Little Stringybark Creek ESO pre-development advice

The Little Stringybark Creek Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO) has been introduced into the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme to improve the health and condition of Little Stringybark Creek in Mt Evelyn.

Under the ESO, a planning permit is required for any buildings or works that increase a property's hard (impervious) surface area by more than 10m². For example, a proposal to extend an existing dwelling, construct a shed or garage, or construct a driveway on a site that creates more than 10m² of additional impervious surface, triggers a planning permit under the ESO.

In order to obtain a planning permit, you must demonstrate that stormwater runoff created by the additional impervious surfaces (e.g. roofs or paving) is treated to a minimum Stormwater Retention Score (SRS)  of 6 out of 10 (as standard specified by the ESO).  This score measures the level of stormwater treatment achieved and will be established as part of the application process.

In practice, meeting the ESO requirements means installing stormwater control measures such as rainwater tanks, raingardens, or infiltration trenches. To find out more about stormwater treatment measures, look at options for treating stormwater.

Application process

Start your application with Yarra Ranges Shire Council.

Step 1:
Read Yarra Ranges Shire Council's advice on the Little Stringybark Creek Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO2).

Step 2:
Contact Council to enquire about a planning permit application, and to confirm which planning requirements apply to your proposal.

If the ESO is applicable to your proposal, Council will direct you to contact Melbourne Water to obtain ESO requirements.

Step 3:
Download and complete the Stormwater Treatment Assessment (STA) application form:

Step 4:
Submit your application online or via the blue button at the top of this page.

Step 5:
Within 10 business days, our Stormwater Treatment Assessor will contact you to make an appointment for a site visit to discuss stormwater treatment options to meet the requirements of the ESO.

Once you have agreed on a stormwater treatment solution, the assessor will provide the Stormwater Treatment Plan and help you fill it out.

Step 6:
We will then consider the proposed development, based on the finalised stormwater treatment plan, and inform you of our decision.

Depending on your availability, the site visit and preparation of the Stormwater Treatment Plan, final approval should be completed within 10 days of the Stormwater Treatment Plan being submitted.

Step 7:
Submit our decision to Council, together with your planning permit application, to enable Council to assess your development.

Documents required

To help us offer relevant advice about the proposed development, you will need to supply the following information:

• completed Stormwater Treatment Assessment application form
• detailed development plans, including floor and elevation plans
• existing site plans
• previous letters or correspondence from us (optional)
• any supporting reports (optional)
• current title plan
• survey information

Fees

There are no fees for this service.

More information

For more information on stormwater and water sensitive urban design, visit our Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) webpage.