Before submitting your planning application, you can lodge a request for pre-application advice from a City of Melbourne planning officer.

You will need to include plans and supporting documentation with your request

Submit the completed PDF form and supporting documentation to:

• Email:
  planning@melbourne.vic.gov.au
• In person:
  From 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, Melbourne Town Hall
  Administration Building
  120 Swanston Street, Melbourne.
• Mail:
  Planning and Building
  City of Melbourne
  PO Box 1603
  Melbourne VIC 3001

Below is a list of things you can do to ensure that you get the most comprehensive pre-application advice possible: 

1. Look at the Melbourne Planning SchemeOpens in new tab including planning policies that may affect your application. Make notes to ask questions about these policies. 
2. Obtain the zoning information and overlays for your property. Visit the Department of Transport and Planning websiteOpens in new tab to access free planning property reports
3. Obtain a copy of the Certificate of Title for the land. To get a current copy of title visit LANDATAOpens in new tab and do an online title search. 
4. Prepare preliminary designs and sketches that show: 
   • how your proposal respects the site and the surrounding area
   • how the design considers the site constraints.
5. City of Melbourne also encourages you to discuss your proposal with the owners/occupiers of neighbouring properties before lodgement. Where possible, addressing the concerns of neighbours early in the process can minimise delays later on as well as the costs of making changes to your plans. 

Without all of the information listed above, the planning officer’s advice may be limited.

The purpose of any pre-application advice is to assist you with the preparation of your planning permit application. Advice at the pre-application stage is based on the information provided and undertaken on a preliminary basis. Once any formal application is lodged it is required to go through the relevant statutory steps such as referral to relevant stakeholders, public notice and a comprehensive assessment against the Melbourne Planning Scheme.

You can contact the planning officer directly if you have any follow-up questions or if you wish to submit revised plans for consideration before lodging your application.

Visit Planning applications to find out more information about planning, application fees and to obtain a copy of the application form.