Farming ZoneFZ

Last updated: April 2026

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Check if your property is in the FZ zone

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Purpose

To provide for the use of land for agriculture and to ensure that non-agricultural uses, including dwellings, do not adversely affect the use of land for agriculture.

Key Points

  • Primary purpose is to protect farming activity
  • One dwelling generally permitted per lot; additional dwellings require a permit
  • Minimum lot sizes for subdivision set by schedule (commonly 40+ hectares)
  • Non-agricultural uses assessed for their impact on farming

Use Tables — Section 1, 2 & 3

Section 1 — No Permit Needed

  • Agriculture (most types, excluding intensive animal husbandry)
  • Dwelling (one per lot)
  • Home occupation
  • Informal outdoor recreation
  • Rural store

Section 2 — Permit Required

  • Group accommodation
  • Intensive animal husbandry
  • Rural industry
  • Winery
  • Bed and breakfast

Section 3 — Prohibited

  • Cinema-based entertainment facility
  • Major sports and recreation facility
  • Retail premises (most types)

Councils Where This Zone Is Common

City of WyndhamCity of MeltonCity of HumeCity of WhittleseaMornington Peninsula ShireShire of CardiniaYarra Ranges Shire

Related Rural Zones

RAZRural Activity ZoneGWZGreen Wedge ZoneRLZRural Living ZoneRCZRural Conservation Zone

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a house on Farming Zone land?
One dwelling per lot is generally a Section 1 (as-of-right) use in the FZ. However, a planning permit may be required for the buildings and works, and the schedule may impose conditions. Building a second dwelling requires a planning permit.
Can I subdivide Farming Zone land?
Subdivision requires a planning permit and is very difficult. The schedule sets a minimum lot size (commonly 40 hectares or more) and the application must demonstrate that subdivision will not compromise agricultural productivity.
Can I run a tourism business on FZ land?
Some tourism uses are possible with a planning permit. Bed and breakfast, group accommodation, and rural industry (including farm gate sales) are Section 2 uses. The use must be compatible with surrounding agricultural activity.
What agricultural activities are as-of-right in the FZ?
Most forms of agriculture are Section 1 uses, including cropping, grazing, horticulture, and similar activities. Intensive animal husbandry (feedlots, piggeries, broiler farms) requires a planning permit as a Section 2 use.

Official Planning Provisions

View the full provisions for the Farming Zone (Clause 35.07) on the Victorian Planning Provisions website.

Open VPP Clause 35.07

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