Lodging an Application

1. Pre-lodgement enquiries
Check with Council in the early stages before preparing detailed plans to find out about any development controls or policies relating to the land. Applications may also require approval from other government agencies depending on the type of development or location of the proposed development.

Council's Development Application Guide will assist you in preparing an application by detailing what information is required for the type of application being prepared.

Council's development controls plans (DCPs) and/or development policies may also be relevant to your application.

Council has a pre development meeting process to assist customers with advice regarding development proposals.  More information is available from the Pre Development Meeting Application form.

Contact Customer Services on Ph: 4325 8222 to answer any further questions.

2. Prepare the Plans/Drawings
Several plans/drawings types are required depending on the type of development proposed. The following information is required to be included in plans/drawings:

Title Information

• A plan/drawing number and date.
• Name of architect or draftsperson.
• Applicant name.
• Property address.

Scale

• All plans/drawings are shown to scale.

Relative Direction

• All plans/drawings should show the north bearing.

Levels

• The proposed development needs to show elevation heights such as contours, ground, floor and roof levels.

Plan/Drawing Types

• Site Plan - drawn to scale,indicating location of the proposed development on the site. (Required for all applications)
• Plan/Drawing - of proposed development indicating all elevation heights. (Required for all applications)
• Reduced Size - (A4) set of site plans for notification purposes (Required for all applications, excluding complying developments)
• Survey Plan - required for subdivisions, boundary adjustments.
• Landscape Plan - required for commercial and industrial developments, maybe required for other developments.
• Subdivision Plan - required for subdivisions, boundary adjustments.
• Shadow Diagram - required for new buildings or additions of more than 1 storey in height.
• Photo-montages and Building models - contact Council.

3. Prepare Other Supporting Documents
Additional information may be required to support your application the Council Development Application Guide will assist you in preparing an application by detailing what information is required for the type of application being prepared.

Contact the Customer Services on telephone (02) 4325 8222 to answer any question not covered in Councils development controls, policies or guidelines.

4. Complete the Application Form
The development application form must describe exactly what you propose to do. Please ensure all sections of the form are completed, incomplete applications cannot be processed. The application must contain the owners' consent. If there is more than one owner, every owner must sign. The applicant must also sign the form.

5. Lodge the Development Application
The application can be lodged in person, or sent via post. All applications must be completed and signed and include a set of plans/drawings, any relevant documents and development application fees.

The Development Approval Process

1. Development Application (Application assessed by Council)

• Pre lodgement enquiries with Council.
• Development application lodged and fees paid to Council.
• Proposed application is advertised and adjoining property owners notified.
• Council conducts a site inspection to assess the impact of the proposed development.
• Application is assessed taking any submissions received into consideration.
• If the application is satisfactory, Council will issue development consent subject to conditions. (it is important to read and follow the conditions in the consent, they are legal requirements)

2. Construction Certificate (Issued by Council or an accredited certifier)

• Application for construction certificate is made from either Council or an accredited certifier.
• Council or the accredited certifier checks that the plans and specifications for the development proposal will comply with the relevant conditions of the consent and applicable standards including the Building Code of Australia.
• If satisfactory, the certifier will issue a construction certificate and, where appropriate, a fire safety schedule.

3. Appoint Principal Certifying Authority (PCA)

• Before any work commences a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) must be appointed – this can be either Council or an accredited certifier.
• Confirm what work will be done, fees and any other requirements.
• Notifiy Council two (2) days before work begins.

4. Building Work Begins (Work begins in accordance with the development consent)

• Work begins in accordance with the development consent, including any conditions (eg sediment control), and the construction certificate.
• The PCA to determine inspection stages.
• The builder advises the PCA during stages of work to allow the required inspections.

5. Occupation Certificate (Completion of works)

• After the works are concluded satisfactorily and a fire safety certificate is provided (if required). The PCA will issue the occupation certificate.