VicSmart (Victoria)
VicSmart is Victoria's streamlined planning permit for low-risk work. 10-business-day turnaround, no public notice, council officer decides.
Ask Chalkline about this →VicSmart is Victoria’s streamlined planning permit assessment pathway under the Victoria Planning Provisions Clause 71. It is designed for low-risk planning applications that meet defined criteria: a 10-business-day statutory turnaround, no public notification, and decided by a council officer under delegated authority (no panel hearing). Eligibility is defined by Clause 71 of every Victorian planning scheme and covers minor extensions, signage, fences, minor subdivisions, change of use within a class, and similar low-impact applications. VicSmart contrasts with a standard planning permit which can take 60+ business days with mandatory public notification. Verified per Victoria Planning Provisions Clause 71 and the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic) (2026-05-23).
VicSmart vs standard planning permit:
| Aspect | VicSmart | Standard planning permit |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory turnaround | 10 business days | 60+ business days typical (can be longer) |
| Public notification | None | Yes, neighbours and possibly broader |
| Decision-maker | Council officer (delegated) | Council officer or planning panel |
| Submissions | None received | Submitter rights apply |
| Appeal rights (applicant) | Yes, to VCAT | Yes, to VCAT |
| Appeal rights (objector) | None (no objectors) | Yes, submitter can appeal |
| Fees | Lower than standard | Standard council fee schedule |
| Pre-application meeting | Optional, less common | Recommended |
| Documentation | Reduced (often just plans + form) | Full SoEE + specialist reports |
Eligibility (Clause 71 categories):
VicSmart is available for specific planning applications listed in Clause 71. Examples:
| Category | Typical residential application |
|---|---|
| Buildings and works | Small extension, garage, deck, pool, fence |
| Removal of native vegetation | Limited area, low-risk species |
| Subdivision | Boundary realignment, small subdivisions (under defined area) |
| Signs | Most residential signage |
| Change of use | Within a class (e.g. dwelling to bed-and-breakfast) |
| Specific overlays | Heritage Overlay, Development Plan Overlay (in some cases) |
| Vegetation Protection Overlay | Limited removal/pruning |
Each category has specific eligibility criteria (size limits, height limits, setbacks). If the application exceeds any criterion, it falls back to the standard permit pathway.
Common residential VicSmart applications:
| Application | Typical VicSmart eligibility |
|---|---|
| Single-storey extension under 80 m² | Eligible if within setback rules and no overlay conflict |
| New garage / carport under 60 m² | Eligible |
| Swimming pool | Eligible if within rear yard rules |
| 2.0 m fence | Eligible (above 2.0 m steps up to standard permit) |
| Small subdivision (2 lots from 1) | Eligible in some zones |
| Heritage works (minor) | Eligible if within Heritage Overlay limits |
What VicSmart applications must include:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application form | Standard council planning permit form, with VicSmart elected |
| Site plan | Existing + proposed |
| Floor plans, elevations | Where buildings or works |
| Site context drawing | Adjacent properties, street |
| Statement of compliance | Brief written statement that the application meets Clause 71 criteria |
| Fee | VicSmart-discounted (varies by council) |
A VicSmart application is fundamentally simpler than a standard permit. The Statement of Compliance is the key: a 1-2 page document arguing why the application falls within Clause 71 eligibility.
The 10-business-day clock:
The 10-BD clock starts on council acceptance of the application as VicSmart-eligible. If the council rejects the application as not VicSmart-eligible, the clock doesn’t start and the application is treated as a standard permit (a much slower path).
Failure of council to decide within 10 BD doesn’t deem the application approved; the applicant can apply to VCAT for an order forcing decision.
What if council disputes VicSmart eligibility?
| Council response | Builder action |
|---|---|
| Accept as VicSmart | Standard 10 BD pathway |
| Reject as not eligible (out of Clause 71 criteria) | Refile as standard permit OR appeal eligibility ruling to VCAT |
| Council reclassifies to standard | Application proceeds as standard permit; original time not credited |
Builders can pre-application-discuss eligibility with the council to confirm before lodging. Most councils’ planning officers will indicate whether they consider an application VicSmart-eligible.
Common defects in VicSmart applications:
- Misclassification: builder lodges as VicSmart but the application falls outside Clause 71 limits; council reclassifies to standard.
- Missing statement of compliance: lodgement rejected; resubmit with proper statement.
- Application straddles two overlays: only one overlay is VicSmart-eligible; council may require standard permit.
- Discovered objection from interested third party: VicSmart doesn’t notify, but if council learns of opposition (e.g. a complaint about the proposal), the matter may be referred up.
- Lodgement during peak: 10-BD clock is statutory but council resourcing can stretch.
Cross-state equivalents:
| State | Equivalent streamlined pathway |
|---|---|
| VIC | VicSmart (this) |
| NSW | Complying Development Certificate (CDC), checklist-only |
| QLD | Accepted development, no DA needed for low-risk |
| SA | Accepted under PDI Act 2016 |
| TAS | Exempt or Permitted under TPS |
| WA | Exempt under planning scheme |
| NT | Exempt under NT Planning Scheme 2020 |
The NSW CDC is the closest analogue: checklist-based, council certifier decides, no public notification, fast turnaround.
Builder takeaway:
- For Vic minor residential work, check VicSmart eligibility first; 10 BD vs 60+ BD is a material project timeline difference.
- Lodge the Statement of Compliance addressing each Clause 71 criterion.
- Pre-application chat with council saves time on disputed eligibility cases.
- Budget for standard permit if any element risks falling outside Clause 71 (overlay conflict, scale, location).
Also known as: VicSmart application; 10-day permit; Clause 71 permit; streamlined permit (Vic).
Category: Approvals & DA.
Related
- Merit assessment (DA, NSW)
- Community Participation Plan (CPP, NSW)
- Code Assessed Performance Assessed (SA)
See also
Last updated: 2026-05-23. Verified: 2026-05-23. Quarterly review for currency.