Amending a planning scheme

Learn about the amendment process, including templates and checklists for preparing and processing amendments.

On this page:

The amendment process

A planning scheme amendment may involve a change to a planning scheme map, a change to the written part of the scheme, or both.

Amendments can have significant planning implications and affect the wider community because they change the way land can be used or developed. They can also change the basis for making planning decisions in the future.

An individual can request an amendment to a planning scheme. The request should be discussed with the council. Planning authorities should contact us before submitting an amendment request.

Types of amendments

There are four types of amendments:

• V amendment – makes changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions only
• VC amendment - makes changes to the VPP and one or more planning schemes
• C amendment – makes changes to one planning scheme only
• GC amendment – makes changes to more than one planning scheme.

A combined permit and amendment process is available if both are required.

1. Request an amendment

Amendment requests, including ministerial and prescribed amendments, must be submitted using the Amendment tracking system.

Planning authorities can proceed with a request by creating a draft amendment prior to submitting it to the Minister.

Planning Practice Note 46: Strategic assessment guidelines sets out what council should consider before amending its planning scheme.

When preparing an amendment planning authorities must have regard to Ministerial direction 15 – the planning scheme amendment process which sets times for completing steps in the planning scheme amendment process.

Additional information about timeframes:

• Advisory note 48: Ministerial direction 15 – the planning scheme amendment process
• Pre-setting panel hearing dates

2. Authorisation

Before an amendment can be prepared it must be authorised by the Minister for Planning. The purpose of authorisation is to identify whether a proposed amendment is consistent with state policy and interests, has demonstrated strategic merit and to ensure it makes appropriate use of the VPP.

The Minister may also authorise another minister or public authority to prepare an amendment under section 9 of the Act.

Planning authorities are encouraged to discuss a proposed amendment with the relevant department office prior to seeking authorisation. We can provide advice about strategic issues related to the amendment, and which planning provisions would best achieve the intent. Early consultation with us will also help planning authorities to meet the timeframes outlined in Ministerial direction 15 – the planning scheme amendment process.

Requests to amend a planning scheme by land owners and proponents

Anyone can make a written request to a planning authority to prepare an amendment. Read about approaches for proponent amendment requests.