More Permit Exemptions for Buildings in Some Rural Areas

In April 2023, Amendment VC231, changed the default planning permit exemption thresholds for dwelling extensions, out-buildings and building used for agriculture, in the Rural Living Zone, Farming Zone and Rural Activity Zone across Victoria.

Buildings and works requirements under these zoning provisions have exemptions based on floor area. Amendment VC231 increases the floor areas to which these exemptions apply. For example, an alteration or extension to an existing dwelling in the Rural Living Zone is exempt from the Buildings and Works permit trigger under the zone provisions if the floor area of the alteration or extension is not more than 200 square metres, previously 100 square metres.

A summary of the changed floor area exemptions is provided below:

We note that these ‘default’ floor areas are contained in the head-zoning provision and can be increased under the schedule to the zone.

Practitioners with current planning permit applications in these zones for extensions or alterations to existing dwellings, outbuildings or agricultural buildings should check whether these changes now make the proposal exempt from the need for a planning permit.

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