Planning
Glossary
Contents
Amenity ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Application for Planning Permit Form ................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Application Fees .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Arborist Report .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Certificate of Title ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Car Parking Demand Assessment .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Demolition Plan and Elevations............................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Design Excellence ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Design Response ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Development Summary ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Elevations ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Existing Conditions Plan............................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Fast Track Service / VicSmart .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Floor Plan/s ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Gross Floor Area........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Habitable Room Window ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Landscape Plan ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Levels ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Natural Ground Level (NGL) .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Neighbourhood Character ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Neighbourhood and Site Description ................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Net Floor Area ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Operational Details — Liquor Licence ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Operational Details of Proposed Use ................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Screening Devices ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Photographs ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Photomontages............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Planning Report ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Referral Authority – Written Advice .................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Schedule of Materials, External Finishes and Colours ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Secluded Private Open Space ................................................................................................................................................................................10
Shadow Diagrams .....................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Significant Tree ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Site Plan .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Site Re-Establishment and Feature Survey .........................................................................................................................................................11
Structurally Unsound ...............................................................................................................................................................................................11
Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) ................................................................................................................................................................11
Sustainable Management Plan (SMP) ....................................................................................................................................................................11
Urban Art Contribution .........................................................................................................................................................................................12
VicSmart / Fast Track Service ................................................................................................................................................................................12
Visual Bulk ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
Waste Management Plan.........................................................................................................................................................................................12
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) ............................................................................................................................................................12
Our enquiries counter at St Kilda Town Hall
is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
T: 03 9209 6424 F: 03 9536 2740 E: planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_building.htm
Planning Glossary
Page 1 of 12
Updated 19/9/2014
Amenity
Amenity is a fundamental but sometimes elusive planning concept. It has its usual meaning of the pleasant or normally
satisfactory aspects of a location which contribute to its overall character and the enjoyment of residents or visitors but also
has a wider ambit. It can have a physical component such as the character and appearance of building and works, proximity to
facilities, quality infrastructure and absence of noise, unsightliness or offensive odours.
Application for Planning Permit Form
Forms are available from the Planning & Building counter at St Kilda Town Hall (cnr Carlisle St and Brighton Rd, St Kilda) or
can be downloaded at http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning-forms.htm.
The form must be filled in as follows:
 all highlighted sections must be completed;
 accurately detail the proposal (you will need to identify all aspects of the proposal that require planning permission);
 accurately estimate the cost of the development (the cost of undertaking buildings and works).
 If the owner is not the applicant, specify the owner details (these details must match the Certificate of Title).
Please also ensure any additional documentation is submitted, as per the Planning Permit Application Checklist, or the
specific checklists for applications for fences, car parking, signage, etc (see the link above).
Application Fees
Planning application fees are determined by State Government Regulation. For more information on planning application fees
refer to Planning Fee Schedule including Discretionary Fees at http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning-forms.htm.
Arborist Report
An Arborist Report is prepared by a qualified Arborist and assesses the existing vegetation (including trees) on the site and
adjoining properties. It also makes recommendations for their removal, retention or protection.
An Arborist Report must include:
 name and contact details of the Arboricultural Consultant including their professional qualification;
 name and contact details of the client;
 objective of the report (a clear statement of the purpose of the report);
 methodology (the date and methods employed by the arborist in making their determination)
 a clear plan of the site showing all existing trees including those on neighbouring properties with individual
identifying numbers which correspond to the report. The plan should also include canopy outlines of all individual
trees; and the following data collected for each tree:
o common name and tree type (indigenous, native, exotic, etc.);
o tree dimensions (height X canopy spread);
o tree trunk diameter (DBH: measured at1.4 metres);
o age (young, semi-mature, mature, senescent, etc.), health and structure;
o retention value and contribution to landscape;
o tree protection pone (TPZ) Distances;
o recommendations;
o special design and construction requirements (if relevant); and
o comments (any relevant information).
Certificate of Title
A land title is an official record of who owns a piece of land. It can also include information about mortgages, covenants,
caveats and easements.
When applying for a planning permit you must provide a Certificate of Title which is less than three (3) months old at time of
lodgement of your application. If the land is burdened by a Restrictive Covenant or Section 173 Agreement, a copy must also
be provided.
For more information download How to obtain a Certificate of Title at http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning-forms.htm.
