The Development Application Process

The various stages and key steps involved in the Development Application process are summarised below.

The Application Process - Stages and Key Steps

  1. Pre-Application Consultation
    1. Obtain the DA Information Package from Council
    2. Read the Help Guide in the DA Information Package
    3. Discuss your proposal with the Duty Planner; arrange a meeting with the Pre-lodgement meeting if appropriate
    4. What applications are required?  See the Help Guide in the DA Information package
  2. Preparation and Lodgement of application and Initial administration
    1. Complete all required forms and checklists – see the Help Guide
    2. Include owner’s consent and all required fees – see the Fee Schedule in the DA Information Package
    3. Ensure all required information is included, eg Statement of Environmental Effects and sets of plans – see the Help Guide in the DA Information Package
    4. Lodge with Duty Planner (preferred), or by mail
    5. Council reviews the information provided, advises you of contact details and any additional information needed
  3. Referrals and Public Notification
    1. Adjoining owners notified, sign erected on land, newspaper notice if required
    2. External referrals, eg. RTA, NPWS
    3. Internal referrals, eg. engineering, environmental health
    4. Submissions from public and internal/ external referrals received
  4. Assessment
    1. Site inspection, planning assessment (Section 79C EP&A Act)
    2. Liaison with applicant if required
    3. Report prepared recommending either approval (with conditions) or refusal (with reasons)
  5. Determination
    1. Decision by Council officer under delegation, or by Councillors at a formal meeting, in which case you may address the meeting if you wish.
    2. Formal notices to applicant, people who made submissions and in newspaper
  6. Development commencement
    1. Construction Certificate before work commences, issued either by Council (Building Certification Unit) or Private Certifier
    2. 2 days notice to Council before commencement
    3. Inspections during construction either by Council (Building Certification Unit) or Private Certifier
    4. Final inspection, all conditions satisfied
    5. Occupation certificate issued