Planning Zones & Controls in Emerald, Victoria
Emerald is located within Shire of Cardinia (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 Emerald and the broader Shire of Cardinia area.
Overlays & controls
Properties in Emerald 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 Emerald
Real application data for Emerald from the Victorian state planning permit register (PPARS) — records back to 1995. Local decisions are the best guide to what Shire of Cardinia actually supports here.
897
applications on record
363
permits issued
155
new dwellings proposed
82%
of recorded outcomes got a permit
| Year | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications | 15 | 80 | 72 | 44 | 50 |
Notable recent applications
Multi-lot subdivision of buildings and creation of easements and creation of a reserve
G shop 1/329-331 belgrave-gembrook road emerald 3782 · 2022 · Approved · 13 lots
Construction of six (6) dwellings on a lot
16-18 kings road · 2019 · Approved · 5 dwellings
Development of the land for six (6) dwellings and vegetation removal
12-14 kings road · 2020 · Approved · 5 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 “No permit issued” outcomes include withdrawn and lapsed applications, not only refusals.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 Emerald?
Emerald sits in Shire of Cardinia (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 Emerald carry bushfire and flood controls (see the overlays above), which can change what's allowed or require planning approval.
Check your property in Emerald
Find out exactly what planning controls apply to your property in Emerald and whether you need approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many planning permits have been approved in Emerald?
The Victorian state permit register (PPARS) records 897 planning permit applications in Emerald since 1995, with 363 permits issued and 155 new dwellings proposed across all applications. The register's public extract runs to mid-2023; recent local decisions are a strong guide to what Shire of Cardinia supports in Emerald.
What can I build in Emerald?
What you can build in Emerald — 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 Emerald, or get a $39 planning report for a plain-English answer specific to your address.
What planning zone is Emerald in?
Properties in Emerald are commonly located in the General Residential Zone (GRZ), Urban Growth Zone (UGZ), Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ), Green Wedge Zone (GWZ). The exact zone for your property depends on its specific location within Emerald. You can check your property's zone using VicPlan or our free Property Snapshot tool.
Do I need a planning permit in Emerald?
Whether you need a planning approval in Emerald 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.
Nearby suburbs
Other suburbs in Shire of Cardinia:
Elsewhere in Victoria: