What is development approval?
Development approval is the legal document confirming assessment of a development has been completed and approved by the relevant authorities and allows for the development to be undertaken. There are a number of steps involved in the development assessment process, as outlined below:
Planning Rules Consent
Planning assessment is the first stage of the development approval process. Planning consent is issued once an application has been submitted to the relevant council and the planner has assessed it against the Development Plan for the local area. The application will be processed in accordance with any procedural requirements set out in the Development Act and Development Regulations. Every council has their own Development Plan with their own set of rules.
Building Rules Consent
The Building Rules assessment considers whether the building satisfies technical building requirements and will be structurally sound, as assessed against the Building Code of Australia and any other applicable Australian Standards. Among many things, the Building Rules Consent covers the areas relating to structural adequacy, fire safety, health and amenity, equitable access for people with disabilities and energy efficiency.
Building Rules Consent can be undertaken by the area council where the development will be built, or by a private certifier. Blackbird Industries submit most applications to a private certifier to assist with speeding up the approval process.