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Council regulations
COMPLYING DEVELOPMENT or FULL DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL
Certain councils around Australia have fast-tracked the approval process for granny flats / secondary dwellings through a system called "Complying Development."
Provided the project meets the established guidelines and criteria for complying development in the relevant local government area (LGA), this streamlined approval process allows certain projects to bypass the usual lengthy approval procedure which can significantly speed up construction.
To confirm whether your project qualifies, we conduct a Preliminary Council Assessment Report.
COMPLYING DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL
At Expandify, we manage the entire council application process for you. One of the key advantages of Expandify is that we provide Class 1a buildings, which allows our homes to be certified and approved by the council as either primary or secondary buildings.
So, do you need council approval? The short answer is yes. The long answer is, “It depends.”
It depends on your specific situation, the intended use of the building, your location, and the requirements of your local council. We handle all the necessary council applications, ensuring they meet your specific council’s requirements.
Our team will manage and assess all important factors in the Preliminary Council Assessment Report and take care of the process from start to finish, including providing any required documentation and handling the submission on your behalf.
So, do you need council approval? The short answer is yes. The long answer is, “It depends.”
It depends on your specific situation, the intended use of the building, your location, and the requirements of your local council. We handle all the necessary council applications, ensuring they meet your specific council’s requirements.
Our team will manage and assess all important factors in the Preliminary Council Assessment Report and take care of the process from start to finish, including providing any required documentation and handling the submission on your behalf.
FULL DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL (DA) REQUIRED
If the Preliminary Council Assessment Report shows that your council requires a Development Approval (DA) for your project—whether this is due to the building being a ‘primary building’ (the first house on the block) or the project doesn’t meet the complying development guidelines for your local council—you will need to secure a DA before commencing the build.
Please note that Development Approval (DA) is not included in our DIY or Complete packages.
However, if a DA is required for your project, we have a team of town planning partners who can assist with this step. We will reach out to them on your behalf to obtain quotes and gather information regarding the approval process and the specific steps required by your local council.
Please note that Development Approval (DA) is not included in our DIY or Complete packages.
However, if a DA is required for your project, we have a team of town planning partners who can assist with this step. We will reach out to them on your behalf to obtain quotes and gather information regarding the approval process and the specific steps required by your local council.
COMPLYING DEVELOPMENT & DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Do all projects require a Planning Permit / Development Approval?
Certain councils around Australia have fast-tracked the approval process for granny flats / secondary dwellings through a system called “Complying Development.”
Provided the project meets the established guidelines and criteria for complying development in the relevant local government area (LGA), this streamlined approval process allows certain projects to bypass the usual lengthy approval procedure which can significantly speed up construction.
To confirm whether your project qualifies, we conduct a Preliminary Council Assessment Report.
Provided the project meets the established guidelines and criteria for complying development in the relevant local government area (LGA), this streamlined approval process allows certain projects to bypass the usual lengthy approval procedure which can significantly speed up construction.
To confirm whether your project qualifies, we conduct a Preliminary Council Assessment Report.
What is the cost of a Planning Permit / Development Approval?
If a Development Approval (DA) / Planning Permit (PP) is required, you can choose Expandify to assist you with this process through our third-party team of certifiers, or you may engage a certifier of your own choosing. There are also costs associated with lodging an application with your local council, as well as any fees for external consultants that may be required to provide supporting documentation. These additional costs depend on the extent of documentation needed, as they are site-specific and can vary by location. Reports such as soil tests, wind ratings, Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings, and flora and fauna overlays, if requested by the council, are completed by external consultants and typically range from $5K to $10K.
Do I need a Building Permit if I have a Planning Permit / Development Approval?
A Planning Permit does not eliminate the requirement for a Building Permit.
A Building Permit is always necessary when constructing your new home, as it specifically pertains to the actual construction of the building and the materials used. The construction methods and materials must comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) to ensure safety and compliance with the relevant code.
A Planning Permit is a legal document that grants permission for land use or development. A Planning Permit may be required by your local council. If a Planning Permit is needed, it must be obtained before a Building Permit can be issued, though both applications can be submitted simultaneously. We conduct a Preliminary Council Assessment Report to determine whether you need a Planning Permit as part of your project planning.
Once construction is complete do I need any more permits?
Once construction is complete, a final permit is required – the Occupancy Permit, also referred to as a Certificate Of Occupancy. This permit is issued by an independent, registered building certifier, confirming that the construction meets health and safety standards and is suitable for occupancy. As part of our Complete Dwelling, Council and Installation package, we manage this process with the certifier on your behalf.
Do I need an Energy Rating for my building?
Yes, every new building requires an energy rating, and at Expandify, we handle it all for you. We use the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), a national framework for assessing the thermal performance of Australian homes. By incorporating this assessment, we ensure that your building is designed and constructed to reduce the costs and environmental impacts of heating and cooling.
Our NatHERS accredited assessors evaluate your home’s thermal performance during the design stage and identify simple, cost-effective ways to enhance comfort and improve energy efficiency. We take care of the entire process, ensuring your home meets the 7+ star rating requirements.
Our NatHERS accredited assessors evaluate your home’s thermal performance during the design stage and identify simple, cost-effective ways to enhance comfort and improve energy efficiency. We take care of the entire process, ensuring your home meets the 7+ star rating requirements.
Do I need a Bush Fire Assessment Rating?
A Bush Fire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment is required for bush fire prone areas. All developments on land that is designated as bush fire prone have a legal obligation to consider bush fire and meet the requirements of Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2006 and AS3959 – 200. To find out if you live in a bush fire prone area, information is available from your local council. If you require a BAL rated building, please contact us to discuss your options.
