Simpler, Faster, Cheaper Planning Approvals ' The New Residential Development Code

South Australia has entered into a new era in planning approvals following the introduction of the new Residential Development Code.

The Code has been developed following an extensive three-month consultation period of a draft code involving the public, industry and local government in 2008.

With the first stage of the new Code now effective, one of the benefits will be simpler, faster and cheaper planning and building approvals for home construction and renovation.

It is estimated that as a result of these changes as many as 50% of all residential development applications received in South Australia will be processed faster after the changes, saving South Australians time, money and worry.

The changes are part of the Government's Planning Reform package aimed at ensuring that South Australia has the most competitive pricing and development system in Australasia. It has also been designed to ensure that our lifestyle and sustainability is maintained.

As part of the changes there has been an expansion of the categories for complying development, by essentially providing a 'tick-box' assessment for a proposal against a set series of criteria know as 'Performance Controls'. These include issues such as location, height, setback and site coverage.

So if you are looking at renovating your home or wanting to build a new one please look at the links below to see how the new Code makes things simpler, faster and cheaper for you in seeking planning and building approvals.

Register of full Residential Development Code Areas determined by the Minister

Commencing from the 2 July 2009, Pursuant to the Development Regulations 2008, the Minister, by notice in the Government Gazette, has identified determined areas for the purposes of Complying Development – Regulation 8A and Schedule 4.

A register of the determined areas is available here:

Chronology of Regulation 8A and Schedule 4 Gazetted Notices