Our enquiries counter at St Kilda Town Hall
is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
T: 03 9209 6424 F: 03 9536 2740 E: planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_building.htm
Planning Glossary
Page 2 of 12
Updated 19/9/2014
Car Parking Demand Assessment
A Car Parking Demand Assessment is a written statement which assesses the car parking demand likely to be generated by a
particular proposal. It is usually prepared by an independent, qualified Traffic Engineer and must address the following
matters:
 The likelihood of multi-purpose trips within the locality which are likely to be combined with a trip to the land in
connection with the proposed use.
 The variation of car parking demand likely to be generated by the proposed use over time.
 The short-stay and long-stay car parking demand likely to be generated by the proposed use.
 The availability of public transport in the locality of the land.
 The convenience of pedestrian and cyclist access to the land.
 The provision of bicycle parking and end of trip facilities for cyclists in the locality of the land.
 The anticipated car ownership rates of likely or proposed visitors to or occupants (residents or employees) of the
land.
 Any empirical assessment or case study.
For more information on Car Parking Assessments refer to Clause 52.06-1 of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme –
http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/vpps/52_06.pdf
Demolition Plan and Elevations
A Demolition Plan is usually required for applications affected by a Heritage Overlay and shows the portion of building to be
demolished and/or other structures on the site.
Demolition Plan and Elevations must:
 Be drawn to a scale of 1:100; and
 Clearly indicate all areas of proposed demolition in the context of the site.
Design Excellence
‘Design Excellence' is a highly subjective term, however there are a number of attributes that can contribute to a new
building displaying this quality as follows:
 Site responsive: Does the building relate in scale and massing to the predominant streetscape rhythm?
 Subtle references to context within a contemporary response: Is it contemporary architecture that references
predominant elements as opposed to derivative and historicist architecture? Does the design reference in at least
one material common in the area?
 Mix of materials and finishes: Does the aesthetic create a balanced composition or does it present with an
overworked and eclectic mix of finishes and materials?
 Architectural composition: Does the design include appropriate proportions that reflect context? Eg a vertical
rhythm in an area of Victorian terraces.
 Adaptive re-use: Has there been an attempt to explore reuse of existing materials on site in terms of retaining
embodied energy?
 Flexibility in structure and plan: Will the design allow for changing needs of the building over time?
 Orientation, responsive siting, natural light and ventilation: Is the building positioned appropriately on site to
maximise northern aspect?
 Public realm benefits: Does the design activate an appropriate level of interaction with the streetscape or does it
present as insular?
 Aesthetic: Is the proposal a reflection of innovative architectural use of space, form and materials?
Design Response
A Design Response is a scaled plan with notations that demonstrates how the proposal fits into, and responds to the existing
neighbourhood character.
A Design Response:
 Must detail and explain how the proposed design derives from and responds to the Neighbourhood and Site
Description;
Our enquiries counter at St Kilda Town Hall
is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
T: 03 9209 6424 F: 03 9536 2740 E: planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_building.htm
Planning Glossary
Page 3 of 12
Updated 19/9/2014
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Detail how the proposed design meets the objectives of Clause 54 or 55 (depending of the number of dwellings
proposed);
Must explain how the design responds to neighbourhood character features; and
Must include correctly proportioned street elevations or photographs showing the development in the context of
adjacent buildings.
Please note: A different type of Design Response is required for residential development of four or more storeys (refer to
Clause 52.35 of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme – http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/vpps/52_35.pdf
Development Summary
A Development Summary is a table or written explanation that details the following aspects of the existing and proposed
conditions:
 site area;
 floor area;
 number of dwellings;
 number of car spaces;
 area of private/total open space;
 building site coverage; and
 percentage of impervious surfaces.
Elevations
An Elevation is an image that shows the height, length, width and appearance of a building or structure. Elevations are drawn
as if looking at a building from the front or side (as opposed to floor plans which are drawn looking at a building from above)
and provide the viewer with an idea of how the final building will appear.
Elevations for Buildings and Works must detail:
 all sides of the building at a scale of 1:100;
 orientation (ie. north, south, east and west); and
 wall height and overall building height measured from Natural Ground Level.
Elevations for Front Fences must detail:
 dimensions of all components of the fence and any gates measured from Natural Ground Level at a scale of 1:100;
 orientation (ie. north, south, east and west)
 the spacing dimensions between pickets; and
 construction materials and finishes.
