Planning Advice and Pre-Lodgement Meetings
Planning Advice can be provided for general questions about development proposals including:
- What is the zone of my property?
- What is the minimum lot size for a subdivision?
- What are the minimum setbacks for dwelling houses and outbuildings?
- Is a development application required?
- What information is required as part of a development application?
- What are the possible development application fees?
- How will the development assessment process work?
Your Planning Advice response will be provided in the same form as it is received being over the phone, via email or in writing.
In the instance where your proposal is more complex, a Pre-Lodgement Meeting may be requested. Pre-Lodgement Meetings are intended to:
- Confirm council approval requirements (planning scheme, policies, local laws)
- Identify council information requirements (additional studies)
- Identify need for referral to other agencies
- Identify design issues that will need to be addressed based on a preliminary assessment
- Explore possible solutions to those issues, and
- Provide clarity about the assessment process and potential timeframes.
A Pre-Lodgement Meeting Response will be provided in writing after the meeting is held.
Please Note: Depending on your request, Council may change the type of advice given based upon the information provided (ie, a request for a Pre-lodgement Meeting may result in Planning Advice only). Council is unable to predetermine the outcome of any development application. Development applications are assessed on their individual merits and a detailed assessment of individual proposals is not available.
The views expressed are an officer's opinion based on the information provided and relevant to the frameworks at that time. Lodgement of a development application in the future may raise other issues not considered and therefore the advice given does not bind council in any way when considering a future development application.
How to lodge a request?
REQUEST TYPE | METHOD | HOW TO SUBMIT | AVAILABILITY | PROCESSING TIMEFRAME |
---|---|---|---|---|
Planning Advice | In writing | Visit council's online customer service portal and lodge a Planning Advice enquiry form. | 24 hours a day 7 days a week | Please allow up to 10 business days for a response in writing. |
Planning Advice | Phone | By calling 1300 622 529 and requesting to submit a Planning Advice enquiry. | Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays and council closures), between 8:30am and 4:30pm. | Please allow up to 2 business days for a phone response. |
Pre-lodgement Meeting Request | In writing by completing the Pre-lodgement Meeting Request form. | Email to development.services | Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays and council closures), between 8:30am and 4:30pm. | Council will arrange a meeting within two-three business days upon receipt. A Pre-lodgement Meeting Response will be provided within 10 business days of the meeting. |