Metropolitan planning levy certificates

If you want to apply for a planning permit application in metropolitan Melbourne and your estimated development costs are more than the  threshold of $1,207,000 you must submit a valid metropolitan planning levy (MPL) certificate with your planning application.

Your planning permit application will not be processed by the responsible planning authority without this certificate.

The estimated cost of the development stated in the MPL certificate must be equal to or greater than the estimated cost of the development stated in your planning permit application.

Validity of MPL certificates

Both an original certificate and a revised certificate are valid for 90 days after their issue date.

If your certificate expires before you apply for your planning permit, you need to submit a new MPL certificate application and pay the levy again.

Getting a certificate

You will need to complete and submit an online MPL certificate application and pay the levy to get a certificate.

The application form will tell you the levy you need to pay based on your estimated development cost. After you submit your completed application, you need to pay the levy by electronic funds transfer. 

We will issue a certificate if we are satisfied that the MPL has been paid in respect of the estimated cost of the development. The certificate will contain all the following information:

1. The estimated cost of the development
2. The amount of the levy paid
3. A statement that the whole of the MPL has been paid in respect of the estimated cost of the development
4. The certificate's issue and expiry dates
5. The name and address of the person who paid the levy
6. Any other information the Commissioner considers appropriate.

Apply for an MPL certificate

Revised MPL certificates

You will need a revised certificate if the estimated cost of the development increases after you have received your original certificate but before you apply for the planning permit. We will issue a revised certificate if you meet all  these conditions:

• Your original certificate has not expired.
• You have not lodged an application for a planning permit.
• You have lodged an application for a revised certificate.
• We are satisfied that you have paid the extra levy amount applicable to the increased estimated costs of the development.

We may also issue a revised MPL certificate:

• to correct any error within the information, outlined in points 2-6 above, listed on the certificate
• if the estimated cost of the development stated in the certificate is different from that stated in your application, but there has been no change in the estimated cost of the development.

A revised certificate will contain the same type of information as an original certificate.

You can apply for a revised certificate by submitting another online application form, similar to the one you submitted for the original certificate.

After you have submitted your application, you will be able to pay any additional MPL by electronic funds transfer.

Apply for a revised MPL certificate

Refunds

You can only get a refund on the metropolitan planning levy if there has been a mathematical error in calculating the levy. 

If this is the case, you can you apply in writing for a refund.

We will not refund any levy amounts in any other circumstances, including where:

• The estimated cost of the development decreases.
• You do not lodge your planning permit application.
• Your application lapses, is refused or is withdrawn.
• After you apply for your planning permit, the threshold amount increases.
• Your planning permit application is granted but subsequently cancelled.