A planning scheme is a comprehensive document prepared by local governments which set the framework for growth and change through development within that local government’s jurisdictional area.

As identified by DSDIP a planning scheme:
• outlines the desired outcomes sought for the local government area as a whole and for particular localities
• allocates land for different uses, including residential growth areas, having regard to a range of considerations
• coordinates and integrates infrastructure and land use planning, and indicates the location of existing and proposed community infrastructure
• identifies areas or places that constrain the use of land due to their environmental value, resource value or their adverse effects on development
• identifies the kind of development that requires approval (assessable development) or that can be carried out without approval if certain requirements are met (self-assessable development)
• specifies the development standards or criteria for assessing the suitability of a development proposal.

Key Elements of a Planning Scheme include:
• Desired environmental outcomes form the foundation of a planning scheme and outline its purpose and aims.
• Maps are used to identify land use allocations/zones, infrastructure and overlays
• Land use assessment tables identify the level of assessment which applies to a particular proposal and the relevant assessment criteria.
• Development assessment criteria are the standards for achieving the desired outcomes sought for development. These development codes typically address a specific type of development, a type of use or may even relate to the relevant zone or property overlay