15 day Fast Track applications
Some planning applications are straightforward and can take a shorter time for Council to assess. Since these applications shouldn’t have to wait for more complex applications to be processed, Council’s has a new Fast Track application process.
Fast Track applications take 15 working days to process.
Can my application be ‘fast tracked’?
Permit applications that usually are fast tracked are for:
- buildings or works that are minor, like small dwelling extensions or building a fence, garage or carport that do not require notice to be given to neighbours and
- works within some business or industrial zones, that are exempt from the requirement to give public notice of an application.
Fast Track categories
- a small dwelling extension or garage in a Heritage Overlay where the lot is over 300 square metres and the works can’t be seen from the street or other public space.
- a new dwelling or dwelling extensions in the Gowanbrae Estate provided that the requirements of any restrictive covenant on the Title of the land have been met.
- minor works to an existing shop or commercial premises that is exempt from the requirement to give public notice.
- a new building or works to an existing building in an industrial area that does not require additional car parking and is exempt from the requirement to give public notice.
- some types of signs in commercial areas.
- works in a Special Building Overlay (see the ‘Express Lane’ guide for more information), or
- minor changes to existing permits.
Come in and visit us - the best way to see if you can Fast Track your application
The best way to find out if you can fast-track your application is to come in and speak to an Urban Planning Officer before you lodge an application. An appointment is not required. Simply come in and visit us at Council’s Coburg Civic Centre at 90 Bell Street Coburg where you can speak to an officer to identify all the information you need to supply and decide if your application can be Fast Tracked.
Are there extra fees for fast track applications?
No, but the standard fee for a planning permit application applies. The fees set by the Planning and Environment Act, 1987 apply to fast track applications.
Fast Track process
1. Prepare plans
In most cases you need plans prepared for your application. The information on the plans depends on the type of application.
You need three copies of plans. The plans must have dimensions and be drawn to scale and show the details of all buildings or other things proposed.
Council has checklists to assist applicants with preparing different types of applications. Get a checklist for your type of application from the Urban Development Branch or visit the 'Planning Appliction Forms' page of Council’s website to download the checklist you need. If you need further advice about what information is required, either telephone 9240 1111 and ask to speak to an Urban Planning Officer or come in and speak to an officer at the Coburg Civic Centre, 90 Bell Street, Coburg. No appointment is needed.
2. Title details
Your application also needs a copy of the Certificate of Title with your application. The title must be legible and recent (not more than 3 months old), detailing the most current owner. Please include the plan/diagram showing the lot layout and dimensions and the Register Search Statement.
Should a restrictive covenant apply to the land, a copy of the registered restrictive covenant must be provided. For a copy of the title, you can do an online search of the Property Titles on the Department of Sustainability and Environment website.
Make sure your proposed works do not breach any restrictive covenant. Some properties in Gowanbrae have a covenant that requires that your plans be approved by Melrose Land Sales. This will need to occur before you lodge your application. You may need legal advice if your property has a restrictive covenant.
3. Come in and visit us
Speak to an Urban Planning Officer at the Coburg Civic Centre, 90 Bell Street Coburg before you lodge the application. The officer will advise if your application can be fast tracked.
4. Lodge your planning application
Complete Moreland City Council’s planning permit application form (PDF 666Kb) and submit the application form, plans and title at Council together with any applicable fee.
What happens once the application is lodged?
One of Council’s urban planning officers will check your application and the information submitted and decide if it can be ‘fast tracked.’
You will get an acknowledgement telling you if your application is a ‘fast track application’ and when your application will be decided.
What if my application can’t be fast tracked?
Your application may not be fast tracked if Council needs:
- you to submit extra information
- to put up a public notice or refer your application to other agencies, or
- to make a more detailed assessment.
If your application does not qualify for the fast track process, contact the Urban Planning Officer handling your application to discuss the process with them.
Links
- When you need a planning permit
- Planning fees
- Search property titles on the Department of Sustainability and Environment website
