Blog
Updates, new features, and news from Close Enough.
Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO): What It Means for an Address
A calm, practical read before you jump to conclusions
The Bushfire Management Overlay applies to land in Victoria that may be at risk from bushfire. If a property is within the BMO, a planning permit may be…
Zones vs Overlays: The 10‑Minute Explanation
What each control does, and why both matter
Zones and overlays are both planning controls, but they do different jobs. Zones set the broad use and development rules for land. Overlays sit on top to…
Flood Planning Controls in Victoria, Explained Simply
What they are, why they exist, and how to treat them as context
Flood planning controls are part of the Victorian planning system. They help ensure flood risk is considered before development goes ahead, and they show up in…
Planning Overlays and Zones: The Practical Read
What the report shows and how to verify it
Planning overlays can look intimidating, but they are just rules applied to specific land. Our report surfaces the main overlays so you can understand what…
How to Use VicPlan to Get a Planning Property Report
A practical walkthrough for zones, overlays, and planning links
If you are checking an address in Victoria, the quickest official starting point is the VicPlan map. It lets you search an address, see zones and overlays, and…
How to Read Planning Overlays Without Panic
What overlays do and do not mean for an address
Planning overlays can feel intimidating, but they are not a verdict on an area. They are simply rules and constraints that apply to a specific address or zone.