Please note: if a Heritage Overlay applies, the style of picket head (if applicable) and colours of the fence must be notated.
Elevations for Advertising Signs must detail:
Existing sign/s
 dimensions and advertisement area of all sign/s on the subject site proposed to be retained and on abutting
properties and the locality;
 location and extent of the projection of existing floodlights (if relevant); and
 details of illumination including type and times of illumination.
Proposed sign/s
 area, dimensions, location and content;
 any support structures (if relevant);
 height above ground level;
 height above the footpath and the setback of the sign/s from the kerb (applicable where a proposed advertising
sign/s overhangs the footpath);
 colour and materials; and
 details of proposed type of illumination including times the sign/s will be illuminated.
Please note: for Major Promotional Signs over 18m2 a Neighbourhood and Site Description plan must be provided.
Our enquiries counter at St Kilda Town Hall
is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
T: 03 9209 6424 F: 03 9536 2740 E: planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_building.htm
Planning Glossary
Page 4 of 12
Updated 19/9/2014
Existing Conditions Plan
An existing conditions plan is a dimensioned, scaled drawing that clearly and accurately depicts all current buildings on the
site and other notable or relevant features such as car parking or landscaping. For commercial properties, the net and
leasable floor area should also be noted and, if relevant, the current seating or patron capacity of the premises.
Fast Track Service / VicSmart
A number of planning applications are considered to be minor (such as painting of heritage buildings and minor works
applications) and are able to be processed without advertising. This means that they are able to be dealt with much more
quickly than standard planning applications. More information:
http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/VicSmart.htm or http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/Fast-Track-Service.htm
Floor Plan/s
A Floor Plan is a scaled plan with notations that details the proposal in context with the site boundaries.
Floor Plan/s for Residential Development and Buildings and Works must detail:
 must be drawn to a scale of 1:100;
 must include a north point; and
 may include the following details:
o boundaries and dimensions of land as detailed on the Certificate of Title;
o site and finished floor levels to the Australian Height Datum (AHD);
o proposed building (or extension) and setbacks from all boundaries;
o location and internal dimensions of all car parking areas;
o location and width of existing and proposed vehicle crossovers;
o location, height and construction materials of existing and proposed fencing;
o vegetation (including trees) to be retained; and
o adjoining building/s and adjoining habitable room windows facing the subject site.
Please note: if relevant, a Roof Plan may be required detailing chimneys, roof top plants (eg airconditioning), skylights and lift
over-runs.
Floor plans for Advertising must detail:
 boundaries and dimensions of land as detailed on the Certificate of Title; and location of all existing and proposed
sign/s.
Floor plans for a Liquor Licence application must detail:
 location and internal layout of the building including the number of seats;
 use of all of the areas of the site (eg. kitchen);
 location of waste storage area/s;
 the area/s in which alcohol is to be served/consumed (ie the ‘red line’ area); and
 all areas used by patrons and staff of the premises (including all outdoor and car parking areas) and the number of
patrons proposed in each area.
Gross Floor Area
The total floor area of a building, measured from the outside of external walls or the centre of party walls, and includes all
roofed areas.
Habitable Room Window
A habitable room window is a window to any room of a dwelling or residential building other than a bathroom, laundry,
toilet, pantry, walk-in wardrobe, corridor, stair, lobby, photographic darkroom, clothes drying room and other space of a
specialised nature occupied neither frequently nor for extended periods.
Landscape Plan
A plan, drawn to scale, showing the proposed site design focusing on the location, number, size, species, and distribution of
landscape elements, including:
Our enquiries counter at St Kilda Town Hall
is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
T: 03 9209 6424 F: 03 9536 2740 E: planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_building.htm
Planning Glossary
Page 5 of 12
Updated 19/9/2014
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A survey plan, including botanical names, of all existing vegetation/trees to be retained;
Buildings and vegetation (including botanical names) on neighbouring properties within 3m of the boundary;
Significant trees greater than 1.5m in circumference, 1m above ground;
All street trees and/or other trees on Council land;
A planting schedule of all proposed vegetation including botanical names; common names; pot sizes; sizes at
maturity; quantities of each plant; and details of surface finishes of pathways and driveways;
Landscaping and planting within all open space areas of the site;
Water sensitive urban design;
Levels
Surveyors have expertise in determining levels on land. These levels are referred to as "Reduced Levels" (R.L.) which means a
height above (or below) a nominated datum. In Australia, this datum is called the "Australian Height Datum" (A.H.D.) and is
the relative height of a point in relation to Australian mean sea level. See image below.
