Statutory Planning Glossary - City of Port Phillip...Planning Glossary Page 5 of 12 Updated 24/7/2017 Existing Conditions Plan An existing conditions plan is a dimensioned, scaled

Statutory Planning

Glossary

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: [email protected]

www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning_building.htm

Planning Glossary

Page 1 of 12

Updated 24/7/2017

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





Planning Glossary

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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.

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning-forms.htm







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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;






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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 five or more storeys (refer to

Clause 58.01 of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme – http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/vpps/58_01.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.






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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:

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/VicSmart.htm

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/fast-track-service.htm





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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.

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.

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





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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/0010/135766/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

http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/135766/Understanding_Neighbourhood_Character.pdf





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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.





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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;

http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/portphillip





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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:

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);

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/significant-tree-permit.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.

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/sustainable-design.htm

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/sustainable-design.htm





Planning Glossary

Page 12 of 12

Updated 24/7/2017

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 – refer to Clause 22.06-3 (the Urban Art section on page 4):

http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/portphillip/ordinance/22_lpp06_port.pdf

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 50m2 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-scheme-

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

http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/portphillip/ordinance/22_lpp06_port.pdf

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/VicSmart.htm

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/fast-track-service.htm


http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning-scheme-amendments.htm

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/planning-scheme-amendments.htm

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/SDAPP_04_Stormwater_Management.pdf

http://www.melbournewater.com.au/raingardens

Documents

Statutory Planning Glossary - City of Port Phillip...Planning Glossary Page 5 of 12 Updated 24/7/2017 Existing Conditions Plan An existing conditions plan is a dimensioned, scaled