Part of our regulatory role is to issue permissions under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Environment Protection Regulations 2021.
A permission allows you to conduct activities that have risk of harm to human health and the environment. These activities are called prescribed activities.
Prescribed activities account for a considerable share of Victoria’s emissions to air, land and water. These activities also have potentially significant impacts on community health and wellbeing.
The aim of our permissions is to make it easier for businesses and industry to manage the risks of these activities and meet their environmental obligations.
Types of permissions
Our permissions include licences, permits and registrations. We also issue authorisations, exemptions and designations.
Find which permission you need
Activities that require an EPA permission, and which type of permission you need to conduct these activities.
Get help finding the right permission
Our free permission pathway process can help you work out if you need a permission and find the right one for your activity.
Applying for a permission
Learn how to apply for a permission, including how to get our advice, how to prepare, what fees to pay and how we assess your application.
Permission exemptions
Learn how to apply for an exemption from the requirement to hold an operating licence, development licence or permit.
Permission conditions
Once you have a permission, you must comply with its conditions. These can be general, standard across an industry, or specific to an activity or site.
Manage your permission
Find out how to amend, transfer or surrender your licence or permit.
Updated