Planning Consent, without the headaches
Planning Consent is the first big approval hurdle for most building projects in South Australia. It’s where your project is checked against the planning rules for your area, things like how big it is, how high it is, how close it sits to the boundaries and how it looks from the street.
What is Planning Consent?
According to PlanSA, Planning Consent is needed for development that may have a planning impact on the surrounding area, such as new homes, building extensions, changing how land is used or removing significant trees. It’s usually granted by your local council or an accredited professional, and occasionally the State Planning Commission.
What gets assessed
Your application is assessed against the Planning and Design Code, which sets the rules for each zone across South Australia. Depending on your zone and any overlays, assessors may look at:
- Building height and number of storeys
- Setbacks from boundaries and the street
- Site coverage and private open space
- Car parking and driveway access
- Overlooking and overshadowing of neighbours
- Heritage, character or other special area rules
How we help
We check your site early
Before we finish your design, we look at the zone and overlays that apply to your property, so the design meets the rules from the start.
We prepare your planning drawings
Clear, accurate drawings reduce the chance of requests for more information.
We lodge through PlanSA
We submit your application through the PlanSA portal on your behalf.
We manage the process
If the assessor has questions or asks for changes, we respond and update the plans for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my project need Planning Consent?+
Most new homes, extensions and granny flats do, but some minor works don’t. We’ll tell you what your project needs.
Will my neighbours be notified?+
Some applications require public notification, depending on how they’re assessed. We’ll let you know if yours does.
What happens if my application is refused?+
We’ll talk you through your options, which may include changing the design and reapplying.
