Following recent posts on development processes, I thought I might take a step back and take a broader look at the Development Application (DA) process.
A DA is a request for permission to carry out a certain development. Development can be:
- the subdivision of land;
- the demolition of a building or work;
- the erection of a new dwelling;
- the change of use of a building;
- the construction of a shed; or
- the carrying out of a range of other building works.
The assessment of a Development Application determines whether or not a development is appropriate for a given location. An indication of whether or not any particular development might be appropriate on a particular lot is provided in a 149 Certificate as discussed in a recent post.
In general, the assessment of a DA is a multi-step process that is outlined in several information sheets available from the Palerang Council website.
From the outset, it is good to know that council planning staff are available to assist in all stages of the DA process. In particular, they are available to discuss proposed developments prior to the lodging of a formal DA. These pre-DA meetings are provided free of charge and residents are encouraged to take advantage of this service to help ensure that all necessary information is provided with an application and that subsequent processing proceeds without unnecessary delay.
The most common cause for delays in DA processing is incomplete information. To assist in this task, Council provides individual checklists (available from the Council website) for the varying types of development. As one might expect, the more complex a development, the more information will likely be required, and processing fees vary accordingly.
Certain developments will need to be advertised and/or notified in accordance with Council policies. While Council is the consent authority for most DAs, some require that Council seek comment from certain State Government Agencies—Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) for traffic matters, Rural Fire Service (RFS) for bushfire conditions or the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) for flora, fauna or heritage considerations.
Council is obliged to consider all planning matters that have been raised within any submission that may be made before making a decision regarding a DA. There’s not much you can do about State Agency requirements, but it’s a good idea to discuss your plans with your neighbours. Potential problems can often be resolved early and easily if anyone likely to be impacted is aware of your project up front.
You can now track the progress of your DA on-line.
Remember that having obtained development approval, you must then apply for a Construction or Subdivision Certificate and appoint a Principal Certifying Authority before commencing any work. These are both mandatory precursors to the issue of an Occupation Certificate on completion of the works.
Pete Harrison ~ The Palerang Blog cross-reference
23 July 2017 @ 19:03
[…] Development Applications […]
Pete Harrison ~ The QPR Blog cross-reference
21 August 2021 @ 12:23
[…] Development Applications […]