This tool is currently being redesigned to reflect the recent planning changes. The changes will be released to this page as soon as they are available.
Introduction
Planning controls play a critical role in effective stormwater management and the implementation of Victoria’s Integrated Water Management (IWM) policy by ensuring water-sensitive outcomes are embedded early in land use and development decisions. They give effect to the IWM planning hierarchy — which aligns IWM considerations with strategic stages of direction setting, plan making and implementation — so that water cycle issues (including stormwater runoff, flood risk and waterway health) are considered at the right time and scale in planning processes. Consistent with this hierarchy, planning controls help translate high-level policy directions into statutory and non-statutory mechanisms that minimise impacts, embed water-sensitive design and support delivery of IWM priorities identified in strategic and precinct-level plans. This provides a consistent framework that aligns local development decisions with state IWM objectives, enables effective coordination across councils, water authorities and other agencies, and shifts stormwater management from reactive responses to proactive, catchment-based action supporting sustainable growth and resilience in Victoria.
This Online Navigator Tool has been developed in a partnership between the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Clearwater, to assist local planning authorities, developers, consultants, planning permit applicants and broader industry practitioners to identify what statewide stormwater planning provisions apply to subdivision or buildings and works developments within Victoria. Note that additional local planning controls may exist that affect stormwater management requirements, and these should be discussed pre-application with the relevant local council.
This Tool was officially launched on the 25th of March, 2021 through an online launch event. A recording of this event featuring a demonstration and a walk-through of this Tool can be accessed here.
Development type and corresponding clause chart
This document sets out the stormwater planning provisions for various development types and their associated VPP clauses. You can view the clauses in full, by clicking on the links in the table.
Best practice for stormwater management
Refer to the best practice process flow chart PDF for stormwater management best practice.
- Step 1: Decision to develop - Understand planning scheme obligations
- Step 2: Prepare a preliminary development concept - Consider WSUD treatments and site management
- Step 3: Hold a pre-application discussion with council
- Step 4: Prepare concept and/or detailed design to comply with requirements
- Step 5: Submit development application
- Step 6: Receive permit decision
- Step 7: Undertake construction
- Step 8: Ongoing WSUD maintenance
Background
Various planning controls have been introduced over the years, as outlined below. These include a number of planning system changes made in October 2018 to improve existing standards for stormwater management, extending requirements to a broader range of developments and land uses, as well as subdivisions. These changes introduced new requirements for developments constructed on residential, commercial, industrial and public land, which means that most new developments will need to retain, reuse and/or treat the rain that falls on the site.
In March 2025, further planning reforms were introduced (under Amendment VC267) to support local council planning processes outlined in Victoria’s Housing Statement, including amendments to the operation of some existing planning controls relating to stormwater management. Information on the recent planning reforms can be found here: Townhouse and Low-Rise Code.
For more information about Victoria's Stormwater Planning Provisions visit DTP’s Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) and Planning Advisory Note 75.
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How to Use the Online Navigator Tool
This tool is made up of a series of questions for you to answer. Once completed you will be provided with resources relevant to your development, setting out what measures can be incorporated into your project to help you meet the planning provisions.
In addition to using this Online Navigator Tool, we strongly promote pre-development discussions between councils, applicants and relevant referral authorities.
To navigate the Tool, scroll up and down the page, using the teal banners to move back a step if you would like to change your answer to a previous question.
Development Type
Is your application for:
Subdivision Zone
What zone is the land in?
