Planning Zones & Controls in East Melbourne, Victoria
East Melbourne is located within City of Melbourne (Victoria). The following planning zones and overlays are commonly found in this area.
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Planning Zones
These zones are commonly applied to properties in East Melbourne and the broader City of Melbourne area.
Overlays & controls
Properties in East Melbourne may be affected by one or more of the following overlays / codes, which add extra planning controls on top of the zone.
Planning permit activity in East Melbourne
Real application data for East Melbourne from the Victorian state planning permit register (PPARS) — records back to 2001. Local decisions are the best guide to what City of Melbourne actually supports here.
878
applications on record
366
permits issued
1,762
new dwellings proposed
86%
of recorded outcomes got a permit
| Year | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications | 12 | 62 | 50 | 66 | 73 |
Notable recent applications
Subdivision of 248 lots. ps545348s/s2,
262-304 albert street · 2019 · Approved · 245 dwellings · 127 lots
Demolition of the existing building and construction of a mixed use retail food and drink and accommodation bu
372-380 albert street · 2021 · Approved · 24 dwellings
Alteration and amendments to approved permit
372-380 albert street east melbourne 3002 · 2022 · Approved · 23 dwellings
Source: Victorian state planning permit register (PPARS), records to mid-2023. Council participation varies by year; figures are indicative. “No permit issued” outcomes include withdrawn and lapsed applications, not only refusals.
What can you build in East Melbourne?
East Melbourne sits in City of Melbourne (Victoria). What you can build — a granny flat, a subdivision, a second dwelling, townhouses or an extension — depends on your property's zone and overlays. These guides set out the Victoria rules for the most common projects:
Heads up: parts of East Melbourne carry heritage controls (see the overlays above), which can change what's allowed or require planning approval.
Check your property in East Melbourne
Find out exactly what planning controls apply to your property in East Melbourne and whether you need approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many planning permits have been approved in East Melbourne?
The Victorian state permit register (PPARS) records 878 planning permit applications in East Melbourne since 2001, with 366 permits issued and 1,762 new dwellings proposed across all applications. The register's public extract runs to mid-2023; recent local decisions are a strong guide to what City of Melbourne supports in East Melbourne.
What can I build in East Melbourne?
What you can build in East Melbourne — such as a granny flat (secondary dwelling), a subdivision, a second dwelling, townhouses or a house extension — depends on your property's planning zone and any overlays, together with the Victoria planning rules. See the project guides above for East Melbourne, or get a $39 planning report for a plain-English answer specific to your address.
What planning zone is East Melbourne in?
Properties in East Melbourne are commonly located in the Commercial 1 Zone (C1Z), Mixed Use Zone (MUZ), Residential Growth Zone (RGZ), General Residential Zone (GRZ). The exact zone for your property depends on its specific location within East Melbourne. You can check your property's zone using VicPlan or our free Property Snapshot tool.
Do I need a planning permit in East Melbourne?
Whether you need a planning approval in East Melbourne depends on the zone your property is in, any overlays that apply, and the type of work you are proposing. Most new dwellings, extensions, subdivisions, and changes of use require approval. Some minor works may be exempt or "accepted development" depending on the zone and overlay controls. Use our free tools to check your specific situation.
How do I find my property's planning zone?
You can find your property's planning zone by searching your address on VicPlan, the official Victoria planning map. It shows the zone, overlays, and other planning controls that apply to any property in Victoria.