Guide

Why you need approval

In this guide


If you’re planning a development, you may need to apply for approval before you get started.

Getting approval ensures that development is appropriate for where it is proposed and constructed in a safe and compliant way.

Do I need approval?

Types of development that usually need approval are:

  • building work and construction
  • changing a land use, for example an office to a shop
  • altering land boundaries, for example subdividing land into two
  • advertising

Exempt developments

Some projects at home are not considered 'development' and are exempt from needing approval. For example, a small garden shed, fence or water tank.

You can check if these projects need approval at your property by entering your address into PlanSA's approval wizard.

Use the wizard to find out if you need approval