Residential projects

Before you get started

Making changes to your property can be exciting, but it’s also important that you understand the necessary building rules to avoid potential legal issues or penalties.

Whether you’re taking on a DIY project or full renovation, you need to know the building and planning requirements before works begin.

These requirements ensure that residential projects comply with:

• local planning scheme requirements
• building codes and standards
• safety regulations. 

Confirm details about your property

Use City Plan online to find out the local planning scheme requirements that apply to your property. They determine what types of development is permitted on your property and the development guidelines that will apply.

You'll need to confirm what zone your property is in and if: 

• located in a neighbourhood plan area
• subject to an overlay.

Learn about how to use City Plan.

Identify your project type

The type of building or construction work you’re planning also determines what approvals you need to apply for.

If you need planning approval, you will need to lodge a development application.

What is a development application?

A development application (DA) is an application for a planning approval (also known as a development approval) made under the Planning Act 2016. 

Development is defined in Schedule 2 of the Planning Act 2016 as: 

• carrying out building work 
• carrying out plumbing or drainage work 
• carrying out operational work 
• reconfiguring a lot (i.e. a subdivision) 
• making a material change of use of premises (i.e. starting a new use, re-establishing a use that has been abandoned or changing the intensity or scale of the use).

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