Planning Drawings Requirements for Your Building Approval Application

Planning drawings form the foundation of any successful planning permit application in Victoria. These technical documents demonstrate compliance with zoning regulations, building setbacks, and design standards while providing councils with the information needed to assess proposals against planning scheme requirements. Melbourne developers must submit planning permit drawings that meet specific Victorian standards, with requirements varying between councils and project complexity.

Recent reforms have reshaped the planning landscape for Victorian developers. Changes to Clause 54 introduced in August 2025 now include deemed-to-comply pathways for single dwellings and small second homes, while updates through amendments like VC277 have modified car parking calculations and VC154 has added new stormwater management requirements across all planning schemes.

Understanding what councils require upfront can reduce assessment timeframes and avoid costly resubmissions. This guide covers the legal framework, specific drawing types, assessment processes, and the transition from planning permit to building permit for Melbourne property developers navigating the Victorian planning system and local council requirements.

Understanding Planning Drawings Requirements

Planning permit applications in Victoria require specific drawings that demonstrate compliance with zoning regulations and planning scheme provisions. These documents must include precise dimensions, site context, and design details that enable council planners to assess the proposal against relevant controls.

Key Planning Drawings

A complete planning permit application typically requires a site plan, floor plans, elevations, and a shadow diagram. The site plan shows the property boundaries, existing structures, proposed buildings, setbacks, and landscaping features with accurate dimensions. It must clearly indicate distances to boundaries, neighbouring buildings, and any easements or overlays affecting the property.

Floor plans display the internal layout of each level, including room dimensions, door swings, and window locations. These drawings help demonstrate compliance with ResCode standards for daylight access, privacy, and internal amenity. Elevations show the external appearance of all building facades with height dimensions, materials, finishes, and any changes to existing structures.

Shadow diagrams illustrate overshadowing impacts on neighbouring properties at specific times on the winter solstice (22 June). These drawings are critical for assessing compliance with amenity standards, particularly since VC154 introduced new requirements affecting residential developments. Recent changes under Clause 54 also require shadow diagrams to show impacts on domestic solar energy systems and rooftop solar generation areas.

Purpose and Importance

Planning drawings serve as the primary communication tool between applicants and council planners during the assessment process. They provide the technical evidence needed to demonstrate that a proposed development meets all applicable planning scheme requirements, including zone provisions, overlays, and particular provisions. Without adequate drawings, councils may request further information, delaying assessment times.

These documents also play a crucial role if an application proceeds to VCAT. The tribunal relies on planning drawings to understand the proposal’s design, scale, and neighbourhood impacts. Poorly prepared drawings can weaken an applicant’s position during appeals or objection hearings.

The level of detail required varies depending on the development type and applicable planning controls. Developments in heritage overlays, neighbourhood character overlays, or bushfire-prone areas affected by VC83 provisions typically require more comprehensive documentation than straightforward residential projects.

Mandatory Details for Compliance

All planning drawings must include the property address, lot and plan numbers, north point, and scale. General notes should reference relevant planning scheme clauses and demonstrate how the proposal complies with applicable standards. Dimensions must be clear, accurate, and sufficient for council planners to verify setbacks, building heights, and site coverage.

Site plans require specific information including:

• Existing conditions: All structures, vegetation, driveways, and crossovers
• Proposed works: New buildings, extensions, demolition areas, and landscaping
• Measurements: Setbacks to all boundaries, building separations, and tree protection zones
• Site features: Easements, car parking spaces, waste collection areas, and stormwater management systems

Floor plans must show room labels, dimensions, and functional spaces with sufficient detail to assess internal amenity standards. Elevations need to display existing and proposed ground levels, building heights measured from natural ground level, and material specifications. Shadow diagrams should be drawn at 9am, 12pm, and 3pm on 22 June, showing both existing and proposed shadows cast on adjoining properties and their private open space areas.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

Planning drawings in Victoria must comply with multiple layers of legislation and local planning controls. The Building Act 1993 and Planning and Environment Act 1987 establish the foundation for development requirements, while planning schemes and overlays impose site-specific conditions that directly affect drawing content.

Relevant Legislation

The Planning and Environment Act 1987 governs the planning permit process and sets out requirements for what planning drawings must demonstrate. This Act establishes the framework for all planning schemes across Victoria and determines how councils assess planning permit applications.

The Building Act 1993 works alongside planning legislation to regulate construction standards. While planning permits address land use and development, building permits under this Act ensure structural compliance.