Residential
Neighbourhood Residential Zone
General Residential Zone
Residential Growth Zone
Township Zone
Mixed Use Zone
Low Density Residential Zone
Housing Choice and Transport Zone
Comprehensive Development Zone (provides for residential)
Priority Development Zone (provides for residential)
Industrial
Industrial Zone 1
Industrial Zone 2
Industrial Zone 3
Commercial
Commercial 1 Zone
Commercial 2 Zone
Commercial 3 Zone
Capital City Zone
Docklands Zone
Activity Centre Zone
Rural
Green Wedge Zone
Green Wedge A Zone
Rural Conservation Zone
Rural Living Zone
Rural Activity Zone
Farm Zone
Public / Transport / Other
Urban Growth Zone
Road Zone
Urban Floodway Zone
Public Conservation and Resource Zone
Public Park and Recreation Zone
Public Use Zone
Transport Zone 1
Transport Zone 2
Port Zone
Special Use Zone
Any zone not listed in this tool
Lot Contains Existing Dwelling or Car Park Space
Lot Contains Existing Dwelling or Car Park Space
Application Type Excluded
Is the application any of the following?
- A VicSmart application?
- An application to subdivide land in a residential zone for residential purposes?
- An application to construct or extend a dwelling, fence or residential building in a residential zone?
- An application for development associated with agriculture or earth and energy resources industry?
- An application to construct a building or works associated with one dwelling on a lot?
- An application to alter/extend an existing building (gross floor area not increased by more than 50m²)?
- An application to construct a building with gross floor area not exceeding 50m²?
- An application to construct or carry out works with an area not exceeding 50m²?
- An application to subdivide land into lots each containing an existing building or car parking space?
- An application to construct a building on a lot created with stormwater assessment?
- An application for land affected by a development plan approved before Amendment VC154?
- An application lodged before the approval date of Amendment VC154?
Application Type
What is your application type?
Extend a dwelling if there are two or more dwellings on the lot
Construct or extend an apartment development
Construct or extend one dwelling on a lot less than 300m²
Construct a dwelling if there is at least one dwelling existing on the lot
Construct or extend a dwelling on common property
Construct or extend a dwelling in/forming part of an apartment development
Construct or extend a small second dwelling on a lot less than 300m²
Construct two or more dwellings on a lot
Construct or extend a residential building
Construct a building or carry out works other than already listed here
Application Exclusions
Is the application any of the following?
- A VicSmart application?
- An application to subdivide land in a residential zone for residential purposes?
- An application to construct or extend a dwelling, fence or residential building in a residential zone?
- An application for development associated with agriculture or earth and energy resources industry?
- An application to construct a building or works associated with one dwelling on a lot?
- An application to alter/extend an existing building (gross floor area not increased by more than 50m²)?
- An application to construct a building with gross floor area not exceeding 50m²?
- An application to construct or carry out works with an area not exceeding 50m²?
- An application to subdivide land into lots each containing an existing building or car parking space?
- An application to construct a building on a lot created with stormwater assessment?
- An application for land affected by a development plan approved before Amendment VC154?
- An application lodged before the approval date of Amendment VC154?
- In a Farming Zone, Green Wedge Zone, Green Wedge A Zone, Low Density Residential Zone, Public Conservation and Resource Zone, Road Zone, Rural Activity Zone, Rural Conservation Zone, Rural Living Zone, Urban Floodway Zone or Urban Growth Zone?
Apartment Zone
Determining your zone: If you are unsure of the zoning of your site, access the VicPlan tool administered by DELWP.
Is the application in a:
Neighbourhood Residential Zone
General Residential Zone
Residential Growth Zone
Township Zone
Mixed Use Zone
Housing Choice and Transport Zone
No to all (non-residential zone)
Apartment Zone — Storeys Question
Is the application to construct or extend a development of five or more storeys, excluding a basement, or to construct or extend a dwelling in a development of five or more storeys, excluding a basement?
Apartment in Neighbourhood Residential Zone — Storeys Question
Is the application to construct or extend a development of three or less storeys, excluding a basement, or to construct or extend a dwelling in a development of three or less storeys, excluding a basement?
Application Exclusions
Is the application any of the following?
- A VicSmart application?
- An application to subdivide land in a residential zone for residential purposes?
- An application to construct or extend a dwelling, fence or residential building in a residential zone?
- An application for development associated with agriculture or earth and energy resources industry?