RL. = Reduced Level
NG. = Natural Ground Level
GF. = Ground Floor Level
CL. = Ceiling Level
FF. = First Floor Level
RF. = Roof Level
AHD. = Australian Height Datum
Natural Ground Level (NGL)
Natural ground level is the natural level of the site before any excavation or filling (in the past or as a part of any proposed
development) has been carried out on the site.
Our enquiries counter at St Kilda Town Hall
is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
T: 03 9209 6424 F: 03 9536 2740 E: planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_building.htm
Planning Glossary
Page 6 of 12
Updated 19/9/2014
Neighbourhood Character
Neighbourhood character is essentially the combination of the public and private realms. Every property, public place or
piece of infrastructure makes a contribution, whether great or small. It is the cumulative impact of all these contributions that
establishes neighbourhood character. In some areas the character may be more obvious, more unusual, or more attractive,
but no area can be described as having no character. The character of all areas is to be respected (even areas that planners
or designers might not think are attractive).
For more information please refer to the Department of Planning and Local Infrastructure’s (DTPLI) practice note
Understanding Neighbourhood Character –
http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/41733/Understanding_Neighbourhood_Character.pdf
Neighbourhood and Site Description
A Neighbourhood and Site Description is generally a plan that describes the existing conditions of the proposed site
and the surrounding neighbourhood.
When preparing a Neighbourhood and Site Description you are encouraged to inspect neighbouring properties to ensure all
information is accurate.
The Neighbourhood and Site Description must:
 include details of properties within a 50 metres radius of the subject site (this includes sites next to, behind and
opposite the subject site);
 note the opportunities and constraints of the subject site; and
 meet the requirements of Clause 54 or Clause 55 (depending on the number of dwellings proposed).
The Neighbourhood Description for Residential Development must include:
 pattern of development;
 built form, scale, character and architectural style of surrounding development;
 roof styles;
 front and side setbacks;
 front fencing;
 garden character; and
 location of local shops, public transport services and public open space within walking distance (only applicable to
applications for two or more dwellings on a lot).
The Site Description must include:
 Shape and size of site.
 Boundaries of the site which match those shown on Certificate of Title.
 Orientation of the site.
 A north point.
 Levels of the site and the difference in levels between the site and surrounding properties: Does the site slope
represent any design challenges (eg. overall height of the proposal)?
 Location of easement/s (if relevant). If you are seeking to build over an easement you will need to obtain consent
from the relevant authority.
 Street frontage features:
o poles (power poles, street signs, parking signs, bus stop signs);
o street trees; and
o kerb crossovers.
 Location and use of existing buildings on the site and on surrounding properties, including the location and height of
walls built to the boundary of the site: What implications will this have on your design?
 Location of private open space: What implications will this have on your design?
Please note: Private open space is defined by the Port Phillip Planning Scheme as an outdoor area of a dwelling or
residential building or land for the exclusive use of the occupants.
 Location of habitable room windows of surrounding properties within 9m of the site: What implication does their
location have for your design?
Please note: A habitable room is defined by the Port Phillip Planning Scheme as any room of a dwelling or residential
Our enquiries counter at St Kilda Town Hall
is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
T: 03 9209 6424 F: 03 9536 2740 E: planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_building.htm
Planning Glossary
Page 7 of 12
Updated 19/9/2014
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building other than a bathroom, laundry, toilet, pantry, walk-in wardrobe, corridor, stair, lobby, photographic
darkroom, clothes drying room and other space of a specialised nature occupied neither frequently nor for
extended periods.
Solar access to the site and to surrounding properties: How does the sun move across the site? Do neighbouring
buildings overshadow the site? How can your design respond to maintain solar access to living areas and private
open spaces?
Location and height of walls built to the boundary of the site: Are there any overshadowing or bulk implications?
Details and location of all existing established trees on the site: What implications will this have on your design? Will
the trees be retained or removed?
o Species, trunk width at 1.5m from NGL, trunk location and approximate canopy width.
Details of any established trees removed from the site in the last 12 months prior to the application being made
(where known).
