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                    Advertising planning applications

                    Under Section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, planning applications are advertised where a proposal may cause detriment. Advertising a planning permit application is often referred to as ‘giving notice’.

                    ​​​​​​Once all of the information relating to an application has been received, the planning officer decides whether the application needs to be formally advertised.

                    Advertising must be carried out exactly in accordance with the City of Melbourne's direction and the timeframe must be strictly observed as it allows those who are affected by a proposal to consider the proposal and its potential to impact on them.

                    The formal period of advertising is usually 14 days. Over the holiday/new year period from Monday 4 December to Tuesday 2 January this is extended to 28 days.​

                    Submissions that are received in response to advertising are commonly referred to as objections.

                    Are there any exceptions?

                    Some applications are exempt from the notice requirements under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

                    For example, some works within the Capital City Zone are exempt from the notice, decision and review requirements of the Act.

                    Methods of advertising

                    An application can be advertised using one or more of the following methods, depending on the proposal:

                    • notice of planning permit application mailed directly to owners/occupiers of adjoining properties
                    • erecting a sign on-site
                    • notice of planning permit application in the local newspaper.

                    How to locate advertised applications

                    To access all currently advertised applications and the supporting documentation, please view our complete list of advertised applications. Alternatively you can search for a specific application or address using the planning permit register.

                    During the advertising period, you can also view planning application information by visiting our Planning and Building service counter.

                    Once a decision has been made, the complete planning file will no longer be available for public viewing. However, any permit or endorsed documents can be made available on request by appointment only. Please contact us to make an appointment.

                    Please note: The City of Melbourne continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation, working with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Australian Government Department of Health.

                    As such, we are not able to offer a viewing of planning documents at this time and encourage you to use the online planning register mentioned above.

                    See Freedom of information for more information.

                    Costs associated with advertising

                    For advertising fees, please refer to the planning schedule of fees.

                    Contact us

                    Contact name
                    Planning Team
                    Telephone number
                    03 9658 965803 9658 9658
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