- An application to construct a building or works associated with one dwelling on a lot?
- An application to alter/extend an existing building (gross floor area not increased by more than 50m²)?
- An application to construct a building with gross floor area not exceeding 50m²?
- An application to construct or carry out works with an area not exceeding 50m²?
- An application to subdivide land into lots each containing an existing building or car parking space?
- An application to construct a building on a lot created with stormwater assessment?
- An application for land affected by a development plan approved before Amendment VC154?
- An application lodged before the approval date of Amendment VC154?
- In a Farming Zone, Green Wedge Zone, Green Wedge A Zone, Low Density Residential Zone, Public Conservation and Resource Zone, Road Zone, Rural Activity Zone, Rural Conservation Zone, Rural Living Zone, Urban Floodway Zone or Urban Growth Zone?
Application Zone
Determining your zone: If you are unsure of the zoning of your site, access the VicPlan tool.
Is your application in one of the following zones?
- Neighbourhood Residential Zone
- General Residential Zone
- Residential Growth Zone
- Mixed Use Zone
- Township Zone
- Housing Choice and Transport Zone
Application Exclusions
Is the application any of the following?
- A VicSmart application?
- An application to subdivide land in a residential zone for residential purposes?
- An application to construct or extend a dwelling, fence or residential building in a residential zone?
- An application for development associated with agriculture or earth and energy resources industry?
- An application to construct a building or works associated with one dwelling on a lot?
- An application to alter/extend an existing building (gross floor area not increased by more than 50m²)?
- An application to construct a building with gross floor area not exceeding 50m²?
- An application to construct or carry out works with an area not exceeding 50m²?
- An application to subdivide land into lots each containing an existing building or car parking space?
- An application to construct a building on a lot created with stormwater assessment?
- An application for land affected by a development plan approved before Amendment VC154?
- An application lodged before the approval date of Amendment VC154?
- In a Farming Zone, Green Wedge Zone, Green Wedge A Zone, Low Density Residential Zone, Public Conservation and Resource Zone, Road Zone, Rural Activity Zone, Rural Conservation Zone, Rural Living Zone, Urban Floodway Zone or Urban Growth Zone?
No Stormwater Assessment Required
Statewide stormwater planning provisions do not apply to this application.
A stormwater assessment based on these statewide stormwater planning provisions is NOT required as part of the planning application.
However, further to statewide stormwater planning provisions, there may be Council-specific planning requirements for stormwater management that apply.
It is also noted that, under VPP Clause 65.01, Council is required to consider the impact of stormwater discharges and for the applicant to demonstrate the proposed development is designed to maintain or improve the quality of stormwater within and exiting the site.
It is recommended that the applicant confirm any additional Council-specific stormwater management requirements directly with the relevant local council as part of pre-application discussions.
There are multiple benefits of implementing Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) on your site.
Relevant Planning Clauses: Residential Subdivision
This is the final step in the Online Navigator Tool.
Applicable stormwater planning provisions:
- Clause 56.07-4 — Stormwater management objectives and associated standards
- Clause 56.08 — Site Management objectives and associated standards
Note: There may be Council-specific planning requirements for stormwater management that also apply. It is recommended this be confirmed directly with the relevant local council.
Clause 56.07-4 Stormwater Management Objectives:
- To minimise damage to properties and inconvenience to residents from stormwater
- To ensure that the street operates adequately during major storm events
- To minimise increases in stormwater and protect receiving waters from degradation
- To encourage stormwater management that maximises retention and reuse
- To encourage stormwater management that contributes to cooling and local habitat
Clause 56.08 Site Management Objectives:
- To protect drainage infrastructure and receiving waters from sedimentation
- To protect the site and surrounding area from environmental degradation
- To encourage reuse of materials and recycled materials in construction
Relevant Planning Clauses: Non-Residential Subdivision
This is the final step in the Online Navigator Tool.