Any contaminated soils and filled areas (where known): Is an Environmental Audit required?
Please note: An Urban Context report, which is a different type of Neighbourhood and Site Description, is required for
residential development of four or more storeys (refer to Clause 52.35 of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme.)
The Neighbourhood Description for Major Promotional Advertising Signs (signs over 18m2) must include:
 Location of any other signs over 18m2, or scrolling, electronic or animated signs within 200 metres of the site;
 Any existing identifiable advertising theme in the area; and
 Photomontages or a streetscape perspective of the proposed sign.
Net Floor Area
Net Floor Area is the total floor area of all floors of all buildings on a site. It includes half the width of any party wall and the
full width of all other walls. It does not include the area of stairs, loading bays, accessways, or car parking areas, or any area
occupied by machinery required for air conditioning, heating, power supply, or lifts.
Operational Details — Liquor Licence
A written statement for Liquor Licence applications must include:
 Type of liquor licence application (if the application is to vary an existing liquor licence then details of the existing
liquor licence are required);
 Proposed hours and days in which liquor is proposed to be served and consumed;
 Details of the location/s in which liquor is propose to be served and consumed (ie the ‘red line’ area); and
 Proposed total number of staff, including maximum number of staff present on the premises at any one time.
Operational Details of Proposed Use
A written statement outlining the proposed use must include:
 The nature of the proposed use including a description of the types of activities carried out on the site;
 Proposed hours and days of operation;
 Proposed total number of staff, including maximum number of staff present on the premises at any one time; and
 Details of delivery and dispatch times (if relevant).
Screening Devices
One of the objectives of ResCode (both Clauses 54 and 55) is to limit views into existing secluded private open space and
habitable room windows. There are a number of ways in which windows and terraces/decks can be screened but one of the
most effective means is the use of fixed external louvres or battens which allow horizontal or upward views but will limit
downward views to neighbouring properties.
If louvres/battens are proposed cross section elevation drawings of the screens must:
 Be drawn to scale and fully dimensioned;
 Clearly delineate any solid parts of the screen and any louvre or batten parts of the screen;
 Show the exact width and thickness of each louvre or batten, the exact spacing between each louvre or batten and a
section detail from behind the screen demonstrating that direct views of adjacent secluded private open space are
precluded, while allowing outlook horizontally and upward from the balcony and/or window.
Our enquiries counter at St Kilda Town Hall
is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
T: 03 9209 6424 F: 03 9536 2740 E: planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_building.htm
Planning Glossary
Page 8 of 12
Updated 19/9/2014
Photographs
Labelled photographs may be submitted showing the subject site and surrounding properties including those opposite the
site. Photographs help Council to understand the existing conditions of the site and the surrounding area by providing
context.
Please note: To comply with the Information Privacy Act 2002, photographs must be provided on a separate sheet.
Photomontages
A photomontage is a visual representation of a proposed development that is as accurate as it is possible to be within the
limits of the technology used. Photomontages can assist Council and VCAT in assessing the visual impacts of a proposed
development.
Any photomontage submitted must be accompanied by the following information:
 A written statement explaining the methodology used for the preparation of images:
 A plan showing the location from which all images have been prepared / would be viewed and the angle of view;
 A photograph of the existing conditions;
 A photomontage of the proposal based on the same lens type/size and location as the existing conditions
photograph (to enable direct comparisons) without the inclusion of any proposed landscaping;
 A second photomontage image showing the proposal with any proposed landscaping, including delineation of the
proposed building outline in the background.
Planning Report
A Planning Report describes how the proposal responds to the relevant planning policies including:
 State Planning Framework;
 Local Planning Policy Framework;
 Municipal Strategic Statement;
 Planning Scheme provisions including Zones and Overlays; and
 Clause 54 or Clause 55 (ResCode) of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme (this only applies to residential developments
in the Residential 1 Zone).
The above provision and policies are contained in the Port Phillip Planning Scheme –
http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/portphillip
Referral Authority – Written Advice
In some instances, planning applications must be referred to relevant Referral Authorities for comments/advice, for example:
 Melbourne Water for sites affected by a Special Building Overlay (flood overlay).
 VicRoads for sites abutting a road in a Road Zone Category 1 (RDZ1).
You may wish to independently refer your plan to the relevant authority prior to submitting your application to Council.
