You will need an exemption certificate if you intend to undertake low impact development, conservation work and simple projects that only affect the heritage values of a place in a minor way.
An exemption certificate does not cover changes or complex developments that have more than a minor detrimental impact on the place. It covers work such as painting in a compatible or historic colour scheme, replacing non-significant fittings or fixtures or refurbishing less important parts of a building or place.
A development may be suitable for an exemption certificate if it:
- only involves minor changes to significant features
- alters only recent interiors or interiors that have previously been modified and are not significant as reconstructions
- retains or restores the appearance of a significant building or garden
- involves the disturbance of known or potential archaeological artefacts in accordance with a management approach agreed to by the agency
- requires only building work that is shown to have little impact on the values of the place or involves removal of features that are intrusive
- retains the existing use of the place or restores a previous significant use
- is for conservation works such as maintenance and repairs using traditional materials and techniques, such as re-roofing.
If the proposed development will have more than a minor detrimental impact on heritage significance, an application for a development approval should be made to the state assessment referral agency.
