A planning permit is required for any type of multi-dwelling development. Multi-dwelling development is categorised as more than one dwelling on a site.

Step 1 - Click on Whitehorse Maps to establish the zone and if there are any overlays on your property.

Step 2 - Once you know which zone and overlay(s) affect your property refer to the relevant zone and overlay(s) of the Whitehorse Planning Scheme and Clause 55 - Two or more Dwellings on a lot and Residential Buildings.

Step 3 - It is recommended that you also check with Council's engineering team about whether your site is subject to flooding issues. Even if your land is not covered by a flood overlay, it may be affected by localised flooding that may impact your building floor levels.

Step 4 - It is highly recommended to obtain a current copy of title from Landata, and confirm if there are any other restrictions that apply to the property. Should you require a planning permit a current copy of title will be required as a part of an application. Further information to assist in obtaining a title is available at Request a Copy of Title.

Step 5 - It is recommended that you engage a professional such as an architect, draftsperson or planning consultant familiar with making planning permit applications to assist you in the preparation of the relevant documentation.

Step 6 - Prepare all relevant documentation.

A planning permit application for multi-dwelling developments must include:

• How the proposal responds to the site and the surrounding neighbouring properties
• Whether the proposal meets the objectives of Clause 55 of the Whitehorse Planning Scheme and other relevant Council policies
• Arborist report if there are trees on your land or adjoining land
• Refer to the checklist ( PDF 172.93KB) for further information.

Refer to the following links to see if your proposal also requires any of the following documentation to be included:

• Waste Management Plan (WMP)
• Environmental Sustainable Development Plan (ESD)
• Construction Management Plan (CMP)
• Landscape Plans

Step 7 - Once you are ready to submit your application lodge and apply online

Refer to planning permit process for information about the phases of a planning permit application.

A building permit is required to be obtained after a planning permit is approved. This requires additional documentation and plans to be prepared.

Step 1 - It is recommended that you engage a professional familiar with making building permit applications to assist you in the preparation of the relevant documentation.

Step 2 - Appoint a building surveyor. This could be Council or a private building surveyor. 

Step 3 - Prepare all relevant documentation. Refer to the building permit checklist ( PDF 193.23KB) to ensure all relevant documentation is prepared and submitted. 

Step 4 - Once you are ready to submit your application forward all documentation to your building surveyor.

Refer to building permit process for information about the phases of a building permit application.

If your building project does not meet a requirement of the Building Regulations 2018, you must obtain Council's report and consent before a building permit can be issued. Your appointed building surveyor cannot issue a building permit unless they are satisfied that any required report and consent has been obtained.

Step 1 - Once you are informed a report and consent due to noncompliance to the Building Regulations by your building surveyor refer to the report and consent checklist ( PDF 143.32KB) to ensure all relevant documentation is prepared and submitted.

Step 2 - Council will determine if notification to neighbouring properties is required.

Step 3 - The notification process can be undertaken by Council or you.

• If you decide to request Council to undertake the notification process on your behalf a request in writing must be made and payment of the fee.
• Information provided to adjoining neighbour owners must reflect the nature of the proposal and extent of noncompliance(s). Through the adjoining neighbour owners comments, it must be clear to Council’s assessing officer that neighbours understand the nature of the proposal, specific to the regulation.

Step 4 - Once you are ready to submit your application lodge and apply online.

For more information see the building permit process.

A Demolition Permit (Report and Consent 29A) is required for any proposed demolition in accordance with Section 29A of the Building Act. 

Step 1 - Determine if a Report and Consent 29A is required. This is required:

1. If more than half the volume of the building is to be demolished, including demolition works carried out within the previous 3 years.
2. If any part of the façade of the building is to be demolished.
3. If a building faces 2 streets the demolition of either façade will require a report & consent.
4. If a planning permit is required a report and consent is still also required.

Step 2 - Prepare documentation to be submitted

• Obtain a current copy of title, issued within the last 3 months from Landata. Information to assist in obtaining a title is available at Request a Copy of Title.
• Copy of building plans - highlight area to be demolished, if partial demolition taking place

Step 3 - Once you are ready to submit your application lodge and apply online.

Council assets include the roadways, footpaths, nature strips, kerb and channel (gutter) and trees within the road reserve. 

The Council is responsible for the care and maintenance of these assets. Anyone who wants to do construction works affecting Council assets or who want to make alterations to Council assets will need apply for consent before work begins. This makes sure that the assets are left in the same condition they were originally found in.

Council owns and maintains a large network of stormwater drains and easements throughout the City of Whitehorse. This network includes the stormwater system, channels (also known as gutters) in the road and drainage easements on public and private land.

Apply online for consent to Build Over Easements, or read more information on the Drainage and Easement page.

Apply online for Stormwater Legal Point of Discharge Application. Please note this application is for the report only and will not allow you to undertake drainage works.

To obtain Council Report & Consent regarding construction in an area liable to flooding pursuant to Regulation 802 of the Building Regulations 2006, you are required to submit the online application form.

• Online Application for Flood Levels Minimum Floor Levels

A park access permit must be obtained from Council's ParksWide Department before any vehicle enters a park or reserve to access the rear of a property for any reason. 

Park access is granted only if:

• there is not an alternative way to access your property and 
• there are no adverse impacts on the park or its users.  

Council reserves the right to reject any application.  Potential expenditure incurred by residents to accommodate alternative access will not be considered as part of the application process.

The application process usually takes around seven working days to be assessed once an application form ( PDF 132.82KB) (link) has been submitted to Parkswide Department. 

The Park Access Information Sheet ( PDF 156.3KB) provides further information or contact Parkswide.