Please ensure that:
 Written advice from the authority is less than three (3) months old at the time of lodgement of your application.
You will need to quote the relevant plan numbers of plans submitted with any planning application; and
 Plans submitted with your application are identical to those submitted to the relevant referral authority.
If written advice is not provided, Council will refer the plans to the relevant authority as part of its assessment of the
application.
Schedule of Materials, External Finishes and Colours
The Schedule must include materials, finishes and colours of the following:
 External walls;
 Window frames;
 Roof;
 Fascias;
 External doors;
Our enquiries counter at St Kilda Town Hall
is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
T: 03 9209 6424 F: 03 9536 2740 E: planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_building.htm
Planning Glossary
Page 9 of 12
Updated 19/9/2014
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Paving (including car park surfacing); and
Fences.
You are encouraged to provide sample swatches and product brochures for the above items.
Secluded Private Open Space
Secluded private open space (SPOS) is that part of private open space primarily intended for outdoor living activities which
enjoys a reasonable amount of privacy.
Shadow Diagrams
A Shadow Diagram is a plan showing where shadows will fall at specific times of the day. Shadow diagrams allow Council to
assess the potential overshadowing impact of a proposal.
Shadow diagrams:
 must be provided on a separate plan for the hours of 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm at 22 September
(Equinox);
 must include shadows cast by existing and proposed buildings and works including boundary fences; and
 must clearly differentiate between existing shadows and proposed shadows.
The shadow diagrams should also include the following calculations:
 The total area (in square metres) of neighbouring secluded private open space;
 The amount of existing shadow cast on neighbouring secluded private open space. The amount of existing shadow
must be specified in terms of square metre coverage and as a percentage of the total area of the secluded private
open space; and
 The amount of additional shadow cast on neighbouring secluded private open space. The amount of additional
shadow must be specified in terms of square metre coverage and as a percentage of the total area of the secluded
private open space.
Please note: a Section Diagram may be required to further illustrate the extent of potential shadow impact. Please discuss
this requirement with a Council Planning Officer.
Significant Tree
Council’s Local Law No. 1 (Community Amenity), defines a Significant Tree as a tree or palm on private land:
 With a trunk circumference of 150 centimetres or greater, measured 1 metre above ground level
 With multiple stems where the circumference of its exterior stems is equal to, or greater than 150 centimetres
when measured 1metre above ground level.
A permit is required from Council’s City Permits Unit to prune or remove a significant tree or palm in addition to any
planning permit required by the Port Phillip Planning Scheme.
For more information please refer to Fact Sheet – Significant Trees which can be downloaded here:
http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/significant-tree-permit.htm
Site Plan
A Site Plan is a scaled plan with notations that details the proposal in context with the site boundaries and immediately
adjoining properties.
A Site Plan for residential development and building and works must be drawn to a scale of 1:100 and include:
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North point;
Dimensions of the subject site (must be identical to those shown on Certificate of Title);
Proposed building envelope;
Dimensions and area of all private open space areas;
dimensions of setbacks from all boundaries;
Location of crossover/s;
Location of vegetation including trees to be retained;
Site and finished floor levels to the Australian Height Datum (AHD);
Our enquiries counter at St Kilda Town Hall
is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
T: 03 9209 6424 F: 03 9536 2740 E: planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_building.htm
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Location and use of surrounding buildings;
Location and height of walls on boundaries;
Location of habitable room windows facing the subject site;
Levels to the Australian Height Datum (AHD);
Details of any vegetation including trees on adjoining sites; and
Street frontage features such as pole, street trees and crossovers.
A Site Plan for Advertising Signs must be drawn to a scale of 1:100 and include:
 Location of proposed signs in the context of the whole site;
 Location and layout of adjoining properties; and
 Location of closest traffic control sign.
Site Re-Establishment and Feature Survey
A Site Re-Establishment and Feature Survey is a scaled plan prepared by a Licensed Land Surveyor. It must detail:
 Title boundaries;
 Existing boundary fencing, including height;
 Easements;
 Existing features including buildings and trees; and
 Fall of the land to Australian Height Datum (AHD).
Structurally Unsound
The Heritage Policy (Cl 22.04) requires that, in order for Council to grant a permit for the demolition of a significant or
contributory building, it must be structurally unsound.
