Planning Permits in City of Melbourne

The City of Melbourne encompasses the CBD and surrounding inner suburbs. As the state capital, it has the most intensive development activity in Victoria with a mix of commercial towers, residential high-rise, and heritage precincts.

Key Suburbs

Area Statistics

178,955

Population

97,429

Dwellings

28

Median Age

Source: ABS Census 2021

Planning Characteristics

Capital City Zone in the CBD with no mandatory height limits. DDO schedules control built form in Southbank and Docklands. Extensive Heritage Overlay in Carlton, East Melbourne, and parts of the CBD. Major urban renewal in Arden and Macaulay.

Common Planning Zones

C1ZCommercial 1 Zone
RGZResidential Growth Zone
GRZGeneral Residential Zone
CDZComprehensive Development Zone

Common Planning Overlays

DDODesign and Development Overlay
DPODevelopment Plan Overlay
EAOEnvironmental Audit Overlay

Planning Scheme

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

Open Planning Scheme Viewer

Related News

Objecting to a development in City of Melbourne

Worried about a development application in City of Melbourne? 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.

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 Melbourne?

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