Does gardening and landscaping require planning approval?
A. Depending on the planning controls that affect your property, you may be required to obtain planning approval for ‘works’ which includes simple paving or a patio. ‘Works’ can include any change to the natural or existing condition or topography of land including the removal, destruction or lopping of trees and the removal of vegetation or topsoil. This doesn’t mean you need a planning permit to dig a hole and plant a tree. Gardening is not considered as ‘works’ within our Planning Scheme and therefore does not require planning approval. However, “gardening” may be limited to activities such as the cultivation of plants, and the minor pruning of vegetation for beautification purposes. It is recommended that if you are in an area with significant vegetation, landscape, environmental or heritage significance (this maens that you property is covered by an Overlay Control under the Banyule Planning Scheme), that you contact Council to determine whether your proposal would constitute ‘wor
