LAND USE PLANNING WORKSHOP
FACT SHEET 2: PLANNING SCHEMES
The planning scheme sets out the way land can be used and developed through policies and objectives. It
generally affects all land in the municipality. The scheme includes both written text and maps that show the
zones and overlays that affect land. It provides information about policies and the circumstances when a
planning permit is required to make changes to the use or condition of land or to develop land.
The planning scheme is important because it determines the development potential of land. The starting
point for consideration of any planning permit application is to check what the planning scheme says about
the way in which the land may be used. This information determines why a planning permit is required and
which policies are relevant to the decision about the application.
All planning schemes have the same structure and contain:

Objectives of planning in Victoria

A user guide

State planning policy framework

Local planning policy framework

Zones

Overlays

Particular provisions for certain uses such as car parking, native vegetation, gaming venues etc.

General provisions

Incorporated documents

List of amendments.
The content is selected from the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP). A council can reflect local
circumstances in the planning scheme using the local planning policy framework; schedules to the zones
and overlays; and the incorporated documents schedule.
The State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF) gives effect to the Victorian Government’s land use
policies. It sets policies for matters such as metropolitan development, settlement, environment, housing,
economic development, infrastructure and particular uses and development. A council:

Must take the SPPF into account and give effect to the SPPF when it decides a planning permit
application or makes a decision about an amendment to the planning scheme

Cannot change the SPPF

Can only introduce a local policy that is consistent with the state policy.
Councils are responsible for preparing and implementing the Local Planning Policy Framework (LPPF).
This sets out a council’s vision for its municipality and the local policies it will apply to achieve the vision.
The LPPF must be consistent with the SPPF and contain the Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) and
local planning policies.
The zones in a planning scheme identify land for particular uses. The zone selected may reflect existing
patterns of land use or the new strategic land use direction for an area.
The zone contains a list of uses that are identified as:

Section 1 uses – permit not required

Section 2 uses – permit required, often with a condition that must be met

Section 3 uses – prohibited uses.
Overlays in the planning scheme impose planning permit requirements in addition to the zone. They affect
subdivision and buildings and works. Overlays and their schedules provide the opportunity for a council to
reflect local circumstances and give effect to a strategic direction in the MSS.
Particular provisions are specific prerequisites or planning provisions for a range of particular uses and
developments, such as advertising signs and car parking.
General provisions are operational requirements which are consistent across the state. They include
matters such as existing use rights, administrative provisions, ancillary activities and referral of planning
permit applications.