Mitchell Shire Council has launched myLot, a new online tool to help residents, businesses and developers understand whether a planning permit may be needed for their proposed project.
Available now at Plan and Build: Find out if you need a planning permit, myLot uses the Mitchell Planning Scheme and Council property information to provide property-specific planning guidance in minutes - any time of day, any day of the week.
Users enter their address, describe what they are planning to build or do and receive an indication of whether a planning permit may be required. The tool also provides a checklist of documents that may be needed for a complete application.
myLot is already used by other Victorian councils to provide routine planning information online, including outside business hours. In Mitchell, it will help residents and developers access early guidance more quickly, while supporting Council planners to focus on more complex enquiries and applications.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said myLot would give people a simpler starting point when planning a project.
"We know planning requirements can feel complex, particularly for people who are starting a project for the first time," Cr Dougall said. "myLot helps residents and developers understand the planning rules that apply to their property before they contact Council or prepare an application.
"It provides clear, practical information when people need it, helping them take the next step with more confidence."
myLot provides guidance on planning permits only. It does not assess whether a building permit is required.
Projects such as swimming pools, sheds, decks and fences may not need a planning permit but could still require a building permit through a registered building surveyor. Residents are encouraged to check both planning and building requirements before starting work.
The myLot tool is intended to help with early planning enquiries and does not replace formal planning advice or a Council assessment. All planning permit applications will continue to be assessed by Council planning officers.
Residents and developers can visit Plan and Build: Find out if you need a planning permit to enter their property address, proposed project details and read frequently asked questions.
