Planning Permits in City of Greater Geelong

Greater Geelong is Victoria's largest regional city, spanning central Geelong and its established suburbs, the northern industrial and growth areas around Corio and Lara, the Armstrong Creek growth area, and Bellarine Peninsula coastal towns including Ocean Grove and Leopold.

Key Suburbs

GeelongNewtownBelmontHightonLaraCorioOcean GroveLeopold

Area Statistics

271,057

Population

120,584

Dwellings

39

Median Age

Source: ABS Census 2021

Planning Characteristics

Armstrong Creek is a major Urban Growth Zone with staged Precinct Structure Plans. Central Geelong has its own revitalisation framework with height and design controls via DDOs. Heritage Overlay is extensive across central Geelong and Newtown. Bellarine coastal areas carry significant landscape and environmental overlays, with bushfire controls on the rural fringes.

Common Planning Zones

GRZGeneral Residential Zone
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 32.08
LDRZLow Density Residential Zone
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 32.03
RGZResidential Growth Zone
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 32.07
UGZUrban Growth Zone
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 37.07
RLZRural Living Zone
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 35.03
FZFarming Zone
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 35.07
C1ZCommercial 1 Zone
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 34.01
IN1ZIndustrial 1 Zone
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 33.01

Common Planning Overlays

HOHeritage Overlay
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 43.01
DDODesign and Development Overlay
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 43.02
ESOEnvironmental Significance Overlay
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 42.01
SLOSignificant Landscape Overlay
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 42.03
LSIOLand Subject to Inundation Overlay
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 44.04
BMOBushfire Management Overlay
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 44.06
DPODevelopment Plan Overlay
Local ScheduleVPP Clause 43.04

Planning Scheme

View the full Greater Geelong planning scheme on the Victorian Government planning scheme viewer.

Open Planning Scheme Viewer
City of Greater Geelong Planning & Building

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Objecting to a development in City of Greater Geelong

Worried about a development application in City of Greater Geelong? 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 Greater Geelong 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.

Need Help with a Planning Permit in Greater Geelong?

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