The VicSmart Planning Application ProcessVicSmart is a streamlined assessment process for low-impact, 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:
Does your application qualify for VicSmart? A proposal may fall into more than one class of VicSmart application. Where a proposal falls into more than one class of VicSmart application, the requirements of each class need to be met. There are three prerequisites for an application to be eligible as a VicSmart application:
Visit the VicSmart website www.planning.vic.gov.au/vicsmart for information guides to assist you to determine if your application qualifies to be assessed as VicSmart.
The VicSmart process involves four simple steps:
Visit the VicSmart website www.planning.vic.gov.au/vicsmart to download a copy of the Applicant's Guide to lodging a VicSmart Application and the relevant VicSmart checklists that must be completed and submitted with your VicSmart application. Click here for information on how to access Council's Planning Pre-Application Discussion Service - fees apply.
A planning officer will check the submitted information against the requirements listed in the planning scheme. To enable a decision to be made in 10 business days, you must submit all required information when lodging the application:
Incomplete applications cannot be accepted An application can be submitted:
Step 3 - AssessA VicSmart application is assessed against pre-set decision guidelines that are set out in the VicSmart planning provisions for that class of application. If a proposal meets the criteria for a VicSmart application, council must assess the application within 10 days using the VicSmart process. A Council cannot choose to assess the proposal using the regular permit process. If the information submitted with the application is inadequate or if some of the required information is missing, Council can ask you in writing to provide further information. If the requested information is not provided by the specified date, the application will lapse. An application that has lapsed cannot be recommenced and a new application must be lodged. To receive an extension to allow you to seek additional information, you must apply to Council before the lapse date.
Step 4 - DecisionA decision should be made within 10 business days. After 10 business days, you will have a right of review by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for failure to decide. An application is not automatically decided after 10 business days. If the application cannot be decided because of missing information, inadequate fee, design negotiations or other outstanding matter, you will be informed. Similarly where a decision can be made but has been inadvertently delayed, a council officer will most likely inform you and will make a decision as soon as practicable. Under VicSmart, you have the right to a review by VCAT after 10 business days, but you are not compelled to do so. Before applying to VCAT, please contact Council's Planning department on 8571 1000 to find out when a decision will be made. In most cases, a decision will be made within a reasonable timeframe. |