The Building Regulations 2018 specify technical requirements that may influence planning drawings. These regulations detail construction standards that developers typically address at both planning and building permit stages to avoid delays.

Planning Scheme and Overlays

Each council’s planning scheme contains zones and overlays that impose specific drawing requirements. Overlays such as the Design and Development Overlay, Heritage Overlay, or Bushfire Management Overlay typically require additional documentation on planning drawings.

Recent amendments including VC140 have updated bushfire planning policies, affecting what developers must show on drawings in bushfire-prone areas. The Bushfire Management Overlay under Clause 44.06 now requires more detailed information about defendable space and access.

The planning scheme determines whether ResCode standards apply or if site-specific provisions override standard requirements. Developers must check their planning scheme carefully as overlay requirements often dictate shadow diagrams, landscape plans, or heritage impact assessments.

Building Regulations and Australian Standards

Australian Standards provide technical specifications that inform drawing preparation even at the planning stage. Standards covering access, energy efficiency, and construction methods may need representation on planning drawings to demonstrate compliance intent.

The Building Regulations 2018 reference numerous Australian Standards that affect development design. While detailed compliance occurs during building permit assessment through the Victorian Building Authority, planning drawings typically show general conformity with key standards.

Stormwater management requirements introduced through VC154 now affect planning drawings across all Victorian schemes. Developers must demonstrate how their proposal manages stormwater, often requiring drainage plans or engineering details as part of planning permit applications.

Types of Planning Drawings Required

Planning permit applications in Victoria require specific documentation to demonstrate compliance with the planning scheme and ResCode provisions. Each drawing type serves a distinct purpose in the assessment process, from showing site boundaries and setbacks to illustrating how the development responds to neighbouring properties.

Site Plan Requirements

A site plan forms the foundation of any planning permit application. It must show property boundaries, existing and proposed structures, vehicle access points, and parking arrangements.

The drawing needs to include accurate dimensions for all setbacks from boundaries. These measurements demonstrate compliance with the relevant residential zone requirements and any overlay provisions that may apply to the property.

Ground levels and drainage directions typically appear on site plans to show how stormwater will be managed. Following VC154, which introduced updated stormwater management requirements, councils pay closer attention to how developments handle water runoff across all Victorian planning schemes.

Existing vegetation, particularly significant trees, must be marked with their canopy spread and trunk diameter. The updated standards under Clause 54 now include specific requirements for tree canopy retention, making this element more critical for deemed-to-comply applications.

Floor Plan Essentials

Floor plans must show the layout of each level with room labels, dimensions, and functional spaces clearly marked. Window and door locations help assessors evaluate natural light and ventilation compliance.

Each floor plan needs to include floor-to-ceiling heights and the position of building services such as hot water systems or air conditioning units. These details affect amenity assessments, particularly regarding acoustic privacy between dwellings.

For multi-dwelling developments, floor plans should demonstrate how private open space connects to living areas. The plans need to show the area calculations for these spaces to verify compliance with ResCode standards.

Ceiling heights and room dimensions directly relate to habitability requirements. Developments under 300 square metres benefit from streamlined assessment processes, but the floor plans must still demonstrate compliance with the strengthened liveability standards introduced in August 2025.

Elevations and Building Envelope

Elevations show all external faces of the proposed development, including materials, colours, and architectural features. These drawings help assessors evaluate streetscape character and neighbourhood fit.

The building envelope illustrated through elevations must demonstrate compliance with height limits specified in the planning scheme. Wall heights, roof pitch, and any roof-mounted equipment need accurate representation.

Window positions shown on elevations link directly to overlooking and privacy assessments. Assessors use these drawings alongside floor plans to determine whether screening measures are necessary to protect neighbouring properties.

Material specifications and finishes on elevations affect both visual amenity and sustainability considerations. New requirements for domestic solar energy protection mean elevations may need to show how the development avoids overshadowing existing or proposed solar installations on adjacent properties.

Specialist Plans and Diagrams

Shadow diagrams demonstrate overshadowing impacts on neighbouring properties at specific times on 22 September. These diagrams must show shadows cast at 9am, 12pm, and 3pm to satisfy ResCode requirements.

A landscape plan shows proposed plantings, paving materials, and garden treatments across the site. This plan becomes particularly important for developments affecting significant vegetation or requiring canopy replacement under updated Clause 54 standards.

