What is included in planning permit services?

Our planning permit services include comprehensive site analysis (zoning, overlays, constraints), complete planning drawings (site plans, floor plans, elevations, shadow diagrams, 3D renders), ResCode compliance assessment (Clause 54/55/56), written design response and planning reports, BESS sustainability assessment, application lodgement and council liaison, response to requests for further information (RFI), objection management, permit condition negotiation, and VCAT support if required. We coordinate all necessary consultants including traffic engineers, arborists, land surveyors, and landscape architects.

How long does a planning permit take in Melbourne?

Planning permit timeframes vary by council and project complexity. Standard residential applications typically take 8-12 weeks for council assessment. Applications requiring advertising or in overlay areas may take 12-20 weeks. Complex developments or those with objections can extend to 6+ months. We can provide a more accurate estimate after reviewing your specific site and proposal. Our approach focuses on submitting complete, council-ready applications to minimise delays from requests for further information.

What does an architect do for a planning permit?

Architects play a crucial role in planning permits by: analysing site constraints and development potential; designing buildings that comply with planning requirements (ResCode, overlays, neighbourhood character); preparing town planning drawings and documentation; writing design response statements that address planning policies; coordinating with other consultants (traffic, landscape, sustainability); liaising with council planners throughout the assessment; responding to requests for further information; addressing objector concerns with design amendments; negotiating permit conditions; and providing expert witness support at VCAT if needed.

What is the 98% approval rate?

Our 98% approval rate reflects our track record across 210+ planning permit applications in Melbourne. This high success rate comes from our council-specific expertise—we understand what different councils look for and design accordingly. We invest time upfront in site analysis to identify potential issues before they become problems. When applications do face challenges, we work through council requests and objections to find solutions. The 2% that don't achieve approval are typically projects where site constraints made approval genuinely unachievable, and we advise clients of these risks early.

Do I need an architect for a planning permit?

While Victorian planning law doesn't strictly require an architect for all planning permits, professional architectural involvement significantly improves your chances of approval—especially for multi-dwelling developments. Architects provide expertise in ResCode compliance, neighbourhood character response, and design quality that councils look for. Building designers can prepare some applications, but complex sites with overlays, heritage concerns, or higher-density proposals benefit from architectural expertise. We also handle council negotiations and can provide expert witness support at VCAT if needed—services that require professional registration.

Home / Services / Planning Permit Services

From Application to Approval

Planning Permit
Services

End-to-end planning permit expertise for Melbourne developments. We prepare your application, liaise with council, respond to objections, and guide your project through to approval.

Book Free Strategy Call Call (03) 9005 6588

98%

Approval Rate

210+

Projects Delivered

$120M+

Combined GDV

15+

Years Experience

Sammi Lian Principal Architect · ARBV Registered

Key Facts

SQM Architects has delivered over 210 development projects across Melbourne with a 98% planning approval rate. Our team of ARBV-registered architects brings 15+ years of experience navigating Victorian planning requirements, helping developers across Melbourne's suburbs navigate the planning permit process.

Expert Planning Permit Support

Obtaining a planning permit in Victoria requires more than good design—it requires understanding what councils want, how to present your application, and how to navigate the assessment process.

We've delivered 210+ planning permits across Melbourne with a 98% approval rate. Our deep council relationships and ResCode expertise mean fewer requests for further information, faster assessments, and better outcomes.

Complete planning permit documentation
ResCode (Clause 54/55/56) compliance
Council liaison and negotiations
Response to objections
VCAT support if required
Consultant coordination

What's Included

Planning Permit Services

Site Analysis

Comprehensive analysis of your site's planning context before design begins.

Zoning assessment (NRZ/GRZ/RGZ)
Overlay identification
Neighbourhood character review
Development potential assessment

Planning Drawings

Complete town planning drawing package for your permit application.

Site plans with dimensions
Floor plans & elevations
Shadow diagrams
3D renders for council

ResCode Compliance

Detailed assessment against Victorian residential planning requirements.

Clause 54/55/56 assessment
Setback calculations
Overlooking & overshadowing
Private open space compliance

Written Reports

Supporting documentation to strengthen your planning application.

Design response statement
Neighbourhood character analysis
Planning policy response
Sustainability assessment (BESS)

Council Liaison

Direct communication with council planners throughout the process.

Application lodgement
RFI responses
Objection management
Condition negotiation

VCAT Support

Expert witness and documentation support if tribunal appeal required.

Expert witness services
Amended plans for VCAT
Written submissions
Hearing attendance

Success in Melbourne's eastern suburbs requires architects who understand both the planning requirements and the council's design expectations.

Sammi Lian Principal Architect, ARBV Registered

The Process

How We Get Your Permit Approved

Site Analysis

Review zoning, overlays, and constraints to understand what's achievable.

Design Development

Create designs optimised for both your goals and council approval.

Documentation

Prepare complete planning drawings and supporting reports.

Council Process

Lodge application, respond to RFIs, and manage objections.

Approval

Negotiate conditions and secure your planning permit.

Is This For You?

When You Need Planning Permit Services

Ideal For

Dual occupancy developments
Townhouse projects (3-12 units)
Apartment buildings
Home extensions requiring permits
Multi-dwelling developments
Sites with complex overlays
Heritage-affected properties

Signs You Need Expert Help

Council has refused similar applications nearby
Site has multiple planning overlays
Neighbours likely to object
Proposing higher density than surrounds
Heritage or character concerns
Previous permit application refused
Tight timeframes for approval

Victorian Planning Provisions

Access the complete VPP including Clause 54 (one dwelling), Clause 55 (two+ dwellings), and ResCode standards.

View VPP

DTP Planning Guides

Official Department of Transport and Planning guides for residential development, subdivisions, and permit applications.

View Guides

ResCode Standards

Residential development standards for setbacks, overlooking, overshadowing, private open space, and car parking.

View ResCode

Building Regulations

Victorian Building Authority regulations, National Construction Code compliance, and building permit requirements.

View Regulations

Free Instant Analysis

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Subdivision potential Zoning & overlays Results in 60 seconds

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Planning Permit
Services

Expert Planning Permit Support

Planning Permit Services

Site Analysis

Planning Drawings

ResCode Compliance

Written Reports

Council Liaison

VCAT Support

How We Get Your Permit Approved

Site Analysis

Design Development

Documentation

Council Process

Approval

When You Need Planning Permit Services

Ideal For

Signs You Need Expert Help

Official Development Planning Guides

Victorian Planning Provisions

DTP Planning Guides

ResCode Standards

Building Regulations

Not Ready to Talk? Screen Your Site First

Ready to Get Your Permit Approved?

Planning PermitServices

Expert Planning Permit Support

Planning Permit Services

Site Analysis

Planning Drawings

ResCode Compliance

Written Reports

Council Liaison

VCAT Support

How We Get Your Permit Approved

Site Analysis

Design Development

Documentation

Council Process

Approval

When You Need Planning Permit Services

Ideal For

Signs You Need Expert Help

Official Development Planning Guides

Victorian Planning Provisions

DTP Planning Guides

ResCode Standards

Building Regulations

Not Ready to Talk? Screen Your Site First

Ready to Get Your Permit Approved?

Planning Permit
Services