The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) have been prepared to assist you with understanding the land use planning process in Tasmania’s Central Coast.
Please note: the information on this page is general in nature and is intended as guide only. It may not be comprehensive in detail and as such, you are encouraged to view the relevant sections of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme or talk to a Planner.
The Planning Scheme
What is the Planning Scheme?
The Central Coast Council is governed by the Tasmanian Planning Scheme. The Planning Scheme specifies whether a particular proposal has either a No Permit Required, Permitted, Discretionary, or Prohibited status. This status is set by the Table of Use and Development or in other provisions (for instance, an application that is permitted in the table of use will become discretionary or prohibited if the design does not comply with development standards such as setbacks).
Where can I view a copy of the Planning Scheme?
You can view the Tasmanian Planning Scheme by clicking the link below.
What are zones and why are they important?
The Tasmanian Planning Scheme divides land into zones. Each zone has a particular use for the land (purpose) and sets out the primary controls for the use or development of that land. This information describes if a planning permit is required and the matters that the council must consider before deciding to grant a permit. Examples of zones are General Residential, Open Space and Central Business.
The Tasmanian Planning Scheme has 23 generic zones. Each zone indicates what land use and development is appropriate for that zone.
How can I find out what zone my property is in?
Our planners can help you work out what zone your property falls in, or you can find maps with zone overlays on the PlanBuild Tasmania website.
What is a Certificate of Title and why do I need it?
A Certificate of Title is the official record of land ownership. The Title shows important information about your property, including any rights that affect the land. For example, a property covenant in the Certificate of Title can guide or restrain how you build or alter your property. The Certificate of Title must be submitted with your planning application. You can obtain a copy of a Certificate of Title by using the search facility on the LIST, by visiting any Service Tasmania shop, or through the PlanBuild Tasmania portal.
How much does a planning permit cost?
All planning applications require the payment of a fee. The fee depends upon the type and scope of the use or development being proposed. It is recommended that you contact Council’s planning team for an accurate calculation of fees for your proposal.
Some applications may require approval from a State Government agency (e.g. Environment Protection Authority). An additional fee may be charged by the State Government in such circumstances.
Does my planning permit expire?
Planning permits expire after two years. If your development has not substantially commenced within the two-year timeframe, you will need to apply for an extension of time before the expiry date. Please speak with the planning team for more information.
Can I apply to amend my planning permit?
Minor amendments can be approved in some circumstances. We suggest you call the planner who assessed your application to discuss whether the proposed changes would be acceptable and what documentation would be required, and the applicable fees.
What can I do on my property?
Do I need a planning permit?
This is a complicated question to answer. Some development is exempt from needing a permit, however there are penalties for developing your land without the appropriate approvals, so it is always a good idea to check with our planning staff before you get started.
The PlanBuild Tasmania website is a fantastic free resource. After entering your address and answering a series of questions about your proposed development, you will be provided with some general advice on the types of approvals, assessments, permits and licenses you might require.
Do I need a planning permit to clear vegetation on my property?
Certain codes, overlays and specific area plans (SAPs) include controls on vegetation removal. You can check if your property is affected by visiting the PlanBuild website or by speaking with one of our planners.
Do I need a planning permit to use my property as an Airbnb?
Providing Visitor Accommodation in your dwelling, including in a ‘secondary dwelling’ on the site, is Exempt from planning approval if:
(a) the dwelling is used by the owner or occupier as their main place of residence, and only let while the owner or occupier is on vacation; or
(b) the dwelling is used by the owner or occupier as their main place of residence, and visitors are accommodated in not more than 4 bedrooms.
If you wish to provide Visitor Accommodation in your investment property, then a permit is required.
Do I need a planning permit to operate a home based child care?
Home based child care services are Exempt from planning if:
(a) the person conducting the home-based child care normally uses the dwelling as their principal place of residence;
(b) it does not involve employment of persons other than a resident; and
(c) there are no more than 6 non-resident children for child care per day.
Do I need a planning permit to install solar panels?
Unless the Local Heritage Code applies to the land, ground mounted and roof mounted solar energy installations do not require a Planning Permit.
Do I need a planning permit to build a front boundary fence?
Fences (including free-standing walls) within 4.5m of a frontage are Exempt from requiring a Planning Permit (unless the Local Heritage Code applies), if located in the General Residential Zone, Low Density Residential Zone, Village Zone, Local Business Zone, General Business Zone or Commercial Zone and if not more than a height of:
(a) 1.2m above existing ground level if the fence is solid; OR
(b) 1.8m above existing ground level, if the fence has openings above the height of 1.2m which provide a uniform transparency of at least 30% (excluding any posts or uprights).