Developments in bushfire-prone areas require additional documentation following VC83, which introduced updated bushfire planning provisions. A bushfire management plan may be necessary depending on the Bushfire Management Overlay requirements.

Sustainability management plans have become increasingly relevant for larger developments. These documents outline water-sensitive urban design measures, energy efficiency features, and compliance with any environmentally sustainable design requirements in the local planning framework.

Waste management plans show bin storage locations and collection arrangements. For multi-dwelling developments, these plans demonstrate adequate space for recycling and general waste, which councils assess as part of amenity considerations.

The Planning Permit Process

Understanding how councils assess applications helps developers prepare stronger submissions and anticipate potential issues. The process typically involves preliminary research, consultation with council officers, and formal lodgement with supporting documentation.

Pre-Application Research

Property developers should begin by reviewing the planning scheme that applies to their site. Each Victorian planning scheme contains zoning provisions, overlays, and particular provisions that determine what uses and development standards apply. Council websites typically provide access to planning scheme documents and zone maps that identify applicable controls.

Recent planning reforms have introduced streamlined pathways for certain development types. The updated Clause 54 standards now include deemed-to-comply provisions for single dwellings and small second dwellings on lots under 300 square metres, which work with the VicSmart 10-day approval process. The Townhouse and Low-Rise Code similarly provides faster permits for townhouses and apartments up to three storeys.

Developers should identify whether their project triggers referral requirements to authorities such as Melbourne Water or the relevant fire authority. Projects in bushfire-prone areas may need to address updated requirements under VC83, which introduced new Clause 13.05 provisions and revised Bushfire Management Overlay standards.

Consultation and Pre-Application Meetings

Most Victorian councils offer pre-application planning advice to discuss proposed development before formal lodgement. A pre-application meeting with a council planner can clarify planning scheme requirements, identify potential objection points, and suggest modifications that could improve application success.

These consultations are not binding but provide valuable insight into how the council may assess the planning permit application. Developers can discuss zoning compliance, design standards under ResCode or other relevant codes, car parking calculations under the updated Clause 52.06 provisions (VC277), and overlay requirements.

Some councils require payment for pre-application advice, while others offer initial consultations at no cost. Developers should confirm the council’s process and any associated fees before requesting a meeting.

Application Lodgement and Documentation

Applications must be lodged through the relevant planning portal or directly with the council. The application types vary depending on the proposal—VicSmart applications for straightforward projects, standard applications for more complex development, or amendments to existing permits.

Required documentation typically includes:

• Application form with site details and development description
• Planning permit drawings showing site plans, floor plans, and elevations
• Planning report addressing relevant planning scheme provisions
• Supporting documents such as traffic reports, stormwater management plans, or bushfire attack level assessments

Fees are calculated based on the development value or application type. Councils must assess most standard applications within 60 statutory days, though this timeframe may be extended by agreement or if further information is requested.

Assessment and Decision-Making

Once a planning permit application is submitted with the required planning drawings, the responsible authority evaluates the proposal against planning scheme provisions and may seek public input or specialist advice. The assessment process includes statutory notification periods, technical referrals, and the preparation of permit conditions that directly reference the endorsed plans.

Public Notice and Referrals

Most planning permit applications require public notice under the Victorian Planning Provisions. The responsible authority must notify affected landowners and potentially display a sign on the site for a period typically ranging from 14 to 21 days. Residential developments, commercial buildings, and applications that require departures from planning controls generally trigger notification requirements.

Referrals involve sending the application to prescribed authorities for specialist assessment. Referral authorities may include Melbourne Water for drainage and flooding issues, VicRoads for traffic impacts, or the relevant fire authority for bushfire-prone areas. Some referrals are determining referrals where the authority can refuse the application, while others are recommending referrals that provide advice but cannot veto approval.

The assessment and decision-making process in planning systems typically follows structured stages that balance technical requirements with statutory obligations. Applicants should anticipate referral timeframes when scheduling project milestones, as some authorities may take several weeks to provide responses.

Permit Conditions and Endorsed Plans

Planning permits contain conditions that must be satisfied before development commences or before occupation. Common conditions include requirements to submit amended drawings, obtain building permits, prepare landscape plans, or implement stormwater management systems. Conditions may be pre-commencement, during construction, or post-completion obligations.

