Planning Permits in City of Ballarat

Ballarat is one of Victoria's largest inland cities, combining a gold-rush-era heritage core with major western growth areas at Alfredton, Delacombe and Lucas, established suburbs like Wendouree and Sebastopol, and township living at Buninyong.

Key Suburbs

Ballarat CentralWendoureeSebastopolAlfredtonDelacombeBuninyongBallarat North

Area Statistics

113,763

Population

50,233

Dwellings

Median Age

Source: ABS Census 2021

Planning Characteristics

Central Ballarat carries one of regional Victoria's most extensive Heritage Overlay coverages — heritage design response is a routine permit consideration. The Ballarat West growth area (Alfredton, Delacombe, Lucas) is developing under Urban Growth Zone Precinct Structure Plans. Bushfire Management Overlay applies at the bushland interfaces including around Buninyong.

Common Planning Zones

GRZGeneral Residential Zone

Local Schedule VPP Clause 32.08

LDRZLow Density Residential Zone

Local Schedule VPP Clause 32.03

UGZUrban Growth Zone

Local Schedule VPP Clause 37.07

RLZRural Living Zone

Local Schedule VPP Clause 35.03

FZFarming Zone

Local Schedule VPP Clause 35.07

C1ZCommercial 1 Zone

Local Schedule VPP Clause 34.01

IN1ZIndustrial 1 Zone

Local Schedule VPP Clause 33.01

Common Planning Overlays

HOHeritage Overlay

Local Schedule VPP Clause 43.01

DDODesign and Development Overlay

Local Schedule VPP Clause 43.02

ESOEnvironmental Significance Overlay

Local Schedule VPP Clause 42.01

BMOBushfire Management Overlay

Local Schedule VPP Clause 44.06

LSIOLand Subject to Inundation Overlay

Local Schedule VPP Clause 44.04

DPODevelopment Plan Overlay

Local Schedule VPP Clause 43.04

Planning Scheme

View the full Ballarat planning scheme on the Victorian Government planning scheme viewer.

Open Planning Scheme Viewer

City of Ballarat Planning & Building

Objecting to a development in City of Ballarat

Worried about a development application in City of Ballarat? While an application is on public notice or exhibition, anyone affected can lodge an objection — a formal submission or representation to the council — putting your planning concerns on the record before the decision is made. Our Victoria guide walks through your rights, what counts as a valid planning ground, and the timeframes; and if a decision goes the wrong way, how to appeal it at the tribunal.

How to object in Victoria →How to appeal a decision →Find an application — City of Ballarat planning page

Not sure if your concerns count? Run the free Objection Grounds Check for an instant read of which are valid planning grounds — then turn it into a formal objection from $99.

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