You will require this approval in order to undertake development activities. This approval can be provided either through a Development Consent or a Complying Development Certificate, which cover a range of activities that include:
- changing the use of land
- subdividing land
- undertaking building and construction work on public or private property (apart from public roads, which is covered by a separate approval)
- demolition of a building or work
- constructing a temporary entertainment structure.
Before you apply for Development Consent or Complying Development Certificate, it is recommended that you contact Council for a Planning Certificate which contains important information about the property involved, such as environmental, heritage or planning restrictions.
There are three different categories of development:
- Exempt Development - this includes activities such as minor, do-it-yourself, renovation work. For example, replacing the tiles in your bathroom or erecting a pre-fabricated structure such as a garden shed. Exempt development activities do not require council approval.
- Complying Development - if your proposed development meets the standards for a Complying Development Certificate, it can be approved through this fast tracked process. This certificate can be obtained if your proposed development meets predetermined standards such as maximum building height, length and width.
- Development Consent - more complicated development proposals must pass through the Development Consent application process.
If your development is approved under a Complying Development Certificate, you can begin your development work immediately. Once the work is complete, the council will inspect the development to ensure that it has met the agreed guidelines and grant you final approval with an Occupation Certificate. Please note that building inspections may take place throughout the development process.
If your development is approved under a Development Application, you will need to wait until you are issued a Construction Certificate before starting your development work (except for when Development Consent is granted for construction of a temporary entertainment structure). Once the work is complete, the council will inspect the development to ensure that it has met the agreed guidelines and grant you final approval with an Occupation Certificate.
Temporary entertainment structures include tents, booths, marquees, fencing, prefabricated buildings, seating stands and stages or platforms.