Endorsed plans are the drawings formally approved as part of the permit. The responsible authority stamps these plans with an endorsement that references the permit number and approval date. Development must accord with the endorsed plans unless a permit amendment is obtained. The endorsed set typically includes floor plans, elevations, site plans, and any specialist drawings required by permit conditions.

Planning schemes may require developments to meet specific standards affecting how conditions are drafted. Changes to provisions like those introduced through recent amendments may affect condition wording and plan endorsement requirements for particular development types.

Dealing with Objections and Appeals

Objectors have the right to appeal a permit decision to VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) within specified timeframes. Applicants may also appeal if the responsible authority refuses the application or fails to make a decision within the statutory period, typically 60 days for standard applications.

VCAT conducts a hearing where all parties present evidence, often including expert planning witnesses. The tribunal conducts a merit-based review of the application, considering planning scheme provisions, objector concerns, and the broader planning context. VCAT may affirm the decision, set it aside, or approve the permit with modified conditions or amended plans.

Strong planning drawings that demonstrate clear compliance with relevant planning controls can reduce objection risks. Documentation showing consideration of neighbouring amenity, design quality, and planning policy objectives provides solid foundations for responding to objections or defending applications at VCAT.

Additional Requirements and Considerations

Developments in bushfire-prone areas, projects affecting public infrastructure, and compliance with technical specifications require specialised planning drawings beyond standard architectural plans. These considerations often determine whether a planning permit application proceeds smoothly or faces referral delays.

Bushfire-Prone Area Provisions

Properties within bushfire-prone areas face mandatory referral requirements under Clause 44.06 of Victorian planning schemes. Planning drawings for these sites must demonstrate compliance with defendable space requirements, which typically extend 19 metres or more from habitable buildings depending on the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating.

The drawings need to show vegetation management zones, emergency access routes with minimum 3.5-metre clearance widths, and water supply provisions for firefighting purposes. Amendment VC83 introduced updated bushfire planning provisions that strengthened requirements for site assessments and construction standards in designated overlay areas.

Applicants must engage a bushfire planning practitioner to prepare a Bushfire Management Statement that corresponds with the site plans. The drawings should clearly delineate asset protection zones, depict existing vegetation types, and indicate proposed landscape modifications to reduce fire risk. These plans may require detailed contour information to assess slope factors affecting radiant heat calculations.

Public Utilities and Infrastructure

Planning permit drawings must identify the location and capacity of existing public utilities including water infrastructure, sewerage systems, drainage networks, and public lighting. Councils assess whether proposed developments require upgrades to these services or contribute to infrastructure provision.

Site plans typically need to show connection points to reticulated water and sewer mains, with dimensions indicating distances from property boundaries. For larger developments, hydraulic engineers may need to model stormwater impacts, particularly following the introduction of new stormwater management requirements under Amendment VC154.

Key infrastructure elements requiring documentation:

• Water metre locations and supply pipe routes
• Sewer connection points and grade requirements
• Stormwater drainage discharge points
• Underground services including gas, electricity, telecommunications
• Street tree locations and protection zones

Developers should verify service availability with relevant authorities before finalising planning drawings, as capacity constraints may necessitate design modifications or financial contributions toward augmentation works.

Standard Drawings and Technical Specifications

Victorian councils maintain standard drawings that specify technical requirements for civil works, drainage details, and infrastructure design. Planning permit drawings must align with these specifications to avoid requests for amended plans during assessment.

Engineering drawings submitted alongside architectural plans need consistent notation systems, appropriate scales, and dimensioning conventions. Many councils require civil works drawings to follow specific layer structures and CAD standards to facilitate integration with council asset management systems.

Typical specifications cover drawing sheet sizes (usually A1 or A3), title block formats, north point conventions, and coordinate systems referenced to Map Grid of Australia (MGA) datums. Line weights, text heights, and symbol libraries may need to match council templates. Some municipalities provide downloadable CAD files containing pre-formatted layouts and standard details for common elements like crossover designs, drainage pits, and retaining wall configurations.

From Planning Permit to Building Permit

Once a planning permit is granted, the approved drawings and conditions form the foundation for the building permit application. The building surveyor assesses construction compliance against the endorsed plans to ensure consistency with what was approved at the planning stage.

Transition to Building Permit

A building permit is a separate approval that focuses on structural integrity, construction standards, and compliance with the National Construction Code. While the planning permit addresses land use and neighbourhood impacts, the building permit confirms the construction methods meet safety and technical requirements.

