Simpler, faster, cheaper planning approvals

Submitted 10/03/2009

www.southaustralia.biz

South Australia has entered a revolutionary new era in planning approvals with the introduction of a Residential Development Code.

Minister for Urban Development and Planning Paul Holloway says the Residential Development Code at the heart of the State Government's reforms make planning approvals in this State simpler, faster and cheaper.

"The Residential Development Code ensures that many homebuyers and renovators will save both time and money when lodging a planning approval with their local council," Mr Holloway says.

"The revolutionary planning reforms being rolled out by this government are expected to improve home affordability by delivering real savings to homeowners."

Mr Holloway says the Residential Development Code has been developed after an extensive consultation period beginning in June 2008, which involved members of the public, industry and local government.

With the first stage of the new Code effective as of March 1, South Australians can expect reduced waiting times for planning and building approvals, Mr Holloway says.

"As long as applications meet certain requirements waiting times have been slashed to 25 days for many carports, larger sheds and shade sails, verandahs and swimming pools and to 35 days for alterations and additions to existing homes," he says

Mr Holloway says the changes are part of the government's Planning Reform package aimed at ensuring South Australia has the most competitive planning and development system in Australasia.

"At the same time we will also ensure that it enhances the outstanding lifestyle of our people and the sustainability of our state," he says.

Mr Holloway says as part of the changes there has been an expansion of the categories for complying development, essentially providing a ‘tick-the-box' assessment against criteria known as ‘Performance Controls'.

These performance controls include criteria such as location, height, setback and site coverage.

"There will be a twin track for the introduction of the code with complying development applying first for alterations and additions to existing homes and then for new homes," Mr Holloway says.

"For new homes, the Code will initially apply only in areas nominated by local councils, and only for detached and semi-detached dwellings."

"For these new homes covered by the code there will be maximum waiting time of 35 days for approvals."

Local councils have until March 31 to nominate areas to be covered by the new Code.

The Code won't apply to local heritage places, state heritage places, state heritage areas, historic conservation zones and policy areas and high-risk bushfire protection areas.

It also won't apply to development that is subject to a referral, such as to the Country Fire Service.

Mr Holloway says further planning reforms are to be rolled out throughout this year and 2010 to ensure that South Australia retains its reputation as one of the most competitive states in Australia.

"By dramatically reducing waiting times for planning and building approvals, South Australia is removing disincentives to investment, and putting dollars back into people's pockets," he says.

"As a result of these revolutionary changes as many as 50% of all residential development applications received in this State are to be processed faster, saving South Australians time, money and worry.

"In these uncertain economic times, it is essential that government do whatever it can to make laws as simple and effective as possible.

"A more efficient planning approvals system should translate into substantial savings in time and money, which will in turn ensure a boost to the State's economy.

Mr Holloway says a special process is now underway through which councils are being asked to nominate areas for character assessment that will define specific local variations to the Code.

"This process will prevent new dwellings from having an adverse impact on an identified area's desired character," Mr Holloway says.

"The Rann Government wants to ensure the most efficient planning system in the nation, but not at the expense of the characteristics that give Adelaide's suburbs their essential character and charm.

"In the months ahead, the government will be working collaboratively with local government and the community to identify the specific features that distinguish character within our suburbs."

For further information on the new Residential Development Code visit the Department of Planning and Local Government's website http://www.dplg.sa.gov.au/