Building & Renovating

Development Application

Declaration of Applicant

Application for Extension of Time

Development Application: Fees

Development Application: Demolition

Preliminary Advice Application

Details of Regulated Tree Proposed Removal Form

Registered Building Work Supervisor Details

Request to copy plans on notification

Request to view plans not on notice

Residential Code Application

Encroachment Application Form

Fact Sheets

 

Useful Links

Asbestos and other Hazardous Waste - safework.sa.gov.au
Construction Industry Training Board Levy - citb.org.au
Development Act and Regulations - legislation.sa.gov.au
Energy Efficient Homes and Sustainable Housing - sa.gov.au
Powerline Safety & Clearance - sa.gov.au

When an applicant wishes to alter Council’s roads they are required to apply for authorisation by completing an Application to Alter a Public Road form.  Council is entitled to exercise the powers under the Local Government Act 1999.

Pursuant to Section 221 of the Local Government Act 1999 to alter the Road for the Term set out in the general conditions below.

General Conditions
The issuing of this Authorisation is subject to:

• The Applicant agreeing to the General Conditions of Authorisation as contained herein;
• The Applicant agreeing to any/all Special Conditions and Specifications that the Council may determine and attach to this Authorisation;
• The Applicant paying the prescribed fee prior to work commencing (if work to be done by Council).
• The Applicant advising Council on commencement and completion of any works.

General Conditions of Authorisation when works are not carried out by Council
The Applicant agrees:

1. To using only qualified contractors to carry out the work in accordance with Council specifications when Council is not contracted for the work.
2. For the term of the Authorisation, to comply with all applicable industry standards, health or safety standards, current standards of Standards Australia or any applicable Code of Practice.
3. To ensure that all works carried out are undertaken to the highest standard and are carried out promptly and with all due care, skill and diligence.
4. Pedestrian safety and access to be maintained at all times during construction.
5. To ensure that any alteration to the road does not interfere with or cause damage to or in any way affect the property of any other person.
6. To comply with any direction given by any authority, statutory authority or Council to remove, maintain or otherwise modify the alteration to the road subject to this Authorisation.
7. That all fixtures and equipment erected or installed in, on, across, under or over the road remain the property of the Applicant pursuant to Section 209 of the Local Government Act, 1999.
8. For the term of the Authorisation, to maintain all fixtures and equipment erected or installed, or vegetation planted, in good condition and to recognised standards.
9. To indemnify the Council, its servants and/or agents against all actions, costs, claims and demands for injury, loss or damage arising out of any negligent act or omission of the Applicant in relation to the alteration to the road, the granting of this Authorisation and the general and special conditions contained herein and such indemnity shall be in addition to any statutory immunity in favour of the Council.
10. For the term of the Authorisation, to take out and keep current a public liability policy of insurance to an appropriate level of cover per claim in respect of any negligent act or omission of the Applicant in relation to the alteration to the road or any activity arising out of or from the granting of this Authorisation by the Council.
11. At the expiration or earlier termination of this Authorisation to remove, if so directed by the Council, any structure or object erected or installed on the road and to reinstate the road to the satisfaction of the Council.
12. This Authorisation does not confer on the Applicant any exclusive right, entitlement or interest in the road and does not derogate from the Council’s powers arising under the Local Government Act, 1999.

Development Approval and Altering a Public Road
While Development Approval provides authority to develop your private property it does not provide the required approval to conduct works on Council land to alter a public road.

If your development requires the removal/ installation of stormwater pipes, create nature strip, repair damaged footway, close/open driveway crossover, extend driveway crossover, removal of council street tree, you are required to lodge an application providing your Development Approval number and any other information you deem relevant.

Note: Before installing, an Underground Electrical Service application is also required.

Dial Before You Dig
Before any excavation is undertaken you are required to make a Dial Before You Dig Enquiry to ensure you do not damage underground infrastructure.

 

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.

To find out the zoning of your property, please refer to the Planning Development Map or State Government Map Viewer.

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.

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 Resources & Guidelines menu tab above. More information can be found in the Guide for Applicants published by Planning SA.

• 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.

 

Before you can demolish any building, you need development approval. To find out more about demolition and what you need to do to apply for development approval, download the Demolition Application Form and Fact Sheet including the Details of Demolition Form.

In some cases you will need development approval to build a fence.

• Find out what types of fencing require approval by visiting the SA Government website.
• View the Fences and the Law Brochure published by the Legal Services Commission.
• View the City of Unley Fencing Factsheet.

An application to Alter Public Road Form is required to be submitted to Councils for any works being undertaken on Council land / Public Road and Footpath as part of your development. A separate application form is required for an Underground Electrical Service installation.  Visit our Forms & Applications webpage for to download any required forms.

