Recently DCI had a discussion with a client over the difference between planning approval and building approval. Our client was under the impression these were the same approval process however these two approval types have different processes, applications and outcomes depending on your type of development.
What is Planning Approval?
Planning approval, or development approval, is an assessment of the proposed use, activity or development of land or property. The development assessment process is usually concerned over the impacts of the proposed use, on-site activities or development upon the surrounding land uses and neighbouring properties, and seeks to ensure they are in harmony with surrounding uses. Council’s planning scheme identifies what uses and development should be located where and the scale and intensity of such development.
Council’s planning scheme also identified the level of assessment required for different land uses and development types. Planning approvals are categorised as either:
Accepted development – the use, activity or development that is considered compliant and accepted for the land use zone and do not required development approval.
Code assessment – the use, activity or development is generally acceptable however needs to demonstrate compliance with the relevant codes. This assessment type will require a development but does not require public notification.
Impact assessment – the use, activity or development is likely to have impacts to the surrounding area and needs to demonstrate compliance against the entire planning scheme. This assessment type will require a development application and will require public notification. Depending on the development type, other specialist reports may be required such as traffic impact assessments, acoustics, or environmental impact assessments.
Planning or development approval is undertaken by a certified Town Planner, such as DCI & Associates.
What is Building Approval?
Building approval, or building certification, refers to the construction activities of the proposed use or development and whether the end result complies with the relevant standards, codes and acts for building and plumbing/water works.
Building approvals are assessed against the Building Code of Australia and relevant state plumbing and building regulations. These approvals are necessary to ensure and control the safety of structures, and are usually undertaken by private certifiers, although some council’s still offer this service. Building approvals depend on the type of structure, for example a residential house will look at different aspects compared to a multistorey commercial of mixed used building. Common aspects usually assessed under a building approval can include:
Sewerage, plumbing and drainage of the building.
The buildings structural integrity.
Appropriate fire safety and pest protection.
The general safety of the building.
Building approval or certification is undertaken by accredited private building certifiers.
Does my Development Need Approval?
Depending on your development, you may require approval under both processes however each application is separate.
If your development will involve construction activities, then building approval is
a must to ensure the works are completed to standard and are safe for use. For additional information contact an accredited private certifier.
If your development involves a change in the intensity and scale of the use, or a change in use, then planning approval may be required according to the relevant planning scheme.
To see if your development requires planning approval, contact DCI & Associates.