How to have your say

When you have your say on a notified development application, it’s called submitting a representation.

See current notified developments

You can submit your representation online through the above link, or directly to the planning authority, so long as it is submitted in writing.

Who can have a say

The way a development is notified is determined by its category/classification and any exclusions in the Planning and Design Code.

Developments lodged under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 that have been prescribed as Impact Assessed in regulations, or declared as Impact Assessed by the Minister.

How it is notified

The general public are notified about the development by newspaper advertisement and by publishing information on PlanSA.

Who can submit a representation

Any interested person can have a say on the development.

Other ways to get involved

Any interested person can attend a public information session about the development which must be held during the public notification period.

Developments lodged by a state agency under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 that are $10 million in value in more.

How it is notified

The general public are notified about the development by newspaper advertisement and by publishing information on PlanSA.

In some cases, a sign is also placed on the proposed development site.

Who can submit a representation

Any interested person can have a say on notified Crown development.

Other ways to get involved

Anyone that has submitted a representation can attend the meeting where a decision is made for the development.

They may also request to speak at the meeting and must be heard by the panel.

Developments lodged under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 that are classified as Restricted in the Planning and Design Code.

How it is notified

The general public are notified about the development by publishing information on PlanSA.

A sign is also placed on the proposed development site and affected neighbours are notified in writing by letter or registered email.

Who can submit a representation

Any interested person can have a say on the development within 20 business days after the notice is first made.

Other ways to get involved

Anyone that has submitted a representation can attend the meeting where a decision on the development is made.

They may also request to speak at the meeting and must be heard by the panel.

Developments lodged under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 that are classified as Performance Assessed (including outline consent applications) may require notification.

How it is notified

The general public are notified about the development by placing a sign on the proposed site.

Neighbours within 60 metres of the proposed development are also notified in writing by letter or registered email.

Who can submit a representation

Any interested person can have a say on the development within 15 business days after the notice is first made.

Other ways to get involved

The planning authority may invite those who have submitted a representation, and expressed a desire to be heard before the panel, to attend the meeting where a decision on the development is made. This is at the discretion of the relevant panel.

Applications lodged prior to implementation of the Planning and Design Code

The following public notification categories from the Development Act 1993 continue to apply to development applications lodged prior to the commencement of the Planning and Design Code.

Developments lodged under the Development Act 1993 that have been declared as major by the Minister.

How it is notified

The general public are notified about the development by newspaper advertisement and by publishing information on PlanSA.

Who can submit a representation

Any interested person can have a say on the development within the prescribed period on the notice.

Other ways to get involved

Anyone who is interested can attend a public information session about the development.

The session must be held during the public notification period.

Developments lodged by a state agency under the Development Act 1993 that are $4 million in value or more.

How it is notified

The general public are notified about the development by newspaper advertisement and by publishing information on PlanSA.

Who can submit a representation

Any interested person can have a say on the development within the prescribed period on the notice.

Other ways to get involved

Anyone that has submitted a representation can attend the meeting where a decision on the development is made.

They may also request to speak at the meeting and must be heard by the panel.

Developments lodged under the Development Act 1993 that are classified Category 3 in the relevant council development plan.

How it is notified

The general public are notified about the development by newspaper advertisement and by publishing information on PlanSA.

Affected neighbours are also notified in writing about the proposed development.

Who can submit a representation

Any interested person can have a say on the development within 10 business days after the notice is first made.

Other ways to get involved

Anyone that has submitted a representation can attend the meeting where a decision on the development is made.

They may also request to speak at the meeting and must be heard by the panel.

Developments lodged under the Development Act 1993 that are classified as Category 2 in the relevant council development plan.

How it is notified

Affected neighbours are notified in writing about the proposed development.

Who can submit a representation

Only affected neighbours who have been notified can have a say on the development within 10 business days after receiving a letter.

Other ways to get involved

Affected neighbours who submitted a representation can attend the meeting where a decision on the development is made.

They may also request to speak at the meeting which is at the discretion of the relevant panel.

How to submit a representation


  1. When you submit a representation, your comments must relate to planning matters only such as noise, overlooking or safety.

    Make sure you read through all documentation provided with the application to fully understand potential planning impacts.

    Current public notices

  2. Your representation must be submitted through an approved form which can be completed digitally or as a printed paper copy.

    A representation form is available for each application that is on public notification.

    For some applications, the form is also attached to a letter sent to affected residents.

    For a representation to be valid, it must:

    • be in writing
    • outline the reasons for the representation
    • include your name and address
    • state if you wish to speak at the hearing where they will make a decision about the development. If you are unsure if you wish to attend, then please say yes.
  3. After completing your representation form, you need to provide it to the relevant authority for consideration.

    If you are submitting your representation digitally, it will automatically be sent to the relevant authority via the Development Application Processing (DAP) system.

    If you are submitting your representation in hardcopy , provide this to the relevant authority of the application by post, email or in person.

    The relevant authority is noted on the representation form and may be a council assessment panel or the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP).

    For SCAP applications, send your representation to:

    • Email: scapreps@sa.gov.au
    • Post: The Secretary, State Commission Assessment Panel, GPO Box 1815, Adelaide SA 5001
    • In person: State Commission Assessment Panel, Level 10, 83 Flinders Street, Adelaide
  4. All representations submitted are public information, including your name and address.

    If you have any concerns about details being published, contact the relevant authority for the application. This may be a council assessment panel or the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP).

    Valid representations:

    • are forwarded to the applicant to give them the opportunity to respond before a decision
    • may be published for a time on the PlanSA portal as part of the decision-making process for the development.