Subdivision

Can I subdivide my property or land I’m interested in buying?

A planning permit is required to subdivide land. It is important to keep in mind that although a permit can be granted, it does mean a permit will be necessarily granted in your case.

Rural zones have minimum, average and maximum lot sizes which must be met to enable a planning application can be considered. Residential lot subdivisions may have minimum lot size requirements depending on the zone or overlays that apply.

There is no defined method to determine whether subdivision of land is possible upfront. Whether a particular parcel of land can be subdivided is ultimately determined by the planning permit application process.

In assessing the application, council will determine whether the proposal will produce acceptable outcomes against the relevant clauses of the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, including Clause 56 Subdivision for subdivision in residential areas.

It is important to remember that getting a planning permit to subdivide your lot is just the first step. 

Once a planning permit to subdivide the land has been approved by Council, there is often a number of steps, that must be completed before the new lot titles can be created.

These steps may include:

  • drainage design  
  • approval removal of any existing buildings on the new lot which have not been approved by the planning permit
  • the physical connection of services, including (stormwater, electricity, sewage etc) to the land before the land can be subdivided and new titles lodged at the title's office. 

How do I find a Licensed Land Surveyor?

The Association of Consulting Surveyors is an autonomous body which represents private land surveying businesses throughout Victoria.

Speak to friends or neighbours to find a Land Surveyor, alternatively you can utilise the ACSV search function on their website.

Council is unable to recommend a Land Surveyor and must remain impartial as part of our duties in assessing your proposal.

What do I need to do to start an application to subdivide land?

To prepare an application to subdivide land, you will need to engage a licensed surveyor.

They can lodge the application on your behalf or recommend a private Town Planning professional to act on your behalf. Other relevant professionals may need to be engaged, such as engineers or arborists.

 

What are the fees for subdivision?

You can find out more about fees on our Time and Costs page.