Planning Zones & Controls in Geelong, Victoria
Geelong is located within City of Greater Geelong (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 Geelong and the broader City of Greater Geelong area.
Overlays & controls
Properties in Geelong 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 Geelong
Real application data for Geelong from the Victorian state planning permit register (PPARS) — records back to 2002. Local decisions are the best guide to what City of Greater Geelong actually supports here.
1,633
applications on record
851
permits issued
2,944
new dwellings proposed
92%
of recorded outcomes got a permit
| Year | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications | 6 | 126 | 133 | 117 | 124 |
Notable recent applications
Staged development of two mixed use buildings, use of land for accommodation and reduction of car parking (cla
81-83 mercer street geelong 3220 · 2021 · Approved · 338 dwellings
Multi lot subdivision
53 mercer street · 2019 · Approved · 124 dwellings · 124 lots
Development of 193 apartments, use and development of offices, retail and two (2) food & drink premises (cafes
Parent - 190-192 myers street · 2019 · Approved · 193 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 “No permit issued” outcomes include withdrawn and lapsed applications, not only refusals.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 Geelong?
Geelong sits in City of Greater Geelong (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 Geelong carry heritage, bushfire and flood controls (see the overlays above), which can change what's allowed or require planning approval.
Check your property in Geelong
Find out exactly what planning controls apply to your property in Geelong and whether you need approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many planning permits have been approved in Geelong?
The Victorian state permit register (PPARS) records 1,633 planning permit applications in Geelong since 2002, with 851 permits issued and 2,944 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 Greater Geelong supports in Geelong.
What can I build in Geelong?
What you can build in Geelong — 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 Geelong, or get a $39 planning report for a plain-English answer specific to your address.
What planning zone is Geelong in?
Properties in Geelong are commonly located in the General Residential Zone (GRZ), Low Density Residential Zone (LDRZ), Residential Growth Zone (RGZ), Urban Growth Zone (UGZ). The exact zone for your property depends on its specific location within Geelong. You can check your property's zone using VicPlan or our free Property Snapshot tool.
Do I need a planning permit in Geelong?
Whether you need a planning approval in Geelong 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.