YARRA Ranges Council will write to the state government to seek an extension on special planning approvals for victims of the Black Saturday bushfires.
After the 2009 fires, the Victorian government allowed fast-tracked planning approvals for those wishing to rebuild after their houses were destroyed in the blaze.
This provision was set to expire at the end of April and a number of residents are yet to rebuild.
Cr Samantha Dunn said the decision to ask for a 12-month extension was an obvious one.
"It's a sensible move for those community members still living in temporary accommodation as a result of the bushfires," she said.
Former councillor Jeanette McRae — who was a councillor in 2009 in one of the Yarra Ranges' worst hit areas, Ryrie ward — said she was still in contact with those who were struggling to rebuild; most of them are renting.
"I've got friends who have only just moved into houses in the past three or four months," she said.
"I don't think people realise the impact the fires are still having on people."
She said different factors had prevented residents from rebuilding.
"Cost is certainly one of them. Another one is the emotional and physical implications that the fires caused."
The temporary bushfire and recovery provisions were introduced into all Victorian planning schemes in 2009 immediately after the fires.
It allowed landowners to rebuild houses and other buildings without having to satisfy the normal, lengthier requirements.
As well as a 12-month extension, the council will request that the special planning provisions apply only to those who owned property at the time of the 2009 fires.
As it stands, new land owners who bought land after the fires are also able to benefit.
A recent state government survey revealed one in five households affected by the bushfires remains in temporary accommodation.