Commercial 1 ZoneC1Z
Last updated: April 2026
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Purpose
To create vibrant mixed-use commercial centres for retail, office, business, entertainment, and community uses, and to provide for residential uses at densities complementary to the role and scale of the centre.
Key Points
- Allows shops, offices, restaurants, entertainment, and accommodation
- Residential use permitted above ground floor in most cases
- No specific building height limit in the zone (often set by DDO)
- Planning permit required for most uses; shop and food/drink at ground floor may be as-of-right
- Key zone for activity centres and main streets
Use Tables — Section 1, 2 & 3
Section 1 — No Permit Needed
- Shop (including food and drink premises)
- Office
- Dwelling (in conjunction with another use)
Section 2 — Permit Required
- Accommodation (standalone)
- Industry (under certain conditions)
- Place of assembly
- Leisure and recreation
- Car park
Section 3 — Prohibited
- Corrective institution
- Service station (in some schedules)
Councils Where This Zone Is Common
City of BaysideCity of YarraCity of BoroondaraCity of StonningtonCity of Port PhillipCity of MelbourneCity of CaseyCity of Greater DandenongCity of KnoxCity of MonashCity of WhitehorseCity of ManninghamCity of Glen EiraCity of KingstonCity of MaribyrnongCity of Moonee ValleyCity of Merri-bekCity of DarebinCity of BanyuleCity of Hobsons BayCity of WyndhamCity of MeltonCity of HumeCity of WhittleseaCity of MaroondahCity of FrankstonMornington Peninsula Shire
Related Commercial Zones
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to open a shop in C1Z?
In many cases, no. A shop (including food and drink premises) at ground floor level is generally a Section 1 (as-of-right) use in the C1Z, meaning no planning permit is required for the use. However, buildings and works (fit-out, signage, etc.) may still require a permit.
Can I build apartments in the C1Z?
Yes. Residential use is encouraged above ground floor level. Standalone residential at ground level may require a permit or be restricted depending on the schedule. Development is assessed against Clause 58 for apartment buildings.
What is the height limit in C1Z?
The zone does not specify a building height limit. Height is typically controlled by a Design and Development Overlay (DDO) or the schedule to the zone. Check your local planning scheme for the applicable height controls.
Can I operate a restaurant or cafe in C1Z?
Yes. Food and drink premises are generally a Section 1 use at ground floor level in the C1Z, meaning no planning permit is needed for the use itself. A permit may be needed for a liquor licence, signage, or building alterations.
Official Planning Provisions
View the full provisions for the Commercial 1 Zone (Clause 34.01) on the Victorian Planning Provisions website.
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