Subdivision

Subdividing your land

Subdividing land means dividing one property into two or more lots.

To find out if your land can be subdivided, you’ll need to speak with our planning team. They can confirm what is possible for your property and guide you through the process. 

If you already have a planning permit

If you have a planning permit for the development of your land, the next step is to engage a licensed land surveyor.

A licensed land surveyor will:

  • prepare your subdivision plan
  • lodge your subdivision application with Council on your behalf.

You can find a licensed surveyor through the Surveyors Registration Board of Victoria.

Submit your subdivision application

All subdivision applications must be submitted by your surveyor through the online Surveying and Planning through Electronic Applications and Referrals (SPEAR) system.

Visit SPEAR

Application fees apply and must be paid at the time of submission. Payment can be made by credit card through the SPEAR system.

Subdivision fees (as at 1 July 2026)

 Type of application Fee
 Planning application  $1537.00
 Certification fee  $203.80
 Amendment of plan under section 10 (2)  $129.50
 Amendment of certified plan under section 11 (1)  $164.10
 Council's amended plan  $129.50
 VicSmart planning application  $233.10
 Extension of time to a planning permit  $351.90

Subdivision process

To subdivide your land, an application for a subdivision permit and certification must be lodged with Council (by your licensed land surveyor).

Referrals to service authorities

Your application will be sent to the relevant service authorities. These may include:

  • APA Group
  • AusNet
  • Melbourne Water
  • Yarra Valley Water

Service authorities have 28 days to respond through the SPEAR system. They may include conditions that must be met as part of your Subdivision Permit.

Council may also refer your application to internal teams, such as Engineering.

Assessment and permit

Once all responses are received, Council will assess your application and make a decision on the Subdivision Permit.

Any permit will include conditions that must be met before:

  • your Plan of Subdivision can be certified, and
  • a Statement of Compliance can be issued.

Certification - Plan of Subdivision

Before your Plan of Subdivision can be certified, you must meet all of the following:

  • a Subdivision Permit has been issued
  • all permit conditions required before certification have been met
  • service authorities have agreed to certification
  • the plan meets the requirements of the Subdivision Act 1988.

Statement of Compliance

Council will issue a Statement of Compliance (SOC) once all requirements are met.

This may include:

  • the plan is certified
  • all service authorities have given consent
  • all planning permit conditions are met
  • any Public Open Space Contribution has been paid (if required)
  • your surveyor has provided all required documents.

Lodging your Plan of Subdivision

Once you receive your SOC, your Plan of Subdivision can be lodged with Land Use Victoria for registration.

This is usually done by a conveyancer or solicitor, not Council.

Once registered:

  • each lot will receive its own title
  • Council will be notified that titles have been created.

Consolidation of land

Consolidation is when two or more titles are combined into one.

You will need a licensed land surveyor to prepare and lodge this application on your behalf.

You can find a surveyor through the Surveyors Registration Board of Victoria.

Telecommunications

All new lots must be ready to connect to telecommunications services.

You will need to:

  • contact a licensed carrier
  • arrange installation of the required infrastructure

For more information, refer to Telecommunications Facilities Amendment VC226.

Public Open Space Contribution

Subdivisions creating two or more lots may require a contribution to support local parks, playgrounds and reserves.

Under Clause 53.01 of the Whittlesea Planning Scheme and Section 18 of the Subdivision Act 1988, this may be:

  • land set aside for public open space
  • a cash contribution (a percentage of the land value), or
  • a combination of both

Some exemptions may apply.

Section 173 Agreement

If you want to subdivide before completing your approved development, Council may require a Section 173 Agreement.

This is a legal agreement between you and Council that is registered on the property title.

It ensures the land is developed in line with the approved planning permit and plans.

When will my land be titled?

After all subdivision requirements are met, and Council issues a Statement of Compliance, your plan can be lodged for registration.

Registration through Land Use Victoria usually takes 5 to 21 business days.

Street numbering and naming

All properties must have an approved street address that meets Australian addressing standards.

  • The City of Whittlesea is the official addressing authority.
  • All properties must display the correct street number under the Local Government Act 1989.

If you are naming a new street, you must follow the Naming rules for places in Victoria.

Please contact the Subdivisions team for more information.