Town Planning & Council Applications Melbourne
Planning permits for house extensions and renovations
Some house renovations and extensions in Melbourne require a town planning permit from the local council before construction can begin.
At Box Domus, we manage the town planning application process as part of our design and build service when it is required. This helps ensure the design of the project aligns with council requirements from the beginning.
Town planning approvals are often needed for house extensions, heritage renovations, second-storey additions and structural changes, particularly in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
Councils We Work With
We know the local rules.
Every Council in Melbourne has different requirements. We have a deep understanding of the specific planning schemes and heritage guidelines for the primary areas we serve:
City of Yarra
Navigating tight inner-city blocks and strict heritage overlays in Fitzroy North, Collingwood, Richmond, Clifton Hill, Abbotsford
City of Darebin and Merri-bek
Handling diverse residential zones and heritage requirements in Northcote, Fairfield, Thornbury, Brunswick, Coburg and Pasco Vale
City of Boroondara
Navigating tight inner-city blocks and strict heritage overlays in Hawthorn, Kew, Camberwell, Balwyn, Canterbury
City of Stonnington
Expertise in high-end residential requirements for South Yarra, Prahran, Malvern, Armadale, Toorak
These areas often include heritage overlays, neighbourhood character requirements and planning restrictions, which need to be carefully considered when designing renovations or extensions.
When Is a Planning Permit Required?
Town Planning services as a core part of our design and construct model.
Not every renovation or extension requires a town planning permit. However, many projects in Melbourne’s inner suburbs do require council approval before construction can begin.
Planning permits are commonly required when a project involves:
Second-storey extensions or adding additional levels to an existing house
Large rear extensions that increase building size or site coverage
Renovations to heritage homes located within a heritage overlay
Changes to building height, setbacks or overlooking requirements
Works that affect neighbourhood character or streetscape
Major structural alterations to an existing dwelling
Development on smaller or irregular blocks
In many suburbs within Yarra, Boroondara, Merri-bek, Stonnington and Darebin councils, planning permits are often required due to heritage overlays, neighbourhood character policies and planning regulations.
Confirming whether a planning permit is required early in the design stage is important. It allows the project to be designed in line with council requirements and helps avoid delays later in the approval process.
Because Box Domus prepares the architectural drawings and manages construction, planning requirements can be considered from the beginning of the project when designing house renovations or extensions.
Heritage Overlay Planning Permits
Many homes in Melbourne’s inner suburbs are located within heritage overlay areas, particularly in suburbs such as Fitzroy, Richmond, Collingwood, Hawthorn, Kew, Camberwell, Northcote, Brunswick and Thornbury.
When a property is affected by a heritage overlay, a planning permit is often required for renovations, extensions or external alterations, especially where the changes may affect the appearance of the building or the streetscape.
Typical works requiring heritage planning approval include:
Rear extensions to heritage homes
Second-storey additions
Changes to the front façade or roofline
Alterations visible from the street
Demolition of original building elements
Each council has its own heritage planning guidelines, and proposals must demonstrate that the design respects the existing character and historical significance of the building.
At Box Domus, heritage planning requirements are considered early in the design process so that renovation and extension projects can move smoothly through the planning approval stage and into construction.
Integrated With Our Design & Build Process
Because Box Domus prepares architectural drawings and manages construction, town planning can be integrated into the design stage when required.
This may include:
Heritage Impact Statements: Professional reports for period homes in heritage-protected streets.
Site Analysis & Design: Creating architectural drawings that respect the "preferred character" of your specific suburb.
RFI Management: We handle all "Requests for Further Information" from council planners so you don't have to.
Shadow & Overlooking Analysis: Technical drawings to ensure your second-story extension meets ResCode requirements.
Handling these steps early helps ensure the project moves smoothly from design to planning approval and construction.
Town Planning Questions
Council planning approvals can be one of the most complex parts of a building project. Many homeowners want to know when permits are required and how long the approval process takes.
Our FAQ page provides helpful answers about town planning applications, council permits, and building regulations in Melbourne.
Planning a Renovation or Extension?
If you are considering a house extension or renovation in Melbourne, Box Domus can advise whether a town planning permit may be required for your property.
We regularly assist projects located within Yarra, Boroondara, Stonnington and Darebin councils.
Contact us to discuss your project.