South Australia’s new planning and development system is now live!

The State Government’s new planning system has now officially launched.

From 19 March 2021, the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (PDI Act) replaces the Development Act 1993 bringing into effect a single source of state-wide planning rules for simpler, clearer and more consistent zoning policy via the Planning and Design Code and ePlanning platform.

The implementation of the Code across the entire state is a major milestone for planning and development in South Australia.

All South Australians can now lodge and track development applications online, search property zoning, find an accredited professional, review development rules, make payments, submit information, and track major projects and development activity across the state.

In preparing and delivering the Code, the State Planning Commission and Attorney-General's Department sought to reflect the contributions of the South Australian community, local councils, development sector and a range of professional bodies and interest groups who made invaluable suggestions on how the draft Code could be improved.

The Code reflects and focusses on significant areas of reform including:

  • lifting the bar on the quality of infill development
  • protecting our character and heritage
  • protecting native vegetation
  • promoting ‘value adding’ in rural areas.

Additionally, the Commission has endeavoured to lay the framework for more complex issues including climate change adaption and mitigation, as well as economic restructuring, investment clusters and agglomeration.

The new planning system will be fully monitored to ensure it operates as effectively as possible. The Code Amendment process will ensure the Code and the planning system is responsive to shape generational change, and continue to position South Australia as a leader in planning and development.

Following recommendations from the Commission, contained in the Engagement Report, the Minister has approved the new Code.

The full Engagement Report (PDF, 40.4 MB) along with a Summary (PDF, 14.0 MB)— highlighting key areas of feedback and recommended changes to the Phase Three (Urban Areas) Planning and Design Code—is now available.

In addition, a Guide to the Code (PDF, 2.1 MB) and a variety of Factsheets and FAQs (see below) have been released as part of the suite of resources to help South Australians understand the Code and new planning policies.

Also available is a detailed schedule of education and training sessions that will help users of the new system understand how to use the ePlanning system and lodge a development application.

For more information fill out the online support request form or call the PlanSA Service Desk on 1800 752 664.

Documents

If you can't find a document, try searching PlanSA's resources library.

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