Planning permit timeframe changes
Recent changes to Victorian planning laws may affect your planning permit.
The Victorian Government has introduced standard timeframes under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. These changes apply to most planning permits across the state, including some existing permits.
What has changed
In most cases, planning permits now require development to:
- commence within 3 years
- be completed within 5 years
unless your permit already includes different timeframes.
These changes also apply to existing permits that are still current, including those that did not previously have a commencement date.
Am I affected?
For many permit holders, there is nothing you need to do.
You are unlikely to be affected if:
- you have already started development
- your permit already includes its own commencement and completion expiry timeframes
You may be affected if:
- your permit approved development has not yet started
In this case, your permit may now be at risk of expiry under the new State Government rules.
Examples
- A permit issued in March 2024 – must start within 3 years of date of issue, (e.g. March 2027)
- A permit issued in June 2023 – must now start by June 2026 or seek extension of time permit
- A permit issued in January 2022 with no works started – may now be affected
Shire advocacy
The Shire has raised concerns with the Victorian Government about how these changes apply to existing permits, particularly those approved without expiry dates.
We have formally requested that these permits not be subject to the new timeframes.
At this stage, no response has been received and the legislation remains in effect.
Council will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of the community.
What should I do?
If you have already commenced development, you do not need to take any action.
If you are unsure whether this affects you, we recommend contacting the Shire. Our team can review your permit and talk through your options.
Contact us
Statutory Planning Team
(03) 5950 1010
planning@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Frequently asked questions
What has changed?
The Victorian Government has introduced new default timeframes for planning permits. Unless specified otherwise in a permit, development must start within 3 years and be completed within 5 years.
Why have these changes been introduced?
The changes are part of broader State Government reforms aimed at encouraging development to commence sooner, reducing delays, and creating more consistent planning rules across Victoria.
Do these changes apply to existing permits?
Yes. The changes apply to existing permits that are still current, including those that did not previously include a commencement timeframe.
I’ve already started development – does this affect me?
No. If development has already started, the new commencement expiry date has been met.
My permit is recent – do I need to worry?
If your permit was issued within the last 3 years, you are unlikely to be affected at this stage, you do however now have a timeframe in which you need to start development onsite, with a commencement date of 3 years from the date of the permit being issued.
What if my permit has its own timeframe?
If your permit already includes specific commencement and completion expiry dates, (commencement and completion timeframes) those will still apply.
My permit has a completion date but not a commencement date – does this affect me?
Yes – your permit now has a default commencement date of three years from the date the permit was issued by council, the completion date does not change.
What does “starting or commencing development” mean?
This generally means that meaningful works have begun on site in accordance with your permit. If you’re unsure, contact Council to confirm.
When is my permit at risk?
Your permit may be at risk if it was issued more than 3 years ago and development has not started.
What happens if my permit expires?
If a permit expires, you may need to apply for a new planning permit or seek an extension of time, depending on your circumstances.
Can I apply for an extension?
An extension of time request can be made to Council. For this request to be considered it must be made no later than 6 months after the commencement expiry date, where the development has not started. We recommend contacting us early to discuss your options.
What is the Shire doing about this?
Council has formally raised concerns with the Victorian Government about the impact of these changes on existing permits, particularly those approved without expiry dates.
What has Council asked for?
Council has asked that existing permits without commencement expiry dates not be subject to the new timeframes.
Has the Government responded?
At this stage, no response has been received and the legislation remains in effect.
What should I do if I think I’m affected?
Contact Council. We can review your permit and explain what the changes mean for you.
Do I need to take action now?
Only if your permit may be at risk or you are unsure. If you’ve already started development, no action is required.
Last updated: 24 April 2026