Applicable stormwater planning provisions:
- Clause 53.18-4 — Stormwater management objectives for subdivision and standards
- Clause 53.18-6 — Site Management objectives and associated standards
Note: There may be Council-specific planning requirements that also apply.
Clause 53.18-4 Stormwater Management Objectives For Subdivision:
- To minimise damage to properties and inconvenience to the public from stormwater
- To ensure that the street operates adequately during major storm events
- To minimise increases in stormwater and protect receiving waters from degradation
- To encourage stormwater management that maximises retention and reuse
- To encourage stormwater management that contributes to cooling and local habitat
Clause 53.18-6 Site Management Objectives:
- Protection of drainage infrastructure and receiving waters from sedimentation
- Protection of the site and surrounding area from environmental degradation
Relevant Planning Clauses: Buildings and Works
This is the final step in the Online Navigator Tool.
Applicable stormwater planning provisions:
- Clause 53.18-5 — Stormwater management objectives for buildings and works
- Clause 53.18-6 — Site Management objectives and associated standards
Note: There may be Council-specific planning requirements that also apply.
Clause 53.18-5 Stormwater Management Objectives For Buildings And Works:
- To encourage stormwater management that maximises retention and reuse
- To encourage development that reduces stormwater impact on the drainage system
- To encourage stormwater management that contributes to cooling and local habitat
- To ensure industrial and commercial pollutants do not enter the stormwater system
Clause 53.18-6 Site Management Objectives:
- Protection of drainage infrastructure and receiving waters from sedimentation
- Protection of the site and surrounding area from environmental degradation
Relevant Planning Clauses: Apartments (Non-Residential Zone)
This is the final step in the Online Navigator Tool.
Applicable stormwater planning provisions:
- Clause 53.18-5 — Stormwater management objectives for buildings and works
- Clause 53.18-6 — Site Management objectives and associated standards
Worked example available: Apartments development scenario
Note: There may be Council-specific planning requirements that also apply.
Clause 53.18-5 Stormwater Management Objectives For Buildings And Works:
- To encourage stormwater management that maximises retention and reuse
- To encourage development that reduces stormwater impact on the drainage system
- To encourage stormwater management that contributes to cooling and local habitat
- To ensure industrial and commercial pollutants do not enter the stormwater system
Relevant Planning Clauses: Multi-Dwelling (Non-Residential Zone)
This is the final step in the Online Navigator Tool.
Applicable stormwater planning provisions:
- Clause 53.18-5 — Stormwater management objectives for buildings and works
- Clause 53.18-6 — Site Management objectives and associated standards
Worked example available: Townhouses development scenario
Note: There may be Council-specific planning requirements that also apply.
Clause 53.18-5 Stormwater Management Objectives For Buildings And Works:
- To encourage stormwater management that maximises retention and reuse
- To encourage development that reduces stormwater impact on the drainage system
- To encourage stormwater management that contributes to cooling and local habitat
- To ensure industrial and commercial pollutants do not enter the stormwater system
Relevant Planning Clauses: Apartments (5+ storeys)
This is the final step in the Online Navigator Tool.
Applicable stormwater planning provisions:
- Clause 58.03-8 — Integrated Water and Stormwater management objectives and standards
Note: There may be Council-specific planning requirements that also apply.
Clause 58.03-8 Integrated Water And Stormwater Management Objectives:
- Buildings should be designed to collect rainwater for non-drinking purposes
- Where available, buildings should be connected to a non-potable dual pipe supply
- Stormwater management systems should be designed to:
- Meet current best practice performance objectives (Urban Stormwater BPEM Guidelines)
- Maximise infiltration of stormwater into permeable surfaces and treatment areas
Site Management: The applicant needs to demonstrate that the proposed development is designed to maintain or improve the quality of stormwater within and exiting the site (VPP Clause 65.01).
Relevant Planning Clauses: Apartments (<5 storeys, Residential Zone)
This is the final step in the Online Navigator Tool.
