- Published by:
- Environment Protection Authority
- Date:
- 30 Sep 2026
Purpose
This guide explains how to apply for and manage a development licence.
It outlines EPA’s processes, expectations, and decision-making frameworks, including our risk-based approach to proportionate assessments for development licence applications.
Developed alongside our governance policies and Charter of Consultation, this guide promotes transparency and accountability of our development licence application and assessment processes by making them clear and accessible for all Victorians.
Scope
This guide covers the full life cycle of a development licence. Information is presented in a step-by-step sequence, beginning with preparing an application. It helps explain the statutory processes and requirements of applying for and managing a development licence under the Environment Protection Act 2017 (the Act) and Environment Protection Regulations 2021 (the Regulations).
It is primarily intended for development licence applicants or holders. To make the contents easier to understand, ‘you’ is used throughout this guide to refer to applicants and licence holders. The guide also includes useful information on our processes for community, co-regulators, and other interested stakeholders.
For the approved application form and supporting content guide, refer to our Development licence application form and content guide.
What is a development licence?
A development licence is one type of permission. Its purpose is to prevent and minimise the risk of harm before an activity starts.
Roles and responsibilities
Our role includes managing the development licence application process. We assess applications against the statutory requirements of the Act and Regulations to determine compliance with the assessment criteria.
Joint processes
Learn how Environmental Effects Statements (EES) and Planning permit or scheme amendment applications influence development licence application decisions.
Our approach to proportionate assessment
All development licence applications go through a comprehensive assessment. However, not all applications pose the same level of risk or complexity.
Assessment criteria
We assess development licence applications against the criteria in section 69(3) and (4) of the Act. Additional statutory or risk-based considerations may apply depending on your proposal.
Prepare a development licence application
Preparing a development licence application can be complex. You must prepare your own application documents or engage a qualified professional to do so on your behalf.
Deciding your application
After we assess your application, we will decide whether to issue a development licence.
Conducting your development activity
If we issue a development licence, it will have an expiry date. You must complete your development activity by this date, including meeting all conditions of the development licence.
Operating your activity
In most cases, an operating licence is required after a development licence. However, some activities only require a permit or may not require a permission to operate.
Updated