A good place to start is with the e-Planning Spatial Viewer.
Search the property you are interested in and gain an understanding of what zoning and planning controls apply to the land. The Spatial Viewer includes links to relevant planning controls and outlines some of the constraints that apply (bushfire, flooding etc.)
Types of development
Exempt development
Some development can be undertaken without approval. This is called ‘exempt development’. The State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (SEPP) outlines what development types are ‘exempt’ and what development types ‘complying development’.
Complying development
Complying development requires an approval from Council or a Private Certifier. Check whether the SEPP applies to your property via the Spatial Viewer and then determine whether your development proposal meets the exempt or complying criteria under the SEPP.
Development applications
If your development is not exempt or complying, check the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Environmental Plan 2011 to determine whether the development is permissible with consent and requires a Development Application.
Council has a Development Control Plan that outlines various controls that need to be considered when lodging a development application.
When preparing a development application it is recommended that you seek advice from industry professionals who are experienced in application requirements as there are often many factors that need to be taken into account and requirements vary from site to site. Industry professionals to consult may include building designers, architects, town planners, land surveyors, engineers, bushfire consultants, ecologists, flood consultants etc.
We provide advice on submitting an application. If you need further information, contact us on 6581 8111.