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Frequently asked questions
Specific heritage planning controls apply to individual sites and areas with identified heritage significance. They are detailed in Melbourne Planning Scheme Clause 43.01 (PDF 54 KB)Opens in new tab.
All heritage places, whether they are individual properties or areas based precincts, are listed at the Schedule to Clause 43.01 Heritage Overlay and are given a reference number, for example 'HO21'. The planning scheme maps will show this number as a cross-reference between the maps and the schedule in the scheme.
A heritage place is any place we consider appropriate to have statutory heritage protection under the Melbourne Planning Scheme.
If your property is affected by a heritage overlay, it will be listed in the schedule in the heritage overlay and identified on the planning scheme maps.
A heritage place could include an individual site, a precinct area covering many sites, buildings, structures, archaeological sites, trees, gardens, geological formations, fossils, habitat or other places of natural or cultural significance and its associated land.
A heritage place can't be moveable or portable objects, such as machinery within a factory or furniture within a house.
Heritage precincts are areas identified as having heritage significance. They are identified in the Melbourne Planning Scheme heritage overlay maps, and cover all buildings within the boundaries of the precinct.
The majority of the buildings within a precinct will be graded heritage buildings, although modern or new buildings may also be located within a heritage precinct. The requirements of the heritage overlay and associated planning permit triggers apply to all buildings within the precinct.
If a property is identified on the planning scheme map as a heritage place, then you need a planning permit to:
- subdivide the land
- construct a building or construct or carry out works
- externally alter a building
- externally paint the building if the schedule specifies external paint controls apply
- erect and display a sign including an advertising sign
- install domestic services normal to a dwelling if the services are visible from a street (other than a lane) or public park
- install s solar energy facility attached to a building that primarily services the land on which it is situated if the services are visible from a street (other than a lane) or public park
- install a rainwater tank if the rainwater tank is visible from a street (other than a lane) or public park.
For more guidance, please refer to the City of Melbourne’s Heritage Guides.
The requirements of the heritage overlay and associated planning permit apply to all buildings within the precinct, whether or not they are identified in the City of Melbourne's database.
The City of Melbourne has specific policy objectives, strategies and guidelines relating to heritage precincts and places at Clause 15.03 of the Melbourne Planning Scheme. This should be considered with the Statements of Significance which outlines the elements and aspects of significance for heritage places and precincts.
We have commissioned heritage studies since the early 1980s and now have a collection of heritage information for more than 8000 places within the municipality. Places identified within our heritage studies may or may not be located within a heritage overlay.
The Victorian Heritage Register is the Victorian Government's heritage register. This register includes Sites of State Significance. See Victorian Heritage DatabaseOpens in new tab for more information.
Heritage Council VictoriaOpens in new tab administers the Heritage Act 1995 and maintains the Victorian Heritage Register.
If a building is on the Victorian Heritage Register it will be covered by an individual Heritage Overlay and the Schedule to the Heritage Overlay will show that the building or site is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Properties listed on the Victorian Heritage Register may be exempt from planning permit requirements in the Melbourne Planning Scheme. Contact the Planning Team on 03 9658 9658 to determine if a planning permit is required.
Please contact Heritage Council VictoriaOpens in new tab to confirm whether a permit is required under the Heritage Act 1995.
