Lodging a planning application

Steps to help prepare your planning application for Council.

How to apply

Apply online

Step 1.Do your research

Before you apply for a Planning Permit, make sure you research the property and planning policies that may impact your proposed development or site.

Here are some of the things you can do:

Search for property information (such as zoning and overlays)
Check the Swan Hill Planning Scheme, which explains how land can be used and developed within our municipality

Step 2.Seek professional advice

Council highly recommends engaging town planning consultants and design professionals for advice for your project. You can also submit a request for written planning advice from us to help you understand whether your proposal will need a Planning Permit. There is a fee for written planning advice.

View a list of planning consultants / land surveyors that Council receives regular planning applications from

Step 3.Complete a site analysis

Talk to adjoining property owners. If they are unhappy with any aspect of your proposal, you may be able to reach a compromise before lodging your planning application
Consider the constraints and opportunities presented by the site
Prepare a site description to illustrate the characteristics of the site and surrounding area, using a surveyor if exact dimensions are required.

Step 4.Prepare plans

Consider integrating landscaping into the proposed development (if applicable)
Indicate how the design responds to the site and surrounding areas.

Step 5.Book a pre-application meeting

You can book free of charge, a pre-application meeting with one of our Planning Officers. An officer will be able to let you know if you are on the right track. They can also highlight if there are any issues with your application/designs and help with areas you may be unsure about. An officer can also confirm relevant policies that you will need to consider when preparing your application.

Booking a pre-application planning meeting