Changes have been made to the Murrindindi Planning Scheme making it easier for people to rebuild their homes and farms destroyed by the recent ‘Black Saturday’ bushfires.

The changes allow for a variety of buildings including houses, agricultural buildings and dependant person units, to be replaced without needing to comply with the normal requirements of the planning scheme (except for properties in the Heritage Overlay).

It means that in most cases, people will be able to rebuild on the same property with less red tape. A planning permit will not be required and a new streamlined process will be put in place to approve siting plans.

The Council will put in place a process where a site plan can be approved at the same time as building permits are issued.

The information required on the site plan includes such details as property boundaries and dimensions, location of any damaged or destroyed buildings, the proposed location of replacement buildings etc.

Whilst the changes to the planning process are designed to aid a speedy rebuilding process, landowners will still require a building permit to ensure structural safety and implementation of the new bushfire requirements.

All fees associated with the approval process including building permit fees are waived as part of this government initiative. Residents who have already paid these fees will have them reimbursed.

Complete details of the changes to the planning process together with planning consent forms are available at www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au or by contacting the planning department on 03 5772 0317 for further
assistance.