TP
Town Planning.com.au

Navigate the Planning System with Confidence

Free planning guides, interactive tools, and AI-powered assistance to help you understand permits, zones, and overlays. Backed by qualified planners with over 60 years combined experience.

AI Planning Report — $39Free Permit Check
60+
Years Combined Experience
All VIC
Councils Covered
From $19
Instant Property Reports
24/7
AI Planning Assistant

Reports & Tools for Every Stage

From quick AI checks to comprehensive professional reports — get the planning analysis you need, when you need it.

Quick Checks
Results in minutes

Free Permit Check

Free

Answer a few questions and find out whether your project is likely to need a planning permit.

For anyone

Property Snapshot

$19

Zone, overlays, heritage, bushfire, flooding, contamination risk, and development potential at a glance.

For buyers & developers

Business Use Check

$19

Is your proposed use permitted? Zone use tables, permit triggers, parking and amenity conditions checked.

For business owners

Title Search

from $30

Certified title, registered plan, and instruments (covenants, easements, S173 agreements) from Landata.

For any application
AI-Powered Assessments
Upload plans, get detailed analysis
Most Popular

AI Planning Report

$39

Upload your VicPlan PPR for a full zone and overlay analysis, development capacity estimate, and unlimited AI follow-up queries about the property. Most users get the answers they need without a consultation.

For any propertyInstant results

ResCode Assessment

from $49

Upload architectural plans for a Clause 54 / 55 compliance check. Interactive results with AI-assisted re-assessment.

Residential — 1 or 2 dwellingsNew

Pro Planning Assessment

from $99

For commercial, mixed-use, change of use, signage, licensed premises, subdivision.

Non-residential & complex
Consultant-Reviewed
3-5 business days

Detailed Planning Assessment

from $399

Comprehensive written analysis of zones, overlays, title restrictions, and development feasibility. Prepared and checked by experienced planners. Available for residential, commercial, mixed-use, change of use, and apartment developments.

6 report types availableView sample

Full Planning Report

$990

Complete town planning report suitable for submission with a planning application. Prepared by an experienced planning consultant. Covers all zones and application types.

3-5 business daysSave $200 with existing assessment
Compare all products and pricing

Planning Information & Tools

Everything you need to understand the planning controls that apply to your property

Do I Need a Planning Permit?

Answer a few simple questions to find out if your project needs a planning permit.

Planning Zones Explained

Understand what your property's zone means for development. Covers residential, commercial, and industrial zones.

Planning Overlays Guide

Heritage, environmental, flood, bushfire and design overlays explained. Know what extra controls apply to your land.

Common Permit Types

From new dwellings to subdivisions, change of use to signage. Understand what type of permit you need and the process involved.

How Town Planning Online Helps You

Understand Before You Start

Use our free guides and AI chat to learn what planning rules apply to your property before you spend a dollar.

Get Property-Specific Answers Instantly

From $19, get an instant AI-generated report for your exact address — zone, overlays, what you can build, and whether your proposed use is allowed.

Check Your Plans Automatically

Upload your architectural plans and get a clause-by-clause compliance report in minutes — $49 for residential, $99 for commercial and mixed-use.

Bring in a Planner Only When It's Worth It

Most projects don't need a consultation. When they do — complex lodgements, contested applications, VCAT — our planners are here with 60+ years of combined experience.

From $30

Understanding Your Property Title

Before applying for a planning permit, it's essential to understand your property title. Easements, covenants, and restrictions on title can significantly affect what you can build.

A title search reveals the legal boundaries of your property, any encumbrances, and ownership details — often the difference between a project proceeding and being blocked by something never disclosed at sale.

Order a Title Search — from $30
For Businesses & Professionals

Relocating or Changing Use?

Whether you're opening a cafe, relocating a medical centre, setting up a gym, or converting a warehouse — find out what planning permits you need before you sign the lease.

Business Use Check — $19Pro Planning Assessment — from $99Or book a free consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about planning permits

What is a planning permit in Victoria?
A planning permit is a legal document issued by your local council that allows you to use or develop land in a particular way. It is required under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 when the planning scheme specifies that a permit is needed for the proposed use or development.
Free Permit Check — find out if you need one
How long does a planning permit take in Victoria?
The statutory timeframe for a council to decide on a planning application is 60 days for most applications. However, complex applications or those requiring referral to other authorities can take longer. If your application is advertised and receives objections, the process typically takes 3-6 months.
AI Planning Report — $39 — see what applies to your property
How much does a planning permit cost?
Planning permit application fees in Victoria are set by the state government and vary based on the estimated cost of development. As of 2024, fees range from approximately $200 for minor works to several thousand dollars for major developments. Council may also charge additional fees for advertising and engineering assessments.
See our pricing for reports and assessments
Can I object to a planning application?
Yes. If a planning application is advertised (either by mail or a sign on the property), any person who may be affected by the proposal can lodge an objection with council during the notice period, which is typically 14 days. If your objection is not resolved and the permit is granted, you may have the right to appeal to VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal).
Talk to a planner about objections or VCAT
What is the difference between a planning permit and a building permit?
A planning permit controls how land is used and developed (e.g., setbacks, height, land use). A building permit ensures the building complies with the Building Code of Australia (structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility). You may need both for your project, and they are assessed by different authorities.
AI Planning Report — $39 — check what applies to your address
What happens if I build without a planning permit?
Building without a required planning permit is an offence under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Council can issue an enforcement order requiring you to stop work, remove the building, or apply for a retrospective permit. Penalties can apply, and selling a property with unauthorised works can create significant legal issues.
Business Use Check — $19 — confirm before you build or operate

Ready to Understand Your Property?

Get a complete AI Planning Report for your address in minutes — zone, overlays, development potential, and unlimited follow-up questions. Or chat free with our AI assistant first.

Start AI Planning Report — $39Compare All Reports

Need a planner? Book a free consultation

Ask a planning question

Free AI assistant — instant answers