Understanding Adelaide’s Development Approval Process

Anyone living in or considering buying real estate in Adelaide may at some point wish to add value to their property by altering buildings or landscapes. However, there are many regulations that should be adhered to and homeowners need to understand the council’s development approval process.

Making large or small changes to a property can affect the rest of the community. As a result of this, the council requires planning and building approval before alterations can commence.

The process takes into account a number of concerns prior to allowing any intended improvements to residential, investment and commercial properties.

Alterations may include demolishing and adding to a building or damaging a regulated tree on any piece of land.

Changing a building or property  can impact the enjoyment of nearby residents of property in Adelaide by overshadowing or blocking a view and is assessed accordingly.

Heritage buildings and charming architecture are both historically and aesthetically important for the city and planning assessment looks to protect the character of buildings, streets and even whole localities.

Preventing over utilisation of the land is also given attention, as preserving Adelaide’s natural environment becomes a greater concern for residents and the wider community.

The development approval process is designed with the foresight of protecting the liveability and desirability of Adelaide as a city well into the future.

For information on how to prepare a development application visit the Adelaide City Council website.