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                    Land subdivision

                    A heritage house
                    Planning permit applications and certification applications under the Subdivision Act 1988 are processed and assessed by the Land Survey Team. The City of Melbourne's approval must be obtained before buildings or land in the municipality can be subdivided or consolidated.

                    ​​​​​​Approval is also needed in certain situations to create or remove easements (an easement being a right held by a person to use another's land for particular purposes, such as access and drainage).

                    Subdivision is complicated and has certain legal requirements. Therefore, applicants should be land surveyors, whose professional skills enable them to manage the complex nature of subdivision in the municipality.

                    Subdivision process and applications

                    Subdivision process

                    A typical, simplified subdivision process involves the following steps:

                    • A planning permit allowing subdivision is granted. If issued, this will set the general parameters and conditions for final approval of the subdivision.
                    • A formal plan of subdivision that has been prepared by a licensed surveyor, as required under the Subdivision Act 1988, is certified. The plan must be compliant with the planning permit.
                    • A statement of compliance for the subdivision, as required under the Subdivision Act 1988, is issued. This shows evidence of compliance with all public work requirements of the permit, which primarily are those of the service authorities.

                    Lodgement through SPEAR

                    Applications are lodged and managed using Surveying and Planning through Electronic Applications and Referrals (SPEAR). Visit the SPEAR website for more details.

                    Surveying consultancies can also be found in the Yellow Pages (under 'Surveyors'). Many firms are members of the Association of Consulting Surveyors (Victoria), where you can also find a surveyor and access additional subdivision advice.

                    Speculative subdivision

                    Speculative subdivision is discouraged.

                    A planning permit will need to be first issued for an associated development. Controls are then established to ensure the development is actually completed and that the subdivision aligns with the as-built works.

                    Other subdivision issues to consider

                    Many issues have to be addressed and managed within the subdivision process to ensure responsible title arrangements are created. In addition to the provision of prescribed fees, forms, documentation and so forth, and dependent on the nature of a subdivision, these may include or involve:

                    • payment of a public open space contribution to the City of Melbourne
                    • building surveying input
                    • provision of servicing and infrastructure information
                    • subdivision overlays on architectural plans
                    • Clause 56 ('Rescode') information
                    • effects on the Council’s roads assets
                    • owners and owners corporation consents
                    • addressing of lots and road naming
                    • legal agreements
                    • public road, drainage and service works.

                    ​Information for surveyors

                    ​Surveyors can access more detailed information on making a subdivision application in the fact sheet: Subdivision advice for surveyors (Word 172 KB).

                    Contact us

                    Contact name
                    Land Survey Team
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