The transition typically begins after receiving formal planning approval and any required endorsements. Developers must obtain construction drawings that comply with building regulations before lodging the building permit application. These drawings are more detailed than planning drawings and include structural specifications, engineering details, and compliance documentation.

Any building permit issued must align with the planning permit conditions and endorsed plans. Changes to the approved design at this stage may trigger a planning permit amendment, which can delay the project timeline.

Role of the Building Surveyor

The building surveyor reviews the construction documentation to verify compliance with the Building Code of Australia and relevant Australian Standards. They assess structural adequacy, fire safety measures, accessibility provisions, and energy efficiency ratings. Private or municipal building surveyors may conduct this assessment depending on the project location and developer preference.

Building surveyors check that the proposed construction matches the planning permit endorsements, including approved floor plans, elevations, and site layouts. They cannot approve variations that conflict with planning conditions without evidence of a planning permit amendment. This verification process protects developers from undertaking non-compliant construction that could result in enforcement action.

The surveyor issues inspection notices throughout construction to ensure work proceeds according to the approved building permit documentation.

Ensuring Consistency and Compliance

Developers should confirm planning and building requirements align before construction commences. Discrepancies between planning endorsements and building permit plans create compliance issues that may require retrospective planning amendments or building variations.

Key consistency checks include:

• Setbacks and heights match endorsed planning drawings
• Materials and finishes reflect planning permit conditions
• Car parking layouts comply with both planning requirements and construction standards
• Stormwater systems satisfy planning conditions and building technical specifications

Working with professionals experienced in both planning and building processes reduces the risk of inconsistencies. This coordination becomes particularly important for projects with complex planning conditions or developments in overlay areas where additional planning requirements apply.

Fees, Submission, and Ongoing Responsibilities

Planning permit applications in Victoria involve various fees charged by councils and state authorities, strict document submission requirements, and potential post-approval obligations that applicants must understand before lodging their application.

Application Fees and Charges

Victorian councils charge planning application fees based on the estimated cost of development, as outlined in the Planning and Environment (Fees) Regulations. The fee structure typically includes a base application fee plus an additional amount calculated per thousand dollars of development cost.

A separate lodgement fee applies when submitting through the state government planning portal, which covers the operation and maintenance of the ePlanning system. This fee is distinct from council assessment fees.

Councils may charge additional fees for amendments to approved permits or for extending permit timeframes. Subdivision applications attract separate fees under the Subdivision (Fees) Regulations 2016, which cover services including plan certification, engineering plan preparation, and works supervision.

Applicants should verify current fee schedules with their local council before lodging, as fees are indexed annually. The genuine estimated cost of development must be calculated accurately, as incorrect estimates could result in additional fees or processing delays.

Document Submission Standards

Planning drawings submitted with permit applications must comply with specific formatting and presentation standards. Most Victorian councils require drawings to include site plans, floor plans, elevations, and shadow diagrams at appropriate scales.

Engineering drawings require completion of specific checklists that confirm compliance with minimum standards before submission. The draftsperson must sign these checklists certifying that drawings meet the relevant standards.

Electronic submissions through the planning portal must follow digital file format requirements, typically including PDF documents with appropriate file naming conventions. Drawings should be legible, dimensioned accurately, and include north points, scales, and clear annotations.

Incomplete or non-compliant submissions may result in requests for further information, which can extend assessment timeframes beyond the statutory 60-day period for most applications.

Amendments and Post-Approval Obligations

Approved planning permits include conditions that must be satisfied either before development commences or before occupation. Permit conditions may require submission of further details, such as landscape plans, waste management plans, or construction management plans.

Amendments to approved permits require a formal application, which may involve simplified procedures for minor changes or full reassessment for significant modifications. Section 72 amendments allow changes to permits without notice if the responsible authority considers the changes not materially different from the approved plans.

Permit holders must commence development within the timeframes specified in their permit, typically two years for commencement and four years for completion. Extensions may be granted before expiry, but lapsed permits require new applications.

Some permits include ongoing obligations such as maintenance of landscaping or compliance with parking management plans. Property owners should retain copies of endorsed plans and permit conditions, as these obligations may bind future owners and could be enforced by council.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning drawings for development projects in Victoria must meet specific technical standards and regulatory requirements set by local councils. Understanding these requirements helps property developers avoid common submission errors and delays in the planning permit process.

What must be included in planning drawings for residential projects?

