APN Codex · Planning Rules
Australia — Victoria
The Rules That Govern Property in Victoria
Council Areas
80
Local Plans Listed
33
State-wide
59
Particular Areas
1
As At
17 Sep 2026
1Overview
This page lists the 59 Victorian Acts and regulations that apply throughout Victoria, the 1 State instrument that applies to particular council areas, and a page for each of the State’s 80 local government areas. Each council page lists every instrument that applies in that area, including its local plan where the plan is held.
Each entry records the version in force, a plain-English description and a link to the official text. Every instrument is checked against its official publisher each month, and a new version is recorded when it takes effect. Descriptions are APN’s own and are not legal advice; the official version of each instrument prevails.
Commonwealth laws that apply across Australia are listed on the national page →
2How the Rules Fit Together
Planning law in Victoria is set by the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Each council area has a planning scheme that combines the State's standard provisions and policies with the zones, overlays and local policies that apply in that area, and changes to a scheme are made by amendment. Other Acts and regulations govern building, sale and conveyancing, renting, owners corporations, land tax and duty, heritage, hazards and estate agents across the State.
3Council Areas
80 local government areas, 33 of them with their local plan listed.
| Council Area and Local Plan | Instruments | Page |
|---|---|---|
| AlpineLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| AraratLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| BallaratBallarat Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| BanyuleBanyule Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| Bass CoastLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Baw BawLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| BaysideBayside Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| BenallaLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| BoroondaraBoroondara Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| BrimbankBrimbank Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| BulokeLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| CampaspeLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| CardiniaCardinia Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| CaseyCasey Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| Central GoldfieldsLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Colac OtwayLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| CorangamiteLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| DarebinDarebin Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| East GippslandLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| FrankstonFrankston Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| GannawarraLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Glen EiraGlen Eira Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| GlenelgLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Golden PlainsLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Greater BendigoGreater Bendigo Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| Greater DandenongGreater Dandenong Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| Greater GeelongGreater Geelong Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| Greater SheppartonLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| HepburnLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| HindmarshLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Hobsons BayHobsons Bay Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| HorshamLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| HumeHume Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| IndigoLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| KingstonKingston Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| KnoxKnox Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| LatrobeLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| LoddonLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Macedon RangesLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| ManninghamManningham Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| MansfieldLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| MaribyrnongMaribyrnong Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| MaroondahMaroondah Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| MelbourneMelbourne Planning Scheme | 61 | Rules → |
| MeltonMelton Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| Merri-bekMerri-bek Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| MilduraLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| MitchellLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| MoiraLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| MonashMonash Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| Moonee ValleyMoonee Valley Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| MooraboolLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Mornington PeninsulaMornington Peninsula Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| Mount AlexanderLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| MoyneLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| MurrindindiLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| NillumbikLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Northern GrampiansLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Port PhillipPort Phillip Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| PyreneesLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| QueenscliffeLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| South GippslandLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Southern GrampiansLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| StonningtonStonnington Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| StrathbogieLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Surf CoastLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Swan HillLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| TowongLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| Unincorporated VicLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| WangarattaLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| WarrnamboolLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| WellingtonLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| West WimmeraLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| WhitehorseWhitehorse Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| WhittleseaWhittlesea Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| WodongaLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
| WyndhamWyndham Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| YarraYarra Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| Yarra RangesYarra Ranges Planning Scheme | 60 | Rules → |
| YarriambiackLocal plan not listed | 59 | Rules → |
4Latest Versions
20 of the 60 State instruments have a version that took effect in the 90 days to 17 September 2026. The most recent:
- 16 September 2026: Building Act 1993. Official →
- 9 September 2026: Subdivision Act 1988. Official →
- 9 September 2026: Sale of Land Act 1962. Official →
- 9 September 2026: Retirement Villages Act 1986. Official →
- 9 September 2026: Residential Tenancies Act 1997. Official →
- 9 September 2026: Owners Corporations Act 2006. Official →
- 9 September 2026: Estate Agents Act 1980. Official →
- 9 September 2026: Conveyancers Act 2006. Official →
5Instruments for Particular Council Areas
These State instruments apply only in the council areas named, and appear on those areas’ pages.
