Home renovations are becoming more popular and a great way to add more value to your property without spending too much and doing it yourself.
When it comes to making changes to your dwelling, you need to be aware that some changes may require planning approval from the local council authority. Planning approvals include material change of use (increase in size or scale, or change or use), reconfiguration of lot (subdivision), operational works (clearing or cut/fill), or building works (building, repairing, altering, underpinning, moving or demolishing a building or other structure e.g. a retaining wall).
Please note that planning approval is different to building approval and the majority of building/structural changes will require certification from a third party building certifier.
The following items may require planning or development approval from Council before you start:
Setbacks: this refers to the distance between your dwelling and the property boundary. Every planning scheme identifies the minimum setbacks to the front, side and rear boundaries. If you go within this boundary you will need approval. This could be a deck extension, new garage or room.
Height/storeys: the height of your dwelling and the number of storeys is also regulated by Council. If you are raising your dwelling or adding another storey then you should check the planning scheme as you may need approval depending on your land zoning classification.
Building size: if you’re putting in a new structure or building that supports the main dwelling but isn’t for someone to live in, like a shed, the size may require consideration from Council. These structures are referred to as domestic outbuildings.
Granny flat: if you’re extending your main dwelling to include a granny flat (referred to as a secondary dwelling), some Councils require these to be approved, while some allow them without approval as long as you comply with their conditions. If you don’t comply then approval is needed. This is a common question DCI regularly receives.
Character areas: buildings in character or traditional areas e.g. pre-war areas are required to retain the same character and design of the area. Any extensions or changes to the dwelling need to match the surrounding area and design of the dwelling. Most of the time this will require a building works development application for Council to review the design and style of the renovation.
Heritage place: most of the time I advise to avoid heritage listed properties and dwellings as you pretty much need approval to change the roll of the toilet paper. Heritage listed properties need to remain as original as possible so any proposed renovation would likely need planning approval.
Vegetation clearing: this applies to any type of development; if the proposed change or renovation requires native vegetation to be removed then it is worth checking to see if planning approval (in this case operational works) is required.
If you have any concerns over your renovation then best to check with DCI & Associates to see if you need planning approval. We can guide you in what Council require and assist preparing the required town planning reports and development applications.
If your looking to purchase a property or thinking of developing your own, and would like to know the development potential, purchase our Development Potential Report to know what is possible and the approvals required (refer to our home page for more information).