What is VicSmart?
The VicSmart planning assessment was introduced in 2014 as a means of fast tracking straight forward planning applications. Whereas a regular planning application can take anywhere from 30-90 days to process, a VicSmart application will take just 10 days (maximum)! There is no advertising required, and the level of detail for documentation is significantly less. Additionally, council is more restricted in the information they can request. If you ‘tick the boxes’, you’re good to go. All things considered, this means that VicSmart can save you time, money and stress!
Our residential extension project at Kinglake got a permit in 8 days. In this case the project qualified under ‘building and works up to $500,000 in a rural zone’. The client is very happy as there is little to no delay in moving through stages of design>planning>building.
What work is covered by VicSmart?
As a brief summary, the following works are eligible for VicSmart applications, if you want to know more about exact details you can check out this guide.
- Minor subdivision
- Buildings and works
- Tree removal and lopping
- Small advertising signs
- Car parking reductions
The Victorian Government is regularly making amendments so more categories of works will qualify for VicSmart. The idea is to make planning a less daunting, more approachable process for people wishing to commence projects.
Getting started with a VicSmart
If you think your project might qualify for a VicSmart application, as a first step I recommend contacting either your architect or local council planning department. They will be able to guide you through exactly what type of permit is required, and if VicSmart will be an option.
Until next time,
Zeb.
