We understand that the planning process can be overwhelming at times. Our goal is to make it easy and accessible for everyone. Below is some information to help you get started.
What is a Planning Permit?
A Planning Permit is a legal document that allows a certain use and/or development on land. It usually contains conditions that must be met and a set of plans. Applications for a Planning Permit are made to a local council.
Planning & Building Permits
The planning process regulates the use and development of land. Proposals are assessed against the Planning Scheme, focusing on impacts of a proposal on the site and on neighbouring land. The building process is separate and regulates construction and alterations of buildings in accordance with the National Building code of Australia and the Building Act 2016. Any enquiries about Building Permits should be directed to Council’s Plumbing and Building staff on 03 6429 8900.
Different types of Planning Permits
No Permit Required (NPR)
A NPR use or development means that the proposed use or development complies with the relevant provisions of the Planning Scheme (including development standards and schedules) and therefore does not require a Planning Permit. You still need to submit your plans to Council and be issued with a No Permit Required Certificate.
Permitted
A Permitted use or development means an application has been lodged with Council for a Planning Permit and ultimately Council has approved the application because all relevant provisions of the Planning Scheme are compliant.
Discretionary
Discretionary Planning Permit applications are those which the Council has the discretion to either approve or refuse based on compliance with the requirements of the Planning Scheme. These applications require a 14-day public notification period, which involves:
- advertising the proposal in the Advocate newspaper and on the Council’s website;
- erecting a sign on the property; and
- notifying adjoining property owners.
Members of the public may make submissions to the Council about the proposal (called representations). The Council then considers these representations when making their decision.
How long does it take to get a planning permit?
The Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 requires the Planning Authority (Council) to determine ‘Permitted’ planning applications within 28 days and ‘Discretionary’ planning applications within 42 days from the date of submission. However, we aim to determine applications sooner than this.
If we require additional information before we can make a decision, the 42-day time frame will be halted until this additional information is provided.
Accompanying documents
When you submit an application, it’s important to have all the required information ready to go, to avoid any delays. The checklist below is a useful guide for what you might need to include.
At a minimum, all applications will require a:
- completed application form;
- copy of the Certificate of Title;
- site plan showing all existing and proposed buildings, dimensioned setbacks, cut and fill, vegetation to be retained or removed, car parking and vehicular access including site distance;
- floor plans and building elevations; and
- written explanation of the proposal including justification for the particular design.
Commercial applications should also include details about the nature of the business, operating hours, expected noise levels, location, design of signage and expected delivery vehicle requirements.
The Council may also require reports from suitably qualified persons to assess risks from land hazards, such as a bushfire management plan, or impact of the proposal, such as a traffic impact assessment.
Protecting Aboriginal Relics
Tasmanian Aboriginal people have been living on our island for tens of thousands of years, and their culture and heritage is important. The Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975 requires all persons to report new findings of relics and not to harm relics. Guidelines issued under the Act state that if it is necessary to apply for authorisation, under any other Act (e.g. the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993, the Building Act 2016), for a new activity that will disturb the ground, you should first obtain preliminary information on whether or not further advice is required from Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania in relation to the land to be impacted.
This can be obtained through “Before You Dig Australia”™ via www.1100.com.au, by calling Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania on 1300 487 045, or by conducting a search through the Aboriginal Heritage Property Search via www.aboriginalheritage.tas.gov.au/propertysearch.
Applying for a Planning Permit
To ensure you have all the right documentation for your application, we recommend speaking with a member of the Land Use Planning staff before submitting your application. Once you’ve ticked all the boxes, you can download the below form and return it to Council via:
- Email [email protected]
- Post: PO Box 220, Ulverstone, Tasmania, 7315
- In person: 19 King Edward Street, Ulverstone