In this guide
An assessment pathway determines the authority, timeframe and rigour of a development’s assessment.
The assessment pathway for a development depends on the potential impact of the development and its complexity.
Which assessment pathways apply
Assessment pathways are set out by the new Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.
Development can be either:
- exempt
- accepted
- Code assessed
- impact assessed
Exempt development
Exempt development are minor projects that don't require any approval, for example a new fence or a garden shed.
PlanSA's approval wizard helps determine which developments are exempt at your property.
Use the wizard to find out if you need approval
Accepted development
Accepted developments are minor projects that need to be structurally sound, for example a carport or a shop fit-out.
Accepted development also includes:
- detached homes in Master Planned Neighbourhood and Master Planned Township zones that meet set planning requirements
- temporary accommodation in designated areas for seasonal and essential infrastructure workers
- temporary accommodation for people affected by flooding.
Accepted development only requires building consent as part of its approval. No planning consent is required.
Exempt and Accepted development flowchart (PDF, 181 KB)
Code assessed development
Development that is assessed against policies within the Planning and Design Code. There are two possible pathways for development.
Code assessed development flowchart (PDF, 165 KB)
Deemed-to-satisfy
Deemed-to-satisfy developments are straightforward and envisaged for their proposed location. For example, a new house in a residential zone
For a development to be Deemed-to-satisfy, it must meet all criteria set out by the Planning and Design Code.
These developments are fast-tracked through the assessment process and cannot be refused approval. The decision-maker also must grant approval after five business days of assessment.
Performance assessed
Performance assessed developments are generally more complex in nature but envisaged for their proposed location. For example, a multi storey building with ground floor retail in a mixed use zone.
Performance assessed developments are assessed on their merit against the policies within the Planning and Design Code.
These developments may involve public notification or referrals as part of their assessment.
Impact assessed development
Impact assessed developments require thorough assessment to ensure that their potential impacts are well understood and considered. There are two possible pathways for development.
Impact assessed development flowchart (PDF, 172 KB)
Restricted
A restricted classification generally applies to development that warrants consideration of strategic implications and impacts or requires detailed investigations and assessment beyond that provided through the performance assessed pathway.
Restricted development is defined by the Planning and Design Code and assessed by the State Planning Commission as the relevant authority.
Restricted development fact sheet (PDF, 227 KB)
Restricted development flowchart (PDF, 85 KB)
Impact assessed
Impact assessed developments are declared as major projects by the Minister for Planning (the Minister) and are considered to be of state significance.
For example, a new marina in a coastal town or a foundry.
These developments require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which analyses possible environmental, social or economic impacts and how they will be managed.
All impact assessed developments are assessed by the Department on behalf of the Minister.
