Development & Building Information
Welcome to the new planning system.
The State Government has undertaken a review to modernise the SA Planning system, the biggest one in 20 years! The goal was to create a system that is digital by default, flexible, transparent and easy to use.
If you would like support with the new system please contact the office on 8862 0800 or fill in this form to book an appointment.
If you have a current application lodged prior to 31 July 2020, it will continue to be assessed under the Development Act 1993. If you require further information about an existing application please contact the office on 8862 0800 and speak to someone in the Development Team.
You can see a copy of the Development Plan here.
The SA Planning Portal is your one stop shop for information about everything planning and development, whether you are a planning or building professional, community member or wanting to lodge an application.
The Portal has information on the new system including links to all the resources you might need, legislation, fact sheets, guides and videos on how to access and use the online information.
Want to get involved and have your say with whats happening in your community or see whats developments are happening around you, then you can get onto the Development Application Public register and find out.
The Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (PDI) requires that no development can be undertaken unless it has the approval of the relevant authority. This means that any construction, alteration, addition (including partial demolition) of a building or structure, a change in the current use of land, or anything that modifies a designated heritage item (including demolition) constitutes "development" and therefore requires formal development approval.
Confused by all the new rules?
Not sure if your development needs approval?
Minor projects such as erecting a fence, solar panels or a small garden shed may not require approval depending on where you live and the size of the project.
Head to the Development Approval Wizard and it will guide you through whether or not your project requires approval.
You should always confirm that you are permitted to commence a development by contacting a relevant authority who may be one of the following:
- The State Planning Commission
- A court of law
- Local Council or other relevant authority - Contact Us
- An Independent Accredited Professional
Development Approval is a three-stage process, the law requires that you, by lodging a development application, obtain Development Approval from the Council when you undertake development.
3 Stages of Development Approval: - Guide
- Planning Consent
- Building Consent
- Development Approval
See Development Applications on the PlanSA website.
For further information on:
- Rules for development.
- Zoning.
- Planning and Design Policies and Fees.
Visit – Before you Lodge on the PlanSA website.
The SA Property and Planning Atlas, otherwise known as SAPPA, can help you locate what zone your property is in. You can click through the various information and find out if there are any subzones, overlays or Heritage applicable to your property as well.
Simply go to the SAPPA website, enter your property address and you’ll find out all the relevant information on your property such as zoning, Council area and Certificate of Title references.
The new Planning & Design Code is digital by default, which means all this information is online and easily accessible to everyone. You will have access to the same information as the Planning and Building professionals.
The Code, as we call it, allows you to determine ‘what polices apply to an address’, determine ‘what policies apply to a development’ and ‘browse the Planning & Design Code’, all from the comfort of your own home or office.
Need some additional assistance? The Portal has plenty of guides to help you find what you need.
So you’ve researched that development project and are ready to lodge an application! I'm sure you’re not surprised but that can also be lodged through the Portal. It will help you step through all of the questions required to successfully lodged your application and upload your relevant plans and information. It will even provide you will little hints and tips along the way if you get stuck. If you found that you haven’t got all of the information then you can pause your application and come back to it another time.
DO I NEED APPROVAL?
Generally, all above-ground or inflatable swimming pools with a filtration system require Development Approval, regardless of depth. Other pools with depth exceeding 300mm require approval, as do spas with capacity greater than 680L.
POOL AND SPA REQUIREMENTS
As a homeowner you also have certain obligations with regard to pool safety. Drowning is the largest cause of accidental death for young children. Most happen in private backyard swimming pools. You can reduce the risk of accidents in your swimming pool or spa pool by installing appropriate safety barriers and ensuring young children are supervised at all times.
Click here - Pool and Spa Safety
Is your swimming pool kid safe? (3.7 MB PDF)
SA WATER REQUIREMENTS
Before you can fill an approved swimming pool or spa you need to have your safety fencing erected, as well as approval from SA Water.
We understand that not everyone is comfortable with using technology, so here is a list of various support services available to you:
Council Staff
If you would like Council Staff to assist you with lodging your application, fill out this online form requesting an appointment at a mutually beneficial time. Or you could phone 8862 0800 or email development@wrc.sa.gov.au and request an appointment.
Please be aware that we have limited staff and we may not be available to meet with you at your nominated time so please have some alternative times available. If you present to the office without an appointment we may not be able to assist you at that time and you may be asked to come back another time.
SA Planning Portal
The Portal has heaps on information and guides available to assist you navigate the new system.
PlanSA Helpline
For all enquiries about the Planning and Design Code, please phone the new PlanSA Helpline on 1800 752 664
Out of hours assistance
You can also email Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure (DPTI) staff at dpti.plansa@sa.gov.au
For any further advice on these matters, please contact Council's Planning and Building staff on 8862 0800, or email development@wrc.sa.gov.au