Other zones and fence types also have exemptions. Refer to 4.0 Exemptions of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme – Central Coast, available by clicking on the button below.
Do I need a planning permit to build a retaining wall?
Retaining walls, excluding any land filling, are exempt, if:
(a) it has a setback of not less than 1.5m from any boundary; and
(b) it retains a difference in ground level of less than 1m, unless the Local Historic Heritage Code or the Landslip Hazard Code applies and requires a permit for the use or development.
Do I need a planning permit to build a shed in a residential area?
Residential outbuildings are used in association with your dwelling. The construction, replacement and demolition of an outbuilding is Exempt from requiring a Planning Permit if:
(a) there are not more than two on a site with:
(i) a gross floor area not more than 10m2;
(ii) no side is more than 3.2m; and
(iii) building height is not more than 2.4m;
(b) there are not more than one on a site with:
(i) a gross floor area not more than 18m²;
(ii) a roof span not more than 3m;
(iii) building height is not more than 2.4m;
(iv) a distance of not less than 0.9m from a building;
(v) a setback of not less than 0.9m;
(vi) no change in existing ground level as a result of cut or fill of more than 0.5m; and
(c) the building is not between a street frontage and the building line or on a site with no buildings, not less than the relevant setback from a street frontage.
Buildings are not Exempt, and will require a permit, if the above standard cannot be met or if the Local Heritage Code applies to the site.
Do I need a planning permit to build a shed in a rural area?
Residential outbuildings located in the Rural Living Zone, Rural Zone or Agriculture Zone are Exempt from needing a Planning Permit if:
(a) an outbuilding is exempt under the matters outlined above; or
(b) the outbuilding is associated with an existing dwelling and the:
(i) total gross floor area of all outbuildings on the site is not more 108m2;
(ii) boundary setbacks are not less than the relevant Planning Scheme’s ‘Acceptable Solution’ required in the zone, or located no closer to a property boundary than an existing dwelling or any outbuilding on the site, whichever is the lesser; and
(iii) building height is not more than 6m and wall height is not more than 4m.
Buildings are not Exempt, and will require a Permit, if the above standard cannot be met or if the Planning Scheme’s Natural Assets Code or Local Heritage Code apply to the site.
What can I build in the Agricultural or Rural Zone without a planning permit?
Buildings in the Rural Zone or Agricultural Zone are Exempt from needing a Planning Permit if all matters below can be satisfied:
(a) development does not include a dwelling, and the shed is directly associated with, and a subservient part of, an agricultural use on the land;
(b) on prime agricultural land, only if the land is not used for plantation forestry, and:
(i) the building is directly associated with an agricultural use dependent on the soil as a growth medium; or
(ii) it is conducted in a manner which does not alter, disturb or damage the existing soil profile or preclude it from future use as a growth medium (This means the shed has an earthen floor and a concrete slab is not involved in the construction of the building);
(c) individual buildings must not be more than 200m2 in gross floor area;
(d) building height does not exceed 12m; and
(e) buildings are setback not less than 5m from all property boundaries.
Buildings are not Exempt, and will require a permit, if the above standard cannot be met or if the Scenic Protection Code or Local Heritage Code applies to the site.
Making a Representation
How do I make a representation?
For more information on what to include in your representation, click below.
Who can make a representation?
Representations may be submitted by anyone who will be affected by the proposed use or development.
Is there a time limit for making a representation?
You are required to submit your representation within 14 days from the date the application is publicly advertised. The closing date will be listed on the advertisement.
Will my comments be made public?
If a report on a development application matter goes to a Council meeting, the full content of the submission is included in the report and becomes available for public access. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the author of the submission to make sure that what is written is factual, fair and reasonable, and is not defamatory against any person.
Appeals
Can I appeal a decision about a planning application I submitted?
Applicants may appeal the council’s decision on a planning application within 14 days after notice of that decision is served on them. The applicant may appeal either against the decision to refuse an application, or against the conditions imposed on a planning permit.
Can I appeal a decision about a planning application someone else submitted?
Any person who has lodged objection representation regarding a development during the 14-day advertising period may lodge an appeal within 14 days after being served notice of the decision.
How do I make an appeal?
Planning appeals are heard by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT), which is a body established under the State’s planning laws.
You should contact TASCAT if you wish to lodge an appeal.
Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
Resource and Planning Stream
GPO Box 1311
HOBART TAS 7001
Phone: 1800 657 500
Email: [email protected]