Applicable stormwater planning provisions:
- Clause 55.07-5 — Integrated water and stormwater management objectives and standards
- Clause 55.03-4 — Permeability and stormwater management objectives and standards
Note: There may be Council-specific planning requirements that also apply.
Clause 55.07-5 Integrated Water And Stormwater Management Objectives:
- To encourage the use of alternative water sources such as rainwater, stormwater and recycled water
- To facilitate stormwater collection, utilisation and infiltration within the development
- To encourage development that reduces the impact of stormwater run-off on the drainage system
Clause 55.03-4 Permeability and Stormwater Management Objectives:
- To reduce the impact of increased stormwater run-off on the drainage system
- To facilitate on-site stormwater infiltration
- To encourage stormwater management that maximises the retention and reuse of stormwater
Relevant Planning Clauses: Multi-Dwelling (Residential Zone)
This is the final step in the Online Navigator Tool.
Applicable stormwater planning provisions:
- Clause 55.03-4 — Permeability and stormwater management objectives and standards
- Clause 54.05-1
Note: There may be Council-specific planning requirements that also apply.
Clause 55.03-4 Permeability and Stormwater Management Objectives:
- To reduce the impact of increased stormwater run-off on the drainage system
- To facilitate on-site stormwater infiltration
- To encourage stormwater management that maximises the retention and reuse of stormwater
Site Management: The applicant needs to demonstrate that the proposed development is designed to maintain or improve the quality of stormwater within and exiting the site (VPP Clause 65.01). Council may specify permit conditions which may require a site management plan.
Relevant Planning Clauses: Multi-Dwelling (3 or less storeys, Residential Zone)
This is the final step in the Online Navigator Tool.
Applicable stormwater planning provisions:
- Clause 55.03-4 — Permeability and stormwater management objectives and standards
- Clause 55.05-1
Note: There may be Council-specific planning requirements that also apply.
Clause 55.03-4 Permeability and Stormwater Management Objectives:
- To reduce the impact of increased stormwater run-off on the drainage system
- To facilitate on-site stormwater infiltration
- To encourage stormwater management that maximises the retention and reuse of stormwater
Site Management: The applicant needs to demonstrate that the proposed development is designed to maintain or improve the quality of stormwater within and exiting the site (VPP Clause 65.01). Council may specify permit conditions which may require a site management plan.
Relevant Planning Clauses: Multi-Dwelling (4 storeys, Residential Zone)
This is the final step in the Online Navigator Tool.
Applicable stormwater planning provisions:
- Clause 55.03-4 — Permeability and stormwater management objectives and standards
- Clause 57.05-1
Note: There may be Council-specific planning requirements that also apply.
Clause 55.03-4 Permeability and Stormwater Management Objectives:
- To reduce the impact of increased stormwater run-off on the drainage system
- To facilitate on-site stormwater infiltration
- To encourage stormwater management that maximises the retention and reuse of stormwater
Site Management: The applicant needs to demonstrate that the proposed development is designed to maintain or improve the quality of stormwater within and exiting the site (VPP Clause 65.01). Council may specify permit conditions which may require a site management plan.
Confirm with Local Council
A Stormwater Assessment may be required, based on the specific requirements of the zone and any schedules which may apply.
It is recommended that you contact Council to confirm this directly.
Contact details for local councils in Victoria: https://www.viccouncils.asn.au/find-your-council/council-contacts-list
Subject to Precinct Structure Plan
A Stormwater Assessment may be required if an approved Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) applies.
The applicable stormwater planning provisions are determined by the future land use identified in the PSP for the site, and the 'applied zone' listed in the zone schedule for that land use.
To identify the relevant stormwater management requirements, the Victorian planning requirements for stormwater management — Online Navigator Tool may be run again using the applied zone for the site.
Cannot Determine Requirements
This tool cannot determine what clauses you need to apply to your application.
Please contact [email protected] for more details for your specific application.
