Who can request a rezoning?

Any landowner, developer or council can request an amendment; affected neighbours and community groups may also initiate submissions.

How do I make a submission?

Submissions are generally written and lodged with the council during the public exhibition period; see the council exhibition notice for instructions and deadlines.

Can I appeal a council decision?

Yes, appeals or reviews are available to tribunals such as VCAT; time limits and grounds for appeal depend on the decision and are provided by the appeal body.

Melbourne Rezoning Requests and Public Hearing Guide

Land Use and Zoning Victoria 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026

In Melbourne, Victoria, rezoning a property means asking for a change to the planning scheme or a local planning control so that a different land use or built form is permitted. This guide explains how rezoning requests enter the public notice and hearing process, who enforces rules, typical timelines for exhibition and submissions, and practical steps residents, developers and community groups should follow.

Overview of Rezoning Requests

Rezoning normally starts with a request to the local council or a formal planning scheme amendment lodged under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Requests may be initiated by landowners, developers or the council and proceed through council exhibition, submissions, an independent panel (if required), and a council decision or referral to state processes.^[1]

Check the council amendment page early to identify timing and submission windows.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unauthorised development or breaches of planning controls is handled by council planning compliance and may involve notices, orders or prosecution under planning legislation and local laws.

Monetary fines: specific fine amounts for planning breaches are not specified on the cited city pages.^[1]
Escalation: councils may issue warning letters, enforcement notices, infringement notices or commence prosecution; exact escalation amounts or tiers are not specified on the cited pages.^[2]
Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement orders, rectification requirements, stop work notices and injunctions or court action are used.
Enforcer and complaints: the City of Melbourne Planning Compliance team and similar municipal planning departments manage inspections and complaints; use council planning contact pages to file complaints.^[2]
Appeals and review: decisions on amendments or permits can be the subject of review or appeal to external bodies such as VCAT; precise lodgement periods vary by case and are set by the appeal body.^[3]

If you receive a compliance notice act quickly and seek formal advice before the deadline.

Applications & Forms

Forms and applications differ by request type. Typical documents include a request or submission to amend the planning scheme, planning permit applications, and submission forms for exhibition periods. Official council pages provide application guidance and permit forms for planning matters.^[2]

Planning scheme amendment request: see the council amendments guidance for how to lodge a request and public exhibition process.^[1]
Fees: fees for applications or permits are listed on council pages or fees schedules and may vary; check the specific application page for current fees.^[2]
Submission method: councils accept written submissions during exhibition periods; forms and online lodgement details are on the official pages.^[2]

Public Hearing Steps

Public hearings typically follow these stages: council or proponent prepares an amendment and places it on public exhibition; the public submits written comments; if submissions are unresolved, an independent panel or hearing is appointed; the panel reports and the council or responsible minister decides. Where disputes remain, parties may seek judicial or tribunal review.^[1]

Make a clear written submission during exhibition to preserve rights to appear at a hearing.

Public exhibition: notices are published by the council and in local media with a defined submission period.
Submissions: any person can make a submission in writing; the council must consider submissions in its decision-making.
Panel or hearing: an independent panel may be appointed to hear parties and make recommendations.
Decision and appeal: after a decision, affected parties can seek review or appeal to tribunals such as VCAT; check the appeal page for lodgement rules and time limits.^[3]

FAQ

Who can request a rezoning?: Any landowner, developer or council can request an amendment; affected neighbours and community groups may also initiate submissions.
How do I make a submission?: Submissions are generally written and lodged with the council during the public exhibition period; see the council exhibition notice for instructions and deadlines.^[1]
Can I appeal a council decision?: Yes, appeals or reviews are available to tribunals such as VCAT; time limits and grounds for appeal depend on the decision and are provided by the appeal body.^[3]

How-To

Identify the amendment or permit you need and review the council amendment page for exhibition dates and requirements.^[1]
Prepare clear written submissions or application documents, attaching plans, reports and reasons for or against the change.
Submit during the exhibition period using the council's official lodgement method and keep proof of lodging.
If a hearing or panel is scheduled, register to appear and present your case or seek representation.
If unhappy with the outcome, check appeal routes and deadlines with the tribunal; lodge any appeal within the time limit stated by the tribunal.^[3]

Attend community information sessions to understand technical reports and likely impacts.

Key Takeaways

Start early: rezoning requests follow formal exhibition and hearing steps.
Make written submissions during exhibition to preserve participation rights.
Use official council pages for forms, and consult tribunal guidance for appeals.