Planning, Building and Development
The Development Act 1993 requires that no development can be undertaken unless it has the approval of the relevant authority, which in most cases is your local council.
This means that any construction, alteration, addition to or demolition of a building or structure, a change in that current use of land or anything that modifies a designated heritage item constitutes development as defined in the Development Act 1993 and therefore requires formal development approval.
Council, as a regulatory authority under the Development Act 1993, is responsible for the assessment of Development Applications against the relevant provisions of the Copper Coast Development Plan 2017 and the requirements of the Building Code of Australia. This responsibility is delegated to Council’s Development Assessment Panel and key Council staff. Elected members do not undertaken the assessment process.
In April 2017 the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 came into operation. The Act is being implemented in stages, over a four year period. To keep up to date with the rollout and review the ‘Transforming our Planning System’ report can be accessed at www.dpti.sa.gov.au/planning/planning reform.
Detailed information on each development type, along with forms, checklists and tools to assist with drawing of plans are provided below to assist with your Development Application being lodged with accuracy and relevance.
Click on the icon below for more information regarding a specific development you wish to undertake.
Development Forms, Declarations, Fees and Checklists
APPLICATION FORMS
Development Application Form 2020-2021
On Site Waste Water Control Application Form(717 kb)
Demolition Application Form 2020-2021(617 kb)
Outdoor Trading Application(556 kb)
FEES AND CHARGES
Development Application Fees 2020-2021
Credit Card Payment Authorisation Form(452 kb)
DECLARATIONS
Building Safety Near Powerlines Information Sheet
Building Safely Near Powerline Declaration Form
CHECKLIST
Development Information Sheets
Information sheets have been created to assist in understanding the process and relevant standards. Preliminary advice can also be obtained from Council's staff on issues relating to the Development Plan, Policies and the Building Code of Australia.
Commercial, Retail, Industrial, Home
Carports, Verandahs, Garages, Sheds and Pergolas
- Home Activities and Home Based Business
- Wastewater Management Schemes
Preparing Plans and Drawings
Am I required to engage someone who is qualified to draw my plans?
Depending on the size and scale of the development, there may be a need to engage either an:
Architect - a qualified individual or company can manage the entire design and construction process
Draftsperson
Building Consultant and Designer
If you choose to undertake drawing your own plans, specific information, tools and grid sheets are provided below to assist.
What plans are required with my Development Application?
Floor Plan - a to scaled diagram of the actual development.
Contour Plan - a plan showing the contour lines being the rise and fall on the land
Elevation Plan - Example of an elevation plan
- Site Plan - Example of a site plan
Site Plan
A scaled site plan is required for all development applications and must comply with the following criteria; however a lesser level of detail may be acceptable in some circumstances.
The site plan must:
Be drawn to a recommended scale of 1:100 or 1:200 depending on property size, showing boundaries of the property including measurements and site area
Show the location of all existing buildings on the property and neighbouring property especially building build on or close to the property
Show the location of any easements on the property
Show how stormwater will be discharged from the property
Show the location of any proposed retaining walls with details of required cut and/or fill
Show driveways from adjoining roads onto the land and car parking spaces for occupants and visitors
Indicate location of street furniture such as stobie poles and any side entry pits adjacent to the property
For sloped land, contours of the land and finished floor levels of proposed building work in relation to the water table may be required
Show north point
Selecting a Scale When Drawing Plans
It is important to the consider the following:
The size of your property – The scale selected determines the size of your drawings. When selecting your scale, it is important to ensure your site plan fits on a single piece of paper.
Consider the amount of information you need to include on your plan. Properties with a lot of information will need to be drawn at a larger scale to ensure that all information can be easily read. The smaller the number, the larger the drawing.
Elevation drawings generally need to be drawn at a larger scale to clearly convey the appearance of a building.
- There is no such thing as a right scale, provided all information is clearly legible. Pick a scale suitable to your property.
1:100 | 1 centimetre = 1 metre | This scale may be appropriate for smaller properties and elevation drawing |
1:200 | 0.5 centimetres = 1 metre | This scale may be suitable for most site plans. It is not suitable for elevations drawings |
1:500 | 2 millimetres = 1 metre | Only suitable for very large properties. Not suitable for standard sized allotments and elevations |
Graph Paper Templates
Other Documents, Links and Tools
Certificate of Title - SAILIS
A copy of your property Certificate of Title is required to be submitted with your Development Application. Do you need to order a copy of your property Certificate of Title? A copy can be ordered on-line from Land Services SA.
Construction Industry Training Board - Levy
The Construction Industry Training Fund Act 1993 was created at the request of the SA Building and Construction Industry with the funds to be used to improve the quality of training in the building and construction industry. A development that exceeds $40,000 is required to supply evidence of contribution to the CITB with the Development Application.
Construction Industry Training Board - Link to pay CITB Levy
Property Location Browser - SA Planning Portal
The Property Location Browser is a free map-based application which is used to view land administration boundaries and obtain information about the the land parcels details, valuation, when it was subdivided, Development Plan zoning and index, energy efficiency climate zones, earthquake hazard zones, coordinates and imagery.
Virtual House - SA Planning Portal
Do I need approval? SA Planning Portal has development the Virtual House tool to guide you through the types of developments which do not require approval.
Just type in your property address and select the the part of the house you are planning to build or change. You will be shown whether approval is required (or not) and which advice on the next steps.
Owner Builder
Environment, Resources and Development (ERD) Court
The Environment, Resources and Development (ERD) Court was established in 1993, is a specialist court dealing with disputes, and enforcement of laws relating to the development and management of land, the natural and built environment and natural resources. It has jurisdiction under a wide range of leglisation including Development Act 1993, Environment Protection Act 1993, Heritage Places Act 1993, Natural Resources Management Act 2004 etc.
Many people who appear in the court are self represented and the court is committed to making sure people can access its services.
Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) Fact Sheets
Planning Institute of Australia - SA Planning Fact Sheets
Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is a national body representing planning professions and a pivotal organisation serving and guiding through education, communication and professional development. PIA South Australian Branch (established in 1948) have develop the following informative fact sheets:
Fact Sheet 1 - What is planning?
Fact Sheet 2 - Do I need approval?
Fact Sheet 3 - Why do I need approval?
Fact Sheet 4 - What is development approval?
Fact Sheet 5 - What do I need to lodge an application?
Fact Sheet 6 - What else do I need to lodge an application?
Fact Sheet 7 - Where do I get help preparing my application?
Fact Sheet 8 - Applications lodged by builders
Fact Sheet 9 - What are the types of development?
Fact Sheet 10 - Can I apply for a Non-complying development?
Fact Sheet 11 - How are applications assessed?
Fact Sheet 12 - What process will my application follow?
Fact Sheet 13 - What is public notification?
Fact Sheet 14 - Representations - objections to an application
Fact Sheet 15 - What are referrals?
Fact Sheet 16 - What is the Development Plan?
Fact Sheet 17 - What is zoning and why are there different requirements in different areas?
Fact Sheet 18 - How do I get the Development Plan changed?
Fact Sheet 19 - Costs associated with Development Assessment
Fact Sheet 20 - Where can I get plans drawn?
Fact Sheet 21 - What is CDAP?
Fact Sheet 22 - How long will my application take?
Fact Sheet 23 - What is the process for a land division? - Urban
Fact Sheet 24 - What is the process for a land division? - Regional
Fact Sheet 25 - Glossary, Key terms used in the planning process