Forms required:

• Opening, Closing and the Extending of a Crossover / Driveway
• Installation of new or replacement of stormwater pipe crossing the footpath or other stormwater installation across council land. (Note a specified class pipe is required across Council footpath. ( Refer to specifications )
• Any alterations to Council land / roads and footpath
• Installation for Underground Electrical Service (Underground Electrical service Form)

• 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. 

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.

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.

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 factsheet. 

A regulated tree is any tree in metropolitan Adelaide, Adelaide Hills Council townships and parts of the Mount Barker Council with a trunk circumference of 2m or more (measured at a point 1m above natural ground level). In the case of trees with multiple trunks, regulated trees are those with trunks having a total circumference of 2m or more and an average circumference of 625mm or more (measured at a point 1m above natural ground level).

A significant tree is a regulated tree in metropolitan Adelaide, Adelaide Hills Council townships and parts of the Mount Barker Council with a trunk circumference of 3m or more (measured at a point 1m above natural ground level). In the case of trees with multiple trunks, signficant trrees are those with trunks having a total circumference of 3m or more and an average circumference of 625mm or more (measured at a point 1m above natural ground level).

A significant tree may be listed in a local council development plan.

Some trees may be exempt from regulated and significant tree controls either because of their location or their species.

It is recommended you contact your local council to find out if the regulated tree legislation applies in your area or if a tree is listed in the development plan or exempt from controls.

For more information view the SA Government’s Community Information Sheet and Council’s Fact Sheet on Regulated and Significant Trees.

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.

A planning assessment involves assessing the impact of development, including:

• Potential impact of development upon adjoining buildings, properties and people (e.g. overshadowing, overlooking, and visual dominance)
• Size, shape, orientation and layout of new allotments
• Impacts to heritage buildings – this involves building work to a heritage building as well as works adjacent to a heritage building
• Impact to the character of existing buildings in an existing street or locality
• Appropriateness of certain land uses, dependant on the relevant zoning

Examples of other criteria considered during assessment are environmental sustainability, access and traffic, and public safety.

This assessment is undertaken against the principles and polices in Council's Development Plan with different requirements based upon what you wish to do and what area of the City you are located in.

After receiving a planning approval, a building approval is typically required. This involves an appraisal of the design of buildings to ensure the proposed works are in accordance with the Building Code of Australia and relevant Australian Standards; this includes items such as disabled access and fire and life safety systems.

Providing Council with all of the plans and documents required for the type of development you propose is the quickest way to have your application assessed.

Development applications submitted without the correct information will face significant processing delays.

A pre-application discussion with a Council Planning Officer by phoning 8372 5111 will ensure you have considered the relevant issues.

At a minimum, all Development Applications must contain each of the following:
 

1. Development Application Form
   This form is to be completely filled out and signed.

   Development Application Form

2. Certificate of Title (2 copies)
   To confirm ownership of the affected property and check boundaries.




3. Powerline Clearance Declaration (2 copies)
   To confirm that your proposal satisfies the necessary setbacks from powerlines. Page 2 of the Development Application Form




4. Construction Industry Training Levy Receipt (2 copies)
   Required for all development applications with a value of work in excess of $40,000. Find out more about the Construction Industry Training Levy.




5. Plans & Drawings (2 copies)
   Site plans and drawings will need to be provided for every Development Application, and can include:

   • Site plan of a scale no less than 1:500 (1:100 or 1:200 is preferred)
   • Dimensioned Floor Plans, showing both existing and proposed development if applicable
   • Dimensioned Elevations of all sides of the building
   • Various other plans dependent on the type of development you are proposing.

   
   All plans should be numbered and dated accordingly.
   
   Generally this is sufficient information for planning approval only. If full development approval including building approval is sought, further information such as specifications and engineering will be required.




6. Appropriate Fees
   All development applications attract fees based on the type of development being proposed. To understand the cost of your proposed development, please view the Development Application Fees.

   Development Application Fees

   You may also be asked to provide additional information alongside the minimum information listed above. Please read through the General Information guidelines and resources prior to submitting your application to avoid processing delays.
   
   Each proposal is slightly different and may require many factors to be considered before lodging an application. We encourage you to read the information provided and contact a Council Planning Officer to discuss your specific requirements on 8372 5111.

Your application can be lodged by post, by email, and in person.

Post
Development Applications can be sent to:
City of Unley
Development Assessment Team
PO Box 1
Unley SA 5061

Email
To enable large files to be sent and received, please email us using the City of Unley File Transfer Service. 

