Section 1, 2 & 3 Uses in Victorian Planning Zones
Understand how Victoria's zone use tables classify land uses as Section 1 (no permit), Section 2 (permit required), or Section 3 (prohibited). Use the interactive lookup tool below to explore example classifications for common zones.
How Zone Use Tables Work
Every planning zone in Victoria contains a use table that classifies land uses into three sections. This table is the starting point for determining whether a particular use of land requires a planning permit. The zone use table sits within the zone provision itself (for example, Clause 32.08 for the GRZ) and is read in conjunction with the planning scheme's general land use definitions and nesting hierarchy.
The table organises every possible land use into one of three categories. Some entries include conditions — if a use meets those conditions, it stays in that section; if not, it may shift to a different section (usually from Section 1 to Section 2). The zone schedule can also add, modify, or remove conditions for specific uses, meaning the use table can vary between municipalities even for the same zone.
Understanding use tables is essential for anyone proposing a new business, changing the use of a property, or purchasing a property with a specific use in mind. Getting the classification wrong can mean operating without a permit (an offence under the Planning and Environment Act 1987) or assuming a use is prohibited when it may in fact be permissible.
Section 1, 2 & 3 Definitions
Permit Not Required (As-of-Right)
A use listed in Section 1 of the zone table does not require a planning permit for use of the land, provided any conditions specified in the table are met. These are commonly called “as-of-right” uses.
- •No planning permit is needed for use (a permit may still be needed for buildings and works)
- •Conditions in the table must be met (e.g., floor area limits, number of persons)
- •If conditions are not met, the use may fall to Section 2
- •Example: A single dwelling on a lot in the GRZ
Permit Required
A use listed in Section 2 requires a planning permit. The responsible authority (usually the local council) will assess the application against the decision guidelines in the zone and relevant policy, and has discretion to approve or refuse.
- •A planning permit application must be lodged with council
- •Council may approve with conditions or refuse the application
- •Notice requirements and third-party objection rights usually apply
- •Example: A medical centre in the GRZ
Prohibited
A use listed in Section 3 is prohibited and cannot be approved under any circumstances. No planning permit can be granted for a Section 3 use, regardless of the merits of the proposal.
- •No permit can be issued — the use is outright banned in the zone
- •Cannot be approved by council, VCAT, or the Minister
- •Only way to allow the use is to change the zone or amend the planning scheme
- •Example: A warehouse in the GRZ
Clause 73.03 & Clause 73.04 Explained
Clause 73.03 — Land Use Terms
Clause 73.03 provides the dictionary of land use terms used throughout the Victorian Planning Provisions. Every use referred to in a zone table is defined here. Getting the correct use term is critical — what you call your business may differ from the planning definition.
- •Defines terms like “shop”, “office”, “food and drink premises”, “industry”, and “warehouse”
- •A “cafe” is defined as “food and drink premises”, not “shop” or “restaurant”
- •A “gym” falls under “leisure and recreation”, not “retail premises”
- •Misidentifying the use term can lead to the wrong section classification
Clause 73.04 — Nesting Diagram
Clause 73.04 establishes the nesting hierarchy that groups specific uses under broader parent terms. When reading a zone table, you must check both the specific use term and its parent terms in the nesting hierarchy.
- •“Restaurant” nests under “food and drink premises”
- •“Supermarket” nests under “shop”, which nests under “retail premises”
- •If a specific term is not listed in the zone table, the classification of its parent term applies
- •The nesting hierarchy prevents gaps — every conceivable use can be classified
Interactive Zone Use Lookup
Select a zone below to see example Section 1, 2, and 3 uses. Note that these are representative examples only — the actual classification depends on the specific zone schedule, conditions, and the nesting hierarchy. Always check the full zone provision and schedule for your municipality.
Select a zone above to view example Section 1, 2, and 3 uses.
Need a Definitive Answer for Your Property?
The examples above are general guidance only. Get a definitive answer for your specific property and proposed use, checked against the actual zone schedule and overlays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Section 1 use?
A Section 1 use is permitted without a planning permit under the zone, provided any conditions specified in the table are met. For example, a single dwelling on a lot in the GRZ is a Section 1 use. If the conditions are not satisfied, the use may become a Section 2 use requiring a permit.
What is a Section 2 use?
A Section 2 use requires a planning permit from the responsible authority (usually the local council). The council has discretion to approve or refuse the application, and may impose conditions. Common Section 2 uses include child care centres, medical centres, and food and drink premises in residential zones.
What is a Section 3 use?
A Section 3 use is prohibited under the zone and cannot be approved, regardless of merit. No planning permit can be granted for a Section 3 use. For example, a warehouse is a Section 3 use in most residential zones.
What are Clause 73.03 and Clause 73.04?
Clause 73.03 defines the land use terms used in the Victorian Planning Provisions. It provides precise definitions for terms like 'shop', 'office', 'food and drink premises', and 'dwelling'. Clause 73.04 sets out the nesting hierarchy, which groups specific uses under broader parent terms. For example, 'restaurant' is nested under 'food and drink premises'. If a specific use is not listed in a zone table, the nesting hierarchy determines which broader category it falls under.
Can a Section 3 use ever be approved?
No. A Section 3 use is outright prohibited and cannot be approved by council, VCAT, or the Minister. However, if a use was legally operating before the planning scheme changed, it may have existing use rights under Section 6A of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Also, a different zone or an amendment to the planning scheme could change the classification.
What if my proposed use is not listed in the zone table?
If a use is not specifically listed in Sections 1, 2, or 3 of the zone table, you need to check the nesting hierarchy in Clause 73.04. The use will be classified under its parent term. If the use does not fall within any listed term, it is typically a Section 2 use requiring a permit.
Related Pages
Victorian Planning Zones
Complete guide to all zone types and what they mean for your property.
Planning Overlays
Understand the extra controls that apply on top of your zone.
Change of Use Guide
Everything about changing the use of a property in Victoria.
Business Use Check
Instant AI-powered zone use table analysis for your property.
Last updated: April 2026