Planning Scheme Amendment VC248 – Changes to Bushfire Control
Planning Scheme Amendment VC248 came into effect on 5 May 2026, updating Victoria’s bushfire planning provisions.
One Planner's Archive
Discussion Papers & Articles
Public Land – No Public Manager
Clause 1 Planning is currently involved in a very interesting and convoluted matter including a planning permit application, VCAT appeal and planning scheme amendment associated with land in the City of Frankston.
More Significant Changes for the Victorian Planning Regime
Practitioners should be aware that Victoria’s planning system is set for more significant reform following the passage of the Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Act 2026, which amends the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
Stage 2 – Activity Centre Changes for More Housing
In 2025 we covered Planning Scheme Amendment VC267, the new Townhouse and Low-Rise Code, which introduced changes to the content and processes of the residential design standards (Cl54 & 54) in the Victorian Planning Provisions. We also covered Planning Scheme Amendment GC252 which introduced the new Housing Choice and Transport Zone (HCTZ) and Built Form Overlay (BFO), applying the new zone and overlay to various activity centres in Metropolitan Melbourne.
Significant Changes to Car Parking Requirements
Planning Scheme Amendment VC277 makes significant changes to the statutory car parking requirements associated with planning permit applications across Victoria.
New Exemptions to the Metropolitan Planning Levy
Permit applicants will be able to avoid paying the Metropolitan Planning Levy in circumstances
Changes to the Planning Permit Application Process
Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Act 2025 (that came into effect on 25 November 2025) makes changes to the planning permit application process
New Widespread Tree Removal Triggers Across Victoria
Planning Scheme Amendment VC289 came into force on 15 September 2025. The amendment creates a new Clause 52.37 (Canopy Trees) provision.
Water Sensitive Urban Design Tools: STORM to Blue Factor
In October 2025 the online STORM tool used for assessing Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) performance for development proposals was retired and replaced with Blue Factor.
Implementing Growth Zones
Amendment GC252 implements the new Housing Choice and Transport Zone (HCTZ) and new Built Form Overlay (BFO)