What is the difference between planning and building?
Planning Consent is the first step in the Development Application Process. Planning is the concept - what do you want to do? Where will your house, addition or garage etc be located on your block of land? What will it look like? Where in relation to all of the other buildings, structures and trees on your land and on your neighbours'? Will there be overshadowing or overlooking issues? How much private open area will you have?
Building Rules Consent is the second step in the Development Application Process. This is where we consider the physical construction details - the specifications (what materials you're using), the footing details and/or engineer's report (how you'll make your building stand up), working drawings (how your building will be constructed) etc.
You can apply for Planning Consent and Building Rules Consent at the same time if you wish. However you will need BOTH Planning Consent AND Building Rules Consent to get Development Approval.
For further information or assistance please contact Council's Development team on 8372 5111 or view the State Government Guide to Development Assessment.
What is the zoning of my property?
To find out the zoning of your property, please refer to the Planning Development Map or State Government Map Viewer.
How long will it take to get development approval?
The approval time for applications differs depending on the complexity of your application. If we need to notify your application, it may take up to two months for approval. This time frame may increase if we need to ask for more information, if we receive representations from notified parties, or if the application needs to be assessed by the Council Assessment Panel.
What details do I need to provide for development approval?
You need to supply two copies of your plans and all other documentation (which includes footing and engineer's reports, specifications, copy of Certificate of Title etc). You will also need to complete an application form and pay the appropriate fees.
To find out what you need to provide for Planning Consent and Building Consent go to the
What is a Development Plan?
Each Council has a Development Plan, which sets out planning and development objectives or principles relating to:
- The constructed environment and environmentally sustainable development
- Social or socio-economic issues
- Urban or regional planning issues
- The management or conservation of land
- Buildings, heritage places and heritage areas
- The management, conservation and use of natural and other resources
- Economic issues.
Unley's Development Plan sets out planning zones, lists complying and non-complying land uses within each zone, and determines development techniques and criteria.
Every Development Plan and Development Plan Amendment requires the relevant Minister's, and ultimately Parliament's, approval. To read more about Development Plans, Zones and DPA's visit our Development Plan & Zoning page.
Who is responsible for Damage to Council Infrastructure caused as part of a development?
The responsibility to repair any damage to council infrastructure at the completion of a development is that of the applicant / owner.
All repairs to damage footpaths and roads caused due to the construction of an approved development should be repaired before hand over or soon after to avoid any extra cost to repair damaged Council infrastructure. All work is to be done in accordance to Council specifications and guild lines.
If there is damage that has not been repaired Council will assess and send a notice to repair the damaged infrastructure. If Council are to conduct the required repairs, an invoice will be attached for the cost of repairs requiring payment.
Costs to repair damaged infrastructure would be at the cost of the applicant/owner.
When do I require Building Indemnity Insurance?
All residential development with more than $12,000 in estimated cost needs "Building Indemnity Insurance" unless the developer is an owner/builder or the builder is not known when the application is lodged. In the latter case, a condition requesting submission of the Building Indemnity Insurance is placed on the approval. If you intend to be an owner/builder, by law you must engage a registered site supervisor.
If the developer has a Builder's Licence then he/she is required to take out Building Indemnity Insurance even if the developer is the owner of the property (unless the licence is a Supervisor's Licence).
Building Indemnity Insurance lapses after five years.
Are there any special requirements if I am an owner builder?
If you are going to be responsible for undertaking building work as an owner/builder, you must engage a registered Building Work Supervisor and provide the details to us by completing a Registered Building Work Supervisor Details form(PDF, 53KB) .
After I get my approval, when can I start work?
You have 12 months from the date of your Development Approval to start work (this usually means laying the footings) and three years from the date of your Development Approval to substantially finish the work.
There are certain steps you have to take to ensure that your consent or approval remains valid. For further information view the How Long is my Approval Valid(PDF, 174KB) factsheet.
What is CAP?
CAP is the abbreviation for Council Assessment Panel (formerly known as the Development Assessment Panel or DAP). The CAP is a body of people who consider and make decisions on some development applications in their Council area. The role of the CAP is to make impartial and transparent development assessment decisions based on the policies in the Development Plan.
Read more about CAP and view previous meetings, agendas and minutes.