Common questions and answers for owners of heritage properties.
Full demolition of a significant or contributory building will not generally be permitted.
Council recognises that heritage places need to change to adapt to contemporary needs. There are likely to be opportunities for changes and additions that meet your needs but do not impact adversely on the building’s significance. It is recommended that you discuss your plans with a planner prior to lodging your permit application. Some people choose to engage a suitably qualified heritage consultant to assist with developing plans and applying to Council.
Changes to heritage places are approached on a case by case basis with consideration of their significance and the proposed works. All decisions must be informed and guided by the Statement of Significance and the potential impact on heritage significance of the place. Please discuss with a planner.
New work, meaning changes or additions to a place, needs to respect heritage significance and be identifiable as something new. While some people believe that new work needs to reproduce the appearance of the existing heritage building Council’s heritage policies encourage high quality contextual design which avoids replicating historic forms and details.
Refer to the Heritage Design Guide.
Under the Heritage Overlay you do not need a permit for routine repairs and maintenance that replace ‘like for like’ so long as they do not change the appearance of the place or impact on its significance. If you have any questions, or are unsure, please contact Council’s planning department.
Under the Heritage Overlay you do not need a permit for routine repairs and maintenance when replacing ‘like for like’ so long as they do not change the appearance of the place or impact on its significance. If you are thinking about repainting the building in a different colour from its current colour you may need planning permission. Certain areas in the Heritage Overlay will specify that paint controls apply – check the Schedule to the Heritage Overlay to see if the ‘external paint control’ column is ticked.
If you have any questions, or are unsure, please contact Council’s planning department.
Usually yes unless the Melbourne Planning Scheme identifies your property as having internal heritage controls. Internal controls are rare and it is unlikely that your property has them. You can check by looking up your property on the
Schedule to the Heritage Overlay at Clause 43.01 (PDF 1 MB).
You need a permit to install a solar energy facility (solar panels) if it is visible from the street (other than a lane) or public park.
If an individual tree is of heritage significance it will be on the Heritage Overlay and listed separately in the Schedule to the Heritage Overlay. If a tree or trees form part of the heritage significance of a property the column headed ‘tree controls’ will be ticked in the table to the Schedule to the Heritage Overlay at Clause 43.01 and a permit will be required for some works on those trees. Check with Council’s planners.
In addition, Melbourne has an Exceptional Tree Register that recognises, celebrates and protects trees on private land. Find out more and check where they are using the online map.
Need advice?
Speak with a planner on 9658 9658.