Do I need a planning permit?

Whether you need a planning permit depends on your property and what you want to do.

Some projects do not need a planning permit. Others may need a permit even if you are not doing any building work.

Council’s online planning tool, myLot, can help you check if you may need a planning permit before you start.

Use myLot to get an initial guide for your project. If you are unsure about the result or your project is complex, contact Council’s Planning Department before you start.

myLot is available 24/7. It uses your property address and what you want to do to help you:

  • check if you may need a planning permit
  • see the planning rules that may apply to your property
  • understand what information and documents you may need
  • check if your proposal may be eligible for the VicSmart process
  • prepare your application before you lodge it with Council

How myLot works

Step 1.Sign in or create a myLot account

Visit myLot and sign in or create an account to get started. Your account allows you to save your enquiry and access your results.

Launch myLot

Step 2.Enter your property address

Search for your property address and tell myLot what you are planning to do, such as building a shed, constructing a dwelling, removing vegetation or subdividing land.

Step 3.Answer a few questions

myLot will ask a series of simple questions about your proposal to help assess the planning requirements that may apply.

Step 4.Review your results

Based on the information provided, myLot will indicate whether a planning permit may be required for your proposal.

Step 5.Receive guidance on next steps

If a planning permit may be required, myLot will provide a report outlining the planning controls that apply and information to help you prepare your application.

Important: This is not an official planning decision

myLot provides preliminary guidance only. It is not a formal planning decision or written planning advice from Council. Depending on your proposal, you may still need formal planning advice. Residents are encouraged to contact Council’s Planning Department for further assistance or to discuss development proposals prior to lodging an application.

Step 6.Provide feedback

Please take a moment to provide feedback about your experience using MyLot.

MyLot feedback form

Step 7.Book a pre-application meeting

Need help with your proposal before applying?  You can book a free pre-application meeting with one of our Planning Officers.

Find out about pre-application advice

myLot frequently asked questions

What types of development does myLot cover?

MyLot is best for all residential developments where the land is zoned Neighbourhood Residential Zone - Schedule 3 and/or includes a Heritage Overlay, Design and Development Overlay and Special Building Overlay.

The service is currently unsuitable for more complex proposals like subdivisions, large multi-unit developments or commercial proposals. Please contact the Planning team to discuss these types of proposals with a planner.

What if I don't know or haven't decided on a detail of my project?

That's okay. The service can provide guidance based on the information you have. If there are details you're unsure about, you can explore different options with the service to understand the planning implications.

I'm a professional in the building sector. Is myLot suitable for me?

Yes. The service can be used by building professionals to check planning requirements quickly.

Reliability of results

Will I get a definitive answer from myLot?

The information provided by myLot is intended to be a helpful guide and is not a final planning decision. The service offers guidance based on your information and its interpretation of the planning rules. 

However, it does not account for the factors such as: 

  • covenants, 173 agreements and other restrictions found on a certificate of title
  • previous or existing planning permits, or existing uses
  • other approvals may be required, such as building and asset protection permits.

Therefore, the service's advice should be reviewed by a Council or private planner for final advice before proceeding, even if the case doesn't seem complex.

How accurate and reliable is the advice?

The service’s advice carefully analyses the planning legislation relevant to your site and proposal. It cites the specific rules and clauses that it interprets. However, as it cannot yet access specific property-specific data, its advice should be taken as guidance rather than a definitive answer.

Can I get a planner to verify the answers provided by the service?

Yes. You can arrange a pre-application meeting with a Planner to discuss your proposal. Alternatively, you can request formal written planning advice to verify the answers provided.

Privacy and security

What data does myLot collect and how is it used?

The service collects the information provided about your project to provide guidance on planning requirements. The email provided when you sign up is used to send you a copy of your results. No personal data is used for any other purpose.

Where is my data stored and is it secure?

Host servers located in Australia securely store all data. We adhere to strict data protection regulations and employ robust security measures to safeguard your information.

Who built this service?

MyLot, an Australian technology company focused on AI for the planning and building sector, delivers this service. Learn more at mylot.ai.

Does this service use AI?

Yes. The service uses AI to ask you the right questions about your proposal and to generate a report. Your email and property address are not disclosed to the AI and are not used to train the AI.

Quick links

Contact us

Phone

03 5036 2333

 

Email

planning@swanhill.vic.gov.au

 

Location

45 Splatt Street,
Swan Hill
VIC 3585
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