If council have determined that your application qualifies as a VicSmart application you will need our formal consent prior to lodging your permit application at council.

​VicSmart is a process for assessing planning permits for straightforward town planning applications.

You may need to apply for a Flood Level Certificate to show that finished floor level requirements have been achieved and will meet our standards for flood protection.

Eligibility

If your property is affected by flooding and in a Special Building Overlay (SBO), your planning permit application may meet the criteria to be assessed under the VicSmart planning permit process.

You can contact Melbourne Water on 131 722 to discuss your proposal.

Application process

Documents required

To apply for our approval, you must submit a full set of plans showing:

  • site boundaries and dimensions

  • layout, size and use of existing and proposed buildings and works, including site, floor and elevation plans

  • setbacks between existing and proposed buildings and site boundaries

  • floor and surface levels of any existing and proposed building and works to Australian Height Datum

  • cross-section details of any basement entry or exit ramps (apex)

  • location, shape and size of the proposed lots if subdivision is proposed

Plans must include appropriately references, dates and version numbers

Approval process

We will assess your application against flood risk factors including the frequency, duration, extent, depth and velocity of flooding at the site.

Then we will either:

  • consent to the application with no conditions

  • consent to the application with conditions

  • request further information

  • object to the application

Successful applications

If we consent to your application we will send you written approval, including endorsed stamped plans. This approval is valid for three months only.

You need our written approval and the endorsed plans when you lodge your application with council. Council has 10 business days to consider the application.

Unsuccessful applications

If we object to your application, it cannot be considered a VicSmart application and must follow the standard planning permit application process.

Duration

The process will take up to 28 days. This does not include the additional 10 days a VicSmart application takes from being lodged at council.

Incomplete applications may be delayed or returned requesting additional information.

Fees

There are no fees for this service.

Guidelines and standards

For more information read our:

Flooding information and advice

Contact us

If you need any help completing this application, contact us on 131 722

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