Any application proposing the demolition of a significant or contributory building must therefore be accompanied by a report
from a qualified engineer with experience in domestic building matters indicating whether or not the building is structurally
sound, whether or not the building or parts of the building can be feasibly re-used, and indicative approximate costs to repair
the structural and related/ancillary matters.
You must ensure that your engineer:
 Defines the interpretation of ‘structurally sound’;
 Has specified that the analysis was undertaken with reference to this request for further information;
 Includes a schedule of rectification works; and
 That the costings are performed in accordance with the schedule of rectification works.
Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA)
A SDA is a simple sustainability assessment of a proposed building at the planning stage. It is required to accompany an
application for the following development types:
 Dwelling extensions > 50m2
 ≤9 dwellings
 Commercial/industrial floor area of ≤1,000m2
Find out more about Sustainable Design – http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/sustainable_design.htm.
Sustainable Management Plan (SMP)
A SMP provides a detailed sustainability assessment of a proposed design at the planning stage. It is required to accompany
an application for the following development types:
 ≥10 dwellings
 commercial/industrial floor area of >1000m2
Find out more about Sustainable Design – http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/sustainable_design.htm.
Our enquiries counter at St Kilda Town Hall
is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
T: 03 9209 6424 F: 03 9536 2740 E: planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_building.htm
Planning Glossary
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Updated 19/9/2014
Urban Art Contribution
Urban Art is site-related and place-responsive art in the public domain, which enhances the built and natural environments
and adds value to the urban character and the cultural identity of the city through the use of a diverse range of art forms and
design applications.
An Urban Art contribution is required for all developments where is the total project cost exceeds $2 million.
All planning permit applications for development in this category should be accompanied by a statement and/or plans detailing
the intended Urban Art contribution, reflecting the overall design objectives of ‘Principle 1: Responsive Design’ and ‘Principle
2: Integrated Art’ in the Urban Art Strategy 2002.
Find out more about Urban Art Contributions – http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/urban_art.htm
VicSmart / Fast Track Service
A number of planning applications are considered to be minor (such as painting of heritage buildings and minor works
applications) and are able to be processed without advertising. This means that they are able to be dealt with much more
quickly than standard planning applications. More information:
http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/VicSmart.htm or http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/Fast-Track-Service.htm
Visual Bulk
Visual bulk is often seen as a negative impact of development. However unlike overshadowing or overlooking it is an
intangible element which is difficult to measure. In essence, visual bulk is determined by two variables; how big and/or close
the building is and whether it is pleasant to look at.
One of the objectives of ResCode (both Clauses 54 and 55) is to ensure that the height and setbacks of a building from a
boundary respect the existing or preferred neighbourhood character and limit the impact on the amenity of existing
dwellings. Standards A10 and B17 specify building height and setbacks which are designed to minimise visual bulk.
Whether a building is pleasant to look at is highly subjective, however, modulation of the form, use of different materials and
colours, and vegetation can break up the mass of a building.
Any assessment of visual bulk must also consider where the building will be seen from. If it is not within the primary outlook
of nearby, routinely-occupied spaces, or if it will be heavily screened by landscaping, its impact is significantly reduced.
Waste Management Plan
For larger residential and commercial developments you may be required to prepare a plan to manage the waste and
recycling needs of your development.
To find out more download Waste Management Plan Guidelines for Developments at
http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning-forms.htm.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)
Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) is the design of buildings, subdivisions and works to minimise the hydrological impact
of urban development on the surrounding environment. WSUD provides the means for treating stormwater run-off in a
variety of ways so that the flow is reduced, and the quality of run-off is improved. Stormwater management can take various
forms in the urban environment including infrastructure upgrades, streetscape layout changes, piping reconfigurations,
storage tanks, and the use of different paving.
Applications for new buildings, extensions to existing buildings which are 50m 2 in floor area or greater or a subdivision in a
commercial zone must include a Water Sensitive Urban Design Response. For more information regarding application
requirements see Clause 22.12-4 of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme –
http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_amendments.htm.
Find out more about WSUD - http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/SDAPP_04_Stormwater_Management.pdf
Find out more about raingardens - http://www.melbournewater.com.au/raingardens
Our enquiries counter at St Kilda Town Hall
is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
T: 03 9209 6424 F: 03 9536 2740 E: planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au
www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_building.htm
Planning Glossary
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Updated 19/9/2014