone advice is general and non-binding.
- For formal confirmation, request written planning advice (fees apply).
- We can also explain what information or documents you will need to support a planning permit application.
Please have the property address ready when you call - planning requirements are site-specific, so we need this to give you accurate advice.
When you may need a planning permit
If you are building, renovating, or changing how you use land, you may need a planning permit.
Rules vary depending on your location and what you plan to do, including:
- renovating or extending a house or building
- constructing one or more dwellings or buildings
- developing land for commercial or industrial use
- subdividing land into separate lots
- removing trees or other vegetation
- starting, expanding or relocating a business
- operating a business from home
- installing business signs
- reducing car parking requirements
- creating, changing or removing an easement or restriction.
You may also need other approvals, such as:
- Building permit - for building works or changing how a building is used
- Public health registration - for food, health, beauty or accommodation businesses
- Local laws permit - for footpath or mobile trading
- Civil works approval - for works on roads, footpaths, nature strips or kerbs.
Always check with Council before starting any works or land use to make sure you have all required permits.
Unsure if you need a planning permit?
- Contact Council's Planning team.
- Speak to a town planner, architect, draftsperson, or private building surveyor.
- Request written planning advice (fees apply).
- For help to understand permits and registrations you may need for your business, use our Business Permit Support Service.
Request written planning advice or information
You can ask Council for written planning advice or copies of planning-related documents (fees apply).
What you can request
- Advice on whether your proposal needs a planning permit and what planning controls apply.
- Planning history – a written summary of previously issued planning permits for a property.
- Confirmation of compliance – a written statement that a planning matter has been completed to Council’s satisfaction.
- Guidance on strategic planning, design or sustainability matters.
- Printed copy of planning documents such as:
- advertised material for a current planning permit application
- planning scheme background documents
- approved development plans
- planning strategies or policy documents.
What you must provide
- A completed Request for Written Planning Advice/General Planning Enquiry Form - 212KB (not needed if you apply via the Online Planning Portal)
- If required for your request type: a full and current Certificate of Title (dated within 90 days) with all instruments, and any restrictive covenants or Section 173 Agreements.
- If seeking advice: relevant supporting documents (such as plans, photos).
- Payment of the application fee.
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 the full fee is paid.
Request a copy of a planning permit or endorsed plans
Who can make a request
- Planning permit: Anyone can request a copy.
- Endorsed plans: You must be the property owner or have written consent from the owner.
What you need to provide
- A completed Request for Copy of Planning Permit and/or Endorsed Plans Form - 237KB (not needed if you apply via the Online Planning Portal).
- For endorsed plans: Written consent from the property owner if you are not the owner.
- Payment of the application fee.
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 the full fee is paid.
Certificate of Title
A Certificate of Title is the official record of who owns a piece of land. It includes:
- legal and ownership details
- property boundaries
- any restrictions or agreements affecting the property.
What’s included in a Certificate of Title?
- Register Search Statement - ownership details.
- Title diagram - property boundaries.
- Instruments - additional documents like covenants, caveats, Section 173 Agreements, easements.
Why do I need it for a planning application?
You need to provide a full and current Certificate of Title and Plan (dated within 90 days) with your application. This:
- confirms who owns the land
- shows the property’s location and size
- lists restrictions that may affect development (such as covenants or agreements).
Key terms explained
- Caveat - a notice that someone else claims rights over the property (for example, a mortgagee or bank).
- Covenant - a private agreement that restricts how the land can be used, such as limiting the number of dwellings or controlling building materials.
- Section 173 Agreement - a legal contract between Council and the landowner, setting conditions or restrictions on how land can be used or developed. It is registered on the Certificate of Title and has the same weight as a permit condition.
- Easement - a right for someone else to use part of the land (for example, for pipes or shared access).
How do I get a Certificate of Title?
- Order online from LANDATA (fees apply).
- Ask a conveyancer, solicitor, or professional title searcher.
Need to amend or end a Section 173 Agreement?
- Apply to Council in writing (fees apply).
- Council may seek legal advice and notify interested parties.
Planning information about your property
If you’re applying for a planning permit, you may need information about how your land is zoned and what rules apply.
Planning Property Report
- A Planning Property Report shows the zoning and overlays that affect how land can be used and developed.
- Get a free report from Land Victoria.
- To view interactive maps, visit VicPlan.
- This report doesn’t have the same legal status as a Planning Certificate.
Planning Certificate
- A Planning Certificate is an official statement showing the planning controls for a property. It is mainly needed when selling land.
- Order online from LANDATA (fees apply).
- Planning Certificates don’t show zone boundaries or all site-specific controls. Check the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme for more information.
