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Guidelines for design and construction

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Step-by-step guidelines for preparing sustainable design, landscaping and engineering plans for Knox City Council planning permits.

Sustainable design and landscape guidelines

If you're applying for a planning permit for a building or development in Knox, you need to follow guidelines for: 

  • Sustainable Design Assessments (SDA)
  • Sustainability Management Plans (SMP)
  • Landscape Plans, and Civil Engineering Plans.
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SDA and SMP Reports

These reports outline how your development will meet sustainability standards:

  • SDA Reports are for small-to-medium projects (commercial buildings 500m² to 2,000m²).
  • SMP Reports are for larger projects (apartment buildings or commercial buildings over 2,000m²).

Steps to prepare an SDA or SMP Report

  1. Use tools like STORM, InSite Water, or NatHERS to assess performance.
  2. Achieve at least 50% in key categories (energy, water, indoor environment quality) and 100% in Sstormwater.
  3. Prepare an SDA or SMP Report outlining sustainability initiatives, including major features like vegetation, rain gardens and energy-efficient designs.
  4. Submit the report and supporting documents with your application.

These reports are reviewed and attached to your final planning permit. All measures must be implemented during construction.

Who can use these guidelines

These guidelines are for developers, landscape designers and landscape architects.

Why we focus on landscaping

Knox is known for its green, leafy environment, nestled near the Dandenong Ranges. 

Landscaping: 

  • protects biodiversity
  • conserves ecosystems
  • enhances local character.

Who can prepare landscape plans

Plans must be prepared by a qualified landscape designer or architect with skills in:

  • plant selection and identification
  • horticulture and landscape design
  • construction documentation and Council standards.

For questions, contact our Planning Department on 9298 8125.

Why use native and indigenous plants

Native plants:

  • thrive in local soil and climate with minimal care
  • pose no weed risk and attract local wildlife like birds and butterflies
  • provide habitat for native species, including possums and frogs.

For more detailed information and checklists, download our Landscape Guidelines (PDF).

Find out what you need to do before building or changing a driveway crossover in a Knox City Council road reserve. This document explains the permit requirements, design rules, clearance distances, approvals needed, and your responsibilities for protecting council assets and managing safety during the works.

Download Vehicle Crossing Guidelines 2026 (PDF)

Civil Engineering Plans

These plans are required as part of your planning permit and cover drainage, stormwater and other infrastructure.

How to prepare and submit

  1. Check your planning permit conditions and notes.
  2. Use this checklist to prepare plans and include it with your submission.
  3. Submit plans via the Council’s Online Services portal.

If you need to make minor changes, apply for secondary consent with the applicable fee.

Commitment to sustainability

The Knox Council ensures all sustainability and design features are:

  • reviewed during the planning process
  • checked by enforcement officers after construction.

False or misleading claims about sustainability can result in penalties under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).

Need help?

Contact Planning Services and we will get back to you.

Or call our Planning Services team on 9298 8125.

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