Frequently Asked Questions - Building & Development
Using the new PlanSA Portal
I’ve made a PlanSA account but I am having difficulty logging in can you please help me?
- Go to the PlanSA website and click on the login button
- When it asks if you are a relevant authority click on ‘I Am NOT the Relevant Authority’
- Your username is in the format of first name (dot) last name e.g. jane.smith
- Enter your password - If you can’t remember your password click forgot password to reset.
- If you are still having issues please contact PlanSA on 1800 752 664.
Encumbrance
Where an Encumbrance exists on the subject land, and as a result any development that occurs on land is bound by the agreement requires pre-approval by the Encumbrance Manager. You will need to seek approval from encumbrance manager if you want to do something outside of encumbrance parameters. Please forward the approved encumbrance plans to Council with your application.
How high can I build my fence?
You can build your fence 2.1m high without requiring development approval, however if it is a masonry fence it can be built a maximum of 1m without development approval.
Do I need approval?
Have a look at the approval wizard on PlanSA in the first instance if you think it is minor – if you still aren’t sure Contact Council on 1300 785 277
What size shed can I build before I need development approval?
Your garden shed can be a maximum of 15 square metres with a maximum span (width) of 3m. Please visit the Approval Wizard on the PlanSA Website for further details.
I’m looking at buying a property what do I need to consider?
Have a look at the zoning of the property, if there are any easements, land management agreements or heritage agreements registered on the CT. ( South Australian Property Mapping - https://sappa.plan.sa.gov.au/). Is there/ how is my water supply and wastewater managed from the allotment?
What water supply do I have at Wellington East?
Allotments at Wellington East either have access to the non-potable water supply or your own rainwater tanks will be required for a new dwelling with a minimum capacity of 50,000L under the Planning and Design Code as there is only non-potable or no water access to these allotments.
Do I need approval for my rainwater tanks?
Have a look at the approval wizard on PlanSA - https://plan.sa.gov.au/
in the first instance – if you still aren’t sure Contact Council on 1300 785 277
How much will it cost to lodge my application?
PDF Link - https://plan.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/686087/New_Fees_and_Charges_at_a_Glance.pdf
I want to know more information about zoning and policy that applies to my property where can I find out more info?
If unsure in understanding this information please contact the Development and Environmental Services Team.
Where can I find out details about an encumbrance on my property?
You can contact the real estate agent if the property is for sale or alternatively you can purchase copies of them from the Lands Titles Office.
Where can I find out details about an easements on my property?
You can contact the real estate agent if the property is for sale or alternatively you can enquire with the easement holder.
Does council enforce Encumbrances?
Only council others you need to seek approval from encumbrance manager if you want to do something outside of encumbrance parameters.
I own a Rural Zoned Property how small can I sub-divde my allotment?
Land division is on a case by case basis however the minimum is 40 hectares and needs to relate to the use of the land.
Can I built a shed, or put a caravan on my property without a dwelling?
No this is not suitable in neighbourhood or settlement zones as it doesn’t meet amenity, it is against the Planning code, raises waste water issues if living on the land without appropriate controls etc (Exemptions on Rural Allotments - Yes you can build shed without dwelling but still required Development Approval).
Do I need approval for a shipping container?
Yes as this is a new structure to be placed on the land, an application will be required. It is also not appropriate to place a shipping container on neighbourhood or settlement zoned land without out a dwelling.
How long will my application take?
It depends if it’s a simple or complex application and if any external referrals are required to state government agencies. https://plan.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/565382/Fact_Sheet_-_Development_assessment_timeframes_in_the_new_planning_system.pdf
I am having problems setting up my account, paying an invoice, accessing my account, uploading documents who do I contact?
PlanSA – 1800 752 664.
What kind of consent do I require?
Generally most applications will require planning consent, building consent to gain development approval. If you are looking at a land use change only e.g using my property as a venue (no new structures) this would only require planning consent however most applications with a structure require planning, building to gain development approval.
What’s the difference between getting something approved by Councils Building Officer or Private Certifier?
In the end there is no difference, it’s up to you to choose if you would prefer for your application to be fully assessed by Council or separately (different relevant authority).
Do I need an energy efficiency report?
This is required for all habitable structures e.g. dwelling applications
I want to place a pre-used transportable home on my allotment do I require approval and what is required?
Yes you will require Development Approval from Council, Please note that a pre-used transportable will be required to meet todays Building Code of Australia Standards and will need to meet amenity standards in terms of Planning Consent. Council encourages applicants to have a pre-lodgement meeting prior to submission of application.
Can I place an ATCO hut on my land to be used as a dwelling.
Council discourages this as the requirements to bring it up to the BCA and meet amenity requirements for planning are extensive. Applicants will find that they will have difficulty in getting approval due to the legislative requirement they will need to meet for the ATCO hut to be classed as a dwelling.
Can I build a dwelling from a shipping container?
Council discourages this as the requirements to bring it up to the BCA and meet amenity requirements for planning are extensive. Applicants may find that they will have difficulty in getting approval due to the legislative requirement they will need to meet for the shipping container to be classed as a dwelling. Unless if you have the knowledge or assistance from someone who can transform a shipping container into a dwelling to meet amenity (making the shipping container look like a suitable dwelling to live in) and meet the Building Code of Australia or you are engaging a company that can provide a suitable shipping container home. Council advises enquiring or meeting with Development Staff prior to putting in an application for a shipping container home.
Can I submit an application for wastewater without a dwelling on the land?
No as a part of the assessment process we will need to know where the dwelling is going and the capacity of occupants for the proposed dwelling will determine the appropriate septic tank required.
What documentation do I need to submit an application?
You will require a site plan, elevations, Certificate or Title,
On the site plans include:
- the dimensions and boundaries of the site;
- the existing structures on the site and identifying the use
- the location and size of the proposed development
- the distances from the proposed development to other structures on site, the property boundaries and the location of any easements
- the levels and slope of the site
- the finished floor levels (to be in AHD) including any amount of cut/fill if required
- the method of drainage and the direction of any stormwater flows or any other works associated with the management of water
- the location and nature of any proposed or existing effluent disposal systems
- the approximate north point
- the access to the site
For the full list of documents please see the below checklist:
Planning Checklist
Building Checklist
if it is a more complicated application such as including a new or change in land use please contact Council for advice.
What do I need to include on my wastewater application?
Site plan, underfloor plumbing, connection to CWMS or soakage system including distances to other structures. Add more relevant info (link fact sheet https://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/523905/Wastewater-application-information-sheet.pdf
How far away can I build from my septic system?
You need to be 2.5m away from the septic system and you can’t build over an aerobic system area.
Can I build a front fence?
Yes you can build a front fence unless if you have an encumbrance or easement that is in the way or does not allow you too.