| Instrument | Level | Type | In Force From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Melbourne Act 2001Applies in: Melbourne | VIC | Act | 6 Apr 2020 | Official → |
6Planning and Development
| Instrument | Level | Type | In Force From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 | VIC | Act | 30 Jun 2026 | Official → |
| Development Victoria Act 2003 | VIC | Act | 26 Nov 2025 | Official → |
| Planning and Environment Act 1987 | VIC | Act | 3 Aug 2026 | Official → |
| Subdivision Act 1988 | VIC | Act | 9 Sep 2026 | Official → |
| Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017 | VIC | Act | 13 Nov 2024 | Official → |
| Planning and Environment (Fees) Regulations 2016 | VIC | Regulation | 2 Oct 2024 | Official → |
| Planning and Environment Interim Regulations 2026 | VIC | Regulation | 9 May 2026 | Official → |
| Subdivision (Fees) Regulations 2016 | VIC | Regulation | 13 Oct 2016 | Official → |
| Subdivision (Procedures) Regulations 2021 | VIC | Regulation | 3 Oct 2021 | Official → |
| Subdivision (Registrar's Requirements) Regulations 2021 | VIC | Regulation | 10 Nov 2021 | Official → |
7Building and Construction
| Instrument | Level | Type | In Force From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architects Act 1991 | VIC | Act | 13 Aug 2025 | Official → |
| Building Act 1993 | VIC | Act | 16 Sep 2026 | Official → |
| Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 | VIC | Act | 1 Jul 2026 | Official → |
| Fences Act 1968 | VIC | Act | 29 Mar 2021 | Official → |
| Wrongs Act 1958 | VIC | Act | 25 Feb 2026 | Official → |
| Building Regulations 2018 | VIC | Regulation | 1 Sep 2026 | Official → |
| Domestic Building Contracts Regulations 2017 | VIC | Regulation | 1 Jul 2021 | Official → |
| Plumbing Regulations 2018 | VIC | Regulation | 1 May 2026 | Official → |
8Buying, Selling and Title
| Instrument | Level | Type | In Force From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conveyancers Act 2006 | VIC | Act | 9 Sep 2026 | Official → |
| Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 | VIC | Act | 1 Jan 2020 | Official → |
| Land Act 1958 | VIC | Act | 30 Jun 2026 | Official → |
| Property Law Act 1958 | VIC | Act | 1 Jul 2024 | Official → |
| Sale of Land Act 1962 | VIC | Act | 9 Sep 2026 | Official → |
| Settled Land Act 1958 | VIC | Act | 1 Jul 2015 | Official → |
| Transfer of Land Act 1958 | VIC | Act | 22 Oct 2025 | Official → |
| Conveyancers (Professional Conduct) Regulations 2018 | VIC | Regulation | 26 May 2018 | Official → |
| Sale of Land (Public Auctions) Regulations 2024 | VIC | Regulation | 23 Jun 2024 | Official → |
| Transfer of Land (Fees) Regulations 2016 | VIC | Regulation | 14 Apr 2026 | Official → |
9Renting and Residential Communities
| Instrument | Level | Type | In Force From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Act 1983 | VIC | Act | 6 Aug 2025 | Official → |
| Residential Tenancies Act 1997 | VIC | Act | 9 Sep 2026 | Official → |
| Retirement Villages Act 1986 | VIC | Act | 9 Sep 2026 | Official → |
| Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 | VIC | Act | 28 Jul 2026 | Official → |
| Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 | VIC | Regulation | 30 Jun 2026 | Official → |
| Retirement Villages (Contractual Arrangements) Regulations 2017 | VIC | Regulation | 1 May 2026 | Official → |
| Retirement Villages Regulations 2026 | VIC | Regulation | 7 Jul 2026 | Official → |
10Strata and Community Title
| Instrument | Level | Type | In Force From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owners Corporations Act 2006 | VIC | Act | 9 Sep 2026 | Official → |
| Owners Corporations Regulations 2018 | VIC | Regulation | 1 Dec 2021 | Official → |
11Land Tax, Duties and Valuation
| Instrument | Level | Type | In Force From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duties Act 2000 | VIC | Act | 24 Jun 2026 | Official → |
| Land Tax Act 2005 | VIC | Act | 1 May 2026 | Official → |
| Taxation Administration Act 1997 | VIC | Act | 26 Nov 2025 | Official → |
| Valuation of Land Act 1960 | VIC | Act | 1 Jul 2025 | Official → |
| Valuation of Land Regulations 2024 | VIC | Regulation | 27 Sep 2024 | Official → |
12Heritage and Environment
| Instrument | Level | Type | In Force From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 | VIC | Act | 1 May 2026 | Official → |
| Environment Effects Act 1978 | VIC | Act | 14 Nov 2025 | Official → |
| Environment Protection Act 2017 | VIC | Act | 30 Jun 2026 | Official → |
| Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 | VIC | Act | 22 Oct 2025 | Official → |
| Heritage Act 2017 | VIC | Act | 1 May 2026 | Official → |
| Marine and Coastal Act 2018 | VIC | Act | 30 Jun 2026 | Official → |
| Water Act 1989 | VIC | Act | 24 Jun 2026 | Official → |
| Water Industry Act 1994 | VIC | Act | 1 Jul 2025 | Official → |
| Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018 | VIC | Regulation | 23 May 2018 | Official → |
| Environment Protection Regulations 2021 | VIC | Regulation | 8 Nov 2023 | Official → |
| Heritage Regulations 2017 | VIC | Regulation | 1 Apr 2025 | Official → |
13Natural Hazards and Fire
| Instrument | Level | Type | In Force From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country Fire Authority Act 1958 | VIC | Act | 22 Oct 2025 | Official → |
| Emergency Management Act 2013 | VIC | Act | 22 Oct 2025 | Official → |
| Fire Rescue Victoria Act 1958 | VIC | Act | 1 Jul 2025 | Official → |
14Real Estate Agents
| Instrument | Level | Type | In Force From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estate Agents Act 1980 | VIC | Act | 9 Sep 2026 | Official → |
| Estate Agents (General, Accounts and Audit) Regulations 2018 | VIC | Regulation | 11 Jul 2018 | Official → |
15Local Government
| Instrument | Level | Type | In Force From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Government Act 2020 | VIC | Act | 15 Apr 2026 | Official → |
Links lead to each instrument's official publisher.
