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Development assessment process

If you intend to carry out any form of development, you must lodge a development application and receive development approval.

A development approval is made up of planning consent and building consent.

Once both planning consent and building consent are granted, the Council is able to issue a development approval.

Planning Assessment

Planning assessment is the first stage of the development approval process. Applications are assessed against the provisions of the Planning and Design Code (or Development Plan for applications lodged prior to 19 March 2020).

The planning assessment process ensures that development:

  • Results in the appropriate use of the land within a particular zone.
  • Enhances or is in keeping with the appearance and surroundings of the area.

Lodging for planning consent, building consent and development approval simultaneously allows Council to assess the application at the same time and assists in ensuring consistency between approvals.

Building Rules Assessment

Building rules assessment is the second stage of the development approval process and involves the assessment of building plans for compliance with the Building Code of Australia, various Australian Standards, the South Australian Housing Code and other relevant Council and state requirements.

Building rules assessments involve the surveying of plans for compliance with the following matters:

  • Structural adequacy
  • Fire safety
  • Health and amenity
  • Energy efficiency
  • Access for people with disabilities

When lodging a development application you can elect to have your building rules assessment undertaken and approved by either a private building certifier or through Council's building department.

Encompassing a broad range of skills and expertise, the City of Marion's building department assesses over 1500 development applications for building rules compliance each year and can offer a one stop shop for your development applications.

Further Information

For further Information on the development application process for all applications lodged from 19 March 2021, please visit Getting approval | PlanSA.