Do I need a Permit to Install a Satellite Dish?

It depends on two factors.

1. If your Local Council Regulate the installation of Satellite dish's through DSE Planning Scheme

2. Depends on the particulars of the Satellite install. Size of Dish, location, visibility etc.

Satellite dishes have become common and are an important aspect of modern life and make an essential and beneficial contribution to local communities.

A planning permit may be required to ensure that the satellite dish is installed in a way that is safe and that minimises the impact on the amenity, character and appearance of the city’s neighborhood. A poorly positioned or erected satellite dishe may not only be unattractive but also dangerous.

As a result, the State Government have planning controls that require you to apply for a Planning Permit when installing a satellite dish. The purpose is to ensure the satellite dish does not impact negatively on the look of the community or neighborhood and it gives the opportunity for a satellite dish to be installed correctly in a good location. There are specific circumstances where a planning permit may not be required. At Proeye we work with you and Council to determine if a permit is required..

So, when thinking about where to place a satellite dish, try not to just think about getting the best reception, but also consider:

• What it will look like and what the neighbors might think of it being put there.
• Is is installed safely, so that it will not cause damage to homes or people.
• Is is safe to access by service people, to maintain or service the dish.
• Cost if you require a permit in comparison to installing it in a location where a permit is not needed.

 

When is a Planning permit not required?

• If the satellite dish was installed before july 2003.
• If the satellite dish is 1.2 meters in diameter or smaller, is installed in a residential zone where ther are no heritage overlays or where zone or overlay specifies that a permit is required for buildings and works.
• If the satellite dish is between 1.2-2.4 meters in diameter and installed that it is not visible from the street.
• If the satellite dish is between 1.2-2.4 meters in diameter and installed with a set back at least 1 meter from the boundary where there are no habitable windows in line of sight.
• If the satellite dish is between 1.2-2.4 meters in diameter and installed with a set back of 3 meters or greater from the boundary where there are habitable windows (for example bedroom window)
• The height of the satellite dish from ground requires a further set back of 0.3 meters for every meter above 3.6 meters in height to a maximum of 6.9 meters.
• The height of the satellite dish requires a further set back of 1 meter per 1meter of height above 6.9 meters from ground.

 

Should I get a planning permit if I install a new satellite dish anyway?

How much does it cost to apply for a Planning Permit?

Generally $500 enables us to undertake the work required to prepare documents, research in preparing an application for the applicable Council.

Additional charges are fees such as advertising, required by Council and vary between different Councils. The cost depends on the complexity of the installation, and the information that is required by Council. These fees may be discounted when when satellite permit is granted and we install the satellite dish!

Generally the costs associated with drawings and preparation for a planning permit regarding a satellite dish installed on a house requires more complex drawings and analysis in comparison to a satellite dish installed on a separate garage or on the ground.

What happens if there are objections?

There might be objections from neighbors during the application process. This also doesn't mean that the Council will refuse a permit either. There must be good and reasonable evidence to verify the objection.

At Proeye we also refer to the Planning Schemes, and base our analysis on the objectives and conditions and of the Planning Scheme and the Planning Act, so that chances of receiving a Permit is increased.

 

What's in it for the Councils?

The purpose Council govern the installations of satellite dishes has to do with their area of responsibility in ensuring building structures are safely installed and that visual impact to the surrounding amenities is controlled. The object is based on allowing for diversity of services and quality installations as a result, in keeping with the neighbourhood character.

What's in it for Proeye?

At proeye, we want to ensure that the customer is able to install a Satellite Dish with minimal impact onto their neighbors and with the blessing of Councils to continue satellite dish installations as we know they benefit TV viewers with great overseas content.

We do all the preparation work in obtaining all the required documents including Certificate of Title, Site Plans etc.

We undertake to do all the drawings, undertake site analysis, and technical evaluations.

We work with the planners providing them all the information possible to assist with the assessment process.

We are also innovative and have various concepts in reducing impact on the communities through our installations!

Applicable Sections of the Planning Scheme

Sect 52.04 - Satellite Dish - Requirements for a Planning Permit

Sec 19.03-1 - Design Principles

Sec 65 - Decision Guidelines

The Applicable Victorian Planning and Enviroment Act 1987

Sec 60 Page 117 - What Councils must consider