About the Planning Application Process
Planning affects all residents and property owners in relation to developing and use of a property, and Council as the Planning Authority administers this through the Tasmanian Planning Scheme – Tasman. The Planning Scheme along with the Local Provision Schedule is available to view by following this link to the Tasmanian Planning Commission’s website: https://tpso.planning.tas.gov.au/tpso/external/tasmanian-planning-scheme
Planning approval is required for most types of use and/or development. This includes new dwellings and outbuildings, change of use to visitor accommodation (air bnb), additions / extensions to existing structures as well as subdivisions and boundary adjustments.
To find out the zone of a property or if there are any codes that apply to a property, please visit PlanBuild Tasmania initially, this site will provide this information for you. There is also an option to “start an enquiry”, this service will ask a series of questions which will provide guidance of what approvals you may need to apply for, who to consult, who can do the work etc. This is a direct link to “start an enquiry” which will provide the basic information on applicable zone and codes, and then below that, the enquiry options: https://portal.planbuild.tas.gov.au/external/enquiry.
The development and use of land falls into one of four categories:
Permitted
The proposal is listed as Permitted in the Use Table of the applicable zone and it complies with all relevant Acceptable Solutions in the zone and any applicable codes. Council has to approve a permitted development but it can impose such conditions it deems necessary having regard to the matters Council may take into consideration. (e.g. the Scheme)
Discretionary
The proposal is listed as Discretionary in the Use Table of the applicable zone and/or it does not comply with all relevant Acceptable Solutions in the zone and any applicable codes, a Discretionary proposal must at a minimum meet all applicable Performance Criteria as opposed to the Acceptable Solutions. Discretionary applications must be publicly advertised by Council for a period of 14 days, during that time any third party may submit a representation to Council for consideration. Council may approve or refuse (with reasons) the application and with any approval it may impose such conditions it deems necessary having regard to the matters Council may take into consideration. (e.g. the Scheme)
Further information regarding the public advertising: Requires a 14 day advertising period and is advertised in the Public Notices section of The Mercury newspaper, a site notice is placed at each public frontage to the property, a copy of the site notice is displayed at the Council office foyer and letters are sent to adjoining property owners. Council also place a redacted copy of the proposal on our website and may place a copy of the Mercury advert on our Facebook page. Any resident or property owner has the right of input into Council’s deliberations by making representation when a development is advertised. If you do not agree with a decision which Council issues you can lodge an appeal with the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Prohibited
The proposal is listed as Prohibited in the Use Table of the applicable zone, or it does not comply with all relevant Performance criteria of the zone or any applicable codes. This means that Council shall refuse the application.
No Permit Required
The proposal is listed as No Permit Required in the Use Table of the applicable zone and complies with all relevant Applicable Solutions in the zone and any applicable codes. Whilst no planning permit is required, an application must still be submitted to Council for assessment.
To view planning applications that are currently being advertised, please view this page Advertised Applications