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Building and development

For most proposed development, building work and use of premises a Development Application (DA) must be submitted to and approved by Council before the work or use commences. A DA may relate to a private home or a commercial or industrial development, including food businesses and registered premises.

State and Council planning strategies and controls  provide the controls and guidance for changing land uses and DAs.

Reportable political donations or gifts made within 2 years preceding the lodgement of any planning applications must be declared (see Political Donations and gifts - your Disclosure Requirements).

For building work, including shop or office fitouts, a Construction Certificate must be obtained before work starts. A Construction Certificate can be issued by the Council or an accredited certifier, but only after obtaining development consent.

Certain types of minor development may be carried out as Exempt or Complying Development (without the need for a development consent) as long as it complies with certain requirements and limitations.

Unauthorised development, or using premises without the required approvals is an offence, which can result in significant penalties.

Summary of the approvals and construction process

Except for exempt and complying development, the development and construction process can be summarised as follows:

  • submit a Development Application (DA) to Council
  • Council gives development consent, subject to the application complying with relevant criteria, planning and environmental considerations
  • obtain a Construction Certificate from Council's Building Certification Services  or an accredited certifier
  • appoint a Principal Certifying Authority, either Council's Building Certification Services or an accredited certifier and notify Council of the appointment
  • notify Council of the date when it is intended that works will commence
  • the Principal Certifying Authority inspects the construction works at specified stages
  • before using the building, obtain an Occupation Certificate from the Principal Certifying Authority.

Further information

Download our leaflet Are you thinking of building or renovating? (pdf 700 kb) for a snapshot of the approvals and certification process.

You may Contact us during office hours via email or discuss your proposal with Council's duty officer at the front counter between 8.30am-5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Phone enquiries may be directed to Council's Call Centre on:

1300 722 542.