In Person
Development Applications can be lodged in person at the Unley Civic Centre from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday. The Civic Centre is located at 181 Unley Road, Unley SA 5061.

Council plays an active role in assessing all applications. The time taken to process development applications varies depending on the type of proposal.

The assessment process may involve some or all of the following processes, depending on the nature of the proposal.

Step 1
Assessment of Plans against the Development Plan, Building Code and relevant standards.

Step 2
Site Visit/Inspection

The Officer assessing the application may need to visit the site for a better understanding of the proposal. If this is the case and access into a building or site is required, the Council Officer will contact you to arrange a suitable time.

Step 3
Referrals

Your application may be referred internally within Council for expert advice.

If appropriate, your application may also be referred externally for advice – such as to the State Heritage Unit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for proposals that affect State Heritage listed properties, or to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Expert advice received will be taken into consideration by the Planning Officer.

Step 4
Public Notification Process

Some forms of development will require public notification. Public notification allows adjoining or nearby property owners the opportunity to look at a proposed development, consider the likely impacts the proposal may have on them, and provide comments about the proposal prior to a decision being made.

In these instances, Council will write to each property owner and allow 10 business days for comments to be made.

Step 5
Report and Decision/Council Assessment Panel

A detailed report will be developed by a Planning Officer taking into consideration the outcomes of all of the above steps. This report will outline the recommended decision.

Over 90% of development applications are delegated to the administration for decisions. The remaining applications are determined by the Council Assessment Panel.

Step 6
Building Rules Assessment

The Building Rules Assessment can be undertaken by either Council or a Private Certifier. The assessing officers ensure the proposed works are in accordance with the Building Code of Australia and relevant Australian Standards; this includes items such as disabled access and fire and life safety systems.

When the building officer is satisfied that the proposed works have been designed in accordance with the Building Code of Australia and are consistent with the approved planning documents, the officer is able to finalise the application and grant Building Rules Consent and in turn Development Approval.

Track your application and view all City of Unley applications by visiting the Development Register.

Before commencing work Once Development Approval is granted you are permitted to commence works. This must occur within 12 months of the date of the approval.

You are required to notify council at a minimum of 24 hours prior to work commencing. 

If you are not going to commence works within the 12 month period you should apply for an extension of time to your approval by completing the below application form.
 

Application for Extension of Time

Inspections
Council have a team of officers responsible for inspecting sites to ensure works are undertaken in accordance with the Development Act 1993, Building Code of Australia and appropriate Australian Standards. Officers may, at any time, request access to your site to ensure works are being undertaken in accordance with approved plans.

Completing works
Once your development is complete you are required to notify council. This will allow officers to undertake a final inspection, if necessary. A Builder’s Statement may be required to be submitted to Council at the completion of work.

Certificate of Occupancy
Prior to occupation a condition of the approval may be that a Certificate of Occupancy is required. A Council Officer can issue this certificate if Council has granted the approval Building Rules Consent.

Please contact Council to arrange for a site inspection to issue to Certificate of Occupancy.

The City of Unley Development Plan was amended by the Unley Central Precinct Development Plan Amendment (DPA) on 4 July 2017 to revise and update the District Centre Zone (and supporting policy eg Vehicle and Bicycle Parking, Medium and High Rise Development - 3 or More Storeys) to facilitate a higher density mixed use and residential hub in the heart of Unley.
 

District Centre Zone (Unley Central Precinct)

The City of Unley Development Plan was amended by the Village Living & Desirable Neighbourhoods Development Plan Amendment (DPA) Stage 2 (Residential Character, Growth Areas and Council Wide Residential and Policy Review) Part 1 (EAST) on 4 July 2017 by the introduction of the Residential Zone encompassing a Policy Area with two precincts.
 

Residential Zone

The City of Unley Development Plan was amended by the Village Living and Desirable Neighbourhoods Development Plan Amendment (DPA) Stage 2 (Residential Character, Growth Areas and Council Wide Residential Policy Review) Part 1 (EAST) on 4 July 2017 by the introduction of the Residential Regeneration Zone, encompassing 4 distinct policy areas – Fisher Street, Major Roads, Renewal and Spence Avenue.

Residential Regeneration Zone

Fisher Street (Fullarton) Policy Area 13

Major Roads Policy Area 14 – Fullarton Road

Renewal Policy Area 15 – Charles Street Unley

Spence Avenue (Myrtle Bank) Policy Area 16

The City of Unley Development Plan was amended by the Village Living and Desirable Neighbourhoods Development Plan Amendment (DPA) Stage 1 (Residential Historic Conservation & Streetscape Character Areas Pilot) in November 2009 to expand and revise the existing Residential Historic (Conservation) Zone to include 7 policy areas.
 

