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Camping and Caravan Parks

The Bass Coast Planning Scheme defines camping and caravan park as:

Land used to allow accommodation in caravans, cabins, tents, or the like.

Camping and caravan parks are also defined as 'accommodation' as a land use term.


In which zones is camping permitted?

Where the term “camping” is not found in the Bass Coast Planning Scheme, the term “accommodation” is used.

Under Clause 73.03 (Land use terms), “accommodation” refers to land used to accommodate persons away from their normal place of residence. Even if the use is already existing, or has an approved planning permit, oftentimes additional building and works (i.e., placing additional cabins or buildings on the site) require further planning approval.

The table below has been put together to assist in determining whether your proposal needs a planning permit. Please note that there may be additional permit requirements not outlined below and you are encouraged to contact us to help you determine what requirements need to be met.


ZonePlanning Permit required to USE the land for camping?Planning Permit required for associated BUILDINGS AND WORKS?
Farming ZoneYES - Section 2 use - Permit required for 'Camping and caravan park'Yes
Rural Living ZoneYES - Section 2 use - Permit required for 'Accommodation'Yes
Rural Activity ZoneYES - Section 2 use - Permit required for 'Accommodation'Yes
Rural Conservation ZoneN/A - 'Accommodation' is PROHIBITEDN/A - Refer to Column 2
Low Density Residential ZoneYES - Section 2 use - Permit required for 'Accommodation'Yes
Township ZoneYES - Section 2 use - Permit required for 'Accommodation'Yes
General Residential ZoneYES - Section 2 use - Permit required for 'Accommodation'Yes
Industrial 1 ZoneN/A - 'Accommodation' is PROHIBITEDN/A - Refer to Column 2
Industrial 3 ZoneN/A - 'Accommodation' is PROHIBITEDN/A - Refer to Column 2
Commercial 1 ZoneNO - Section 1 use - Permit not required for 'Accommodation'Yes
Commercial 2 ZoneN/A - 'Accommodation' is PROHIBITEDN/A - Refer to Column 2
Mixed Use ZoneYES - Section 2 use - Permit required for 'Accommodation'Yes
Residential Growth ZoneYES - Section 2 use - Permit required for 'Accommodation'Yes