Residential planning drawings must include a site plan drawn to scale showing the property boundaries, existing structures, proposed development, and setbacks from all boundaries. The site plan typically shows natural ground levels, north point orientation, and measurements that demonstrate compliance with the applicable planning scheme provisions.

Floor plans and elevations are required to show the internal layout, room dimensions, ceiling heights, and external appearance of the proposed development. These drawings must clearly indicate materials and finishes, window and door locations, and any features relevant to ResCode or other planning controls.

A planning permit application package typically requires technical reports addressing specific site conditions such as stormwater management, overlooking and overshadowing analysis, and tree protection measures. Following the introduction of VC154, stormwater management requirements have become more stringent across all Victorian planning schemes.

How do councils assess planning drawings for compliance?

Local councils assess planning drawings against the relevant zone provisions, overlays, and particular provisions within the Victorian planning scheme. The assessment considers whether the proposal meets the mandatory requirements and performs against the decision guidelines where discretion applies.

For single dwellings and small second dwellings, Clause 54 has been updated with improved standards focusing on liveability, external amenity, and sustainability. If the development meets these standards, the application is deemed to comply and may be processed through the VicSmart 10-day approval pathway.

Councils evaluate drawings to verify setbacks, building heights, site coverage, and permeability meet the specified requirements. They also assess impacts on neighbouring properties including overshadowing, overlooking, and visual bulk, particularly where ResCode standards apply.

What is the process for submitting planning drawings for a home extension?

The submission process begins with preparing a complete set of planning drawings that address all relevant planning controls and demonstrate compliance with the planning scheme. Property developers should review the specific requirements of the local council, as some municipalities have planning guidelines and technical documents that outline submission standards.

Applications may be lodged online through the relevant council portal or submitted in hard copy format depending on the municipality’s processes. The application must include the planning drawings, completed application form, certificate of title, and any required technical reports or supporting documentation.

Once submitted, the council assesses the application and may request additional information or amended drawings if the initial submission does not adequately address planning requirements. The council then makes a decision to approve, approve with conditions, or refuse the planning permit.

What scale and detail level do planning drawings need?

Planning drawings typically require a minimum scale of 1:100 for floor plans and elevations, and 1:200 or 1:500 for site plans depending on the property size and complexity. The scale must be clearly marked on each drawing sheet to allow accurate measurement and assessment.

The level of detail must be sufficient to demonstrate compliance with all applicable planning controls and allow the council to understand the full extent of the proposed development. This includes showing all existing and proposed structures, fencing, landscaping, driveways, and services.

Detailed plans that accurately show all dimensions and materials are essential as they form the basis for council assessment and any subsequent building permit application. Drawings should include dimensions, materials specifications, and annotations that explain design decisions relevant to planning considerations.

What common mistakes delay planning drawing approvals?

Incomplete or inaccurate site plans frequently cause delays when boundary dimensions do not match the certificate of title or existing structures are not correctly shown. Property developers should verify all measurements on site and ensure consistency between the survey information and the planning drawings.

Failing to address relevant planning scheme provisions represents another common error that results in requests for further information. Applications should demonstrate how the proposal responds to both mandatory requirements and discretionary decision guidelines within the applicable zone and overlay controls.

Insufficient detail regarding materials, colours, and finishes can delay assessment where these elements are relevant to planning considerations such as neighbourhood character or heritage impacts. Following recent planning reforms, new sustainability standards apply to overshadowing of domestic solar panels, which must be addressed in the drawings.

Scale errors or drawings without a clearly marked scale prevent councils from accurately assessing setbacks, heights, and other measurable requirements. All drawings should include a scale bar and written scale notation.

Do planning drawings require professional certification?

Victoria does not mandate professional certification of planning drawings for all planning permit applications, though councils may require certification for specific types of development or in particular circumstances. Complex projects or those in sensitive locations may benefit from certification by a registered building surveyor or architect.

Design practitioners working on regulated buildings have specific obligations under building legislation, though this applies more directly to the building permit stage. The Building Practitioner Caretaker arrangements replaced the previous Victorian Building Authority registration system with new practitioner categories and obligations.

For planning permit purposes, drawings prepared by qualified professionals such as architects or building designers typically demonstrate higher compliance with planning requirements and may result in faster assessment. However, property developers may prepare and submit planning drawings without professional certification where they have the necessary knowledge and capability.

This guide provides general information about planning drawings requirements in Victoria. Planning schemes and council requirements vary. For project-specific advice, consult with your local council or a registered architect.