Policy Area CH1 (Goodwood Estate)

Policy Area CH2 (Parkside St Ann's Estate)

Policy Area SH3 (Fullarton Roseberry Estate)

Policy Area SH4 (Millswood Page Estate)

Policy Area SH5 (Millswood Wooldridge Estate)

Policy Area SH6 (Malvern/Trimmer Estate)

Policy Area SH7 (Unley Park Heywood Estate)

The City of Unley Development Plan was amended by the Village Living and Desirable Neighbourhoods Development Plan Amendment (DPA) Stage 1 (Residential Historic Conservation & Streetscape Character Areas Pilot) in November 2009 (interim effect from November 2008) to introduce the new Residential Streetscape (Built Form) Zone, encompassing 3 distinct policy areas – Compact, Spacious and Grand.

Residential Streetscape (Built Form) Zone Policy Area 8: Compact

The City of Unley Development Plan was amended by the Village Living and Desirable Neighbourhoods Development Plan Amendment (DPA) Stage 1 (Residential Historic Conservation & Streetscape Character Areas Pilot) in November 2009 (interim effect from November 2008) to introduce the Residential Streetscape (Built Form) Zone, encompassing 3 distinct policy areas – Compact, Spacious and Grand. Stage 2 of the DPA (Residential Character, Growth Areas and Council Wide Residential Policy Review - Part 1 [EAST]) on 4 July 2017 introduced two additional Precincts 9.10 and 9.11 to the Spacious Policy Area.
 

Residential Streetscape (Built Form) Zone Policy Area 9: Spacious

The City of Unley Development Plan was amended by the Village Living and Desirable Neighbourhoods DPA Stage 2 (Residential Character, Growth Areas and Council Wide Residential and Policy Review) Part 1 (EAST) on 4 July 2017 by the introduction of the Residential Streetscape (Landscape) Zone, encompassing the Spacious Policy Area and three distinct precincts.
 

Residential Streetscape (Landscape) Zone Policy Area 11: Spacious

If your property is located in a Built Form or Heritage Conservation Zone, refer to these information sheets about development in these areas.

Identify valued residential buildings which should be conserved and their key characteristic attributes which should be recognised and complemented through contemporary improvements, alterations and additions:

Appreciating Heritage and Character Dwellings

 

Examples of Typical Buildings and their Signature Features:

Contributory Items and Valued Sites

This information sheet aims to clarify the key characteristics of valued original fences which should be conserved and characteristic attributes which should be recognised and reinforced with property improvements and new development:

Complementary Residential Fences, Gates & Gardens

This information sheet aims to clarify the primary policy parameters and principles of good design that will reinforce the desired features of valued dwellings, their streetscape character and the sensitive incorporation of alterations, additions and vehicle garaging to accommodate contemporary living:

Traditional Valued Dwelling Alterations and Additions

 

This information sheet aims to clarify the primary policy parameters and principles of good design that will reinforce the desired streetscape character but reasonably allow for the sensitive incorporation of contemporary vehicle garaging needs:

Complementary Residential Vehicle Garaging and Driveways

This information sheet aims to clarify the primary policy parameters and principles of good design that will reinforce the desired streetscape character but accommodate the sensitive incorporation of contemporary new dwellings:

New Dwelling Contextual Design

 

This information sheet outlines the requirements of the "Design Context Report" for the analysis of prevailing and desired site and design parameters and illustration of how and why a proposed design response suits its context. The City of Unley Development Plan promotes a good contextual design approach and reinforcement of the applicable desired character and streetscape while allowing for sensitive incorporation of contemporary improvements, new dwellings and design:

Design Context Report for Significant or New Residential Development

 

This information sheet outlines the building design language and terms used to analyse and describe prevailing and desired site and building design context and parameters. Use of a common language will help in mutual understanding of how and why proposed design responses can suit their context. The City of Unley Development Plan promotes the adoption of a good contextual design approach and reinforcement of the desired character and streetscape while allowing for sensitive incorporation of contemporary design, improvements and new dwellings:

Building Design Language - A Glossary of terms

 

These fact sheets contain extracts from the City of Unley Development Plan and will help you determine how you can develop a property in the Urban Corridor Zones.
 

Urban Corridor Zone - Boulevard (Greenhill Road)

Urban Corridor Zone - Business (Leader Street & Maple Avenue)

Urban Corridor Zone - High Street (Unley Road)

Urban Corridor Zone - Transit Living (Anzac Highway)

This Guide outlines the key statutory and policy requirements for the management of stormwater on development sites.

Design Guide for Development & Stormwater Management