A-Z Glossary

A planning standard that, if met, means a development application is automatically "permitted" and does not require further assessment or discretion by Council.

Accessibility means ensuring that all people — regardless of age, ability, or background — can use and benefit from council spaces, services, and information. It includes things like step-free access to buildings, readable signage, accessible website design, and inclusive community engagement.

Any form of transport that involves physical activity, such as walking or cycling.

A property or parcel of land that directly shares a boundary with another property.

Any form of transport that involves physical activity, such as walking or cycling.

A formal change to a planning scheme, which sets the rules for how land can be used and developed.

The pleasant or useful qualities of an area that make it enjoyable to live or visit (e.g. parks, good lighting, quiet streets).

A council-owned infrastructure like roads, parks, and community buildings.

A legal agreement or contract that both parties must follow (often used in land use or development contexts).

The variety of living things—plants, animals, and microorganisms—in a particular area. Councils often work to protect local biodiversity through conservation and land management.

A defined parcel of land identified in property and planning documents.

The legal edges of a property or parcel of land.

Approval issued by a building surveyor confirming that proposed building work meets the Building Code of Australia and relevant regulations. Separate from a planning permit.

Any form of transport that involves physical activity, such as walking or cycling.

A document that outlines the justification for undertaking a particular project or initiative. It typically includes the problem being solved, options considered, expected costs and benefits, risks, and a recommended course of action. Council uses business cases to ensure public money is spent wisely and that decisions are well-reasoned and transparent.

A local rule made by Council to manage specific issues in the community (e.g. parking, animals, public spaces). By-laws operate under the authority of the Local Government Act 1993 and have a maximum lifespan of 10 years.

Significant projects that involve the construction, upgrade, or renewal of physical assets — such as roads, footpaths, drains, parks, and public buildings. Capital works are funded through Council's budget and are planned in advance, often listed in the Annual Plan. Unlike routine maintenance, capital works generally result in a new or improved asset.

The part of a road designed and used for vehicle travel, excluding footpaths, nature strips, and kerbing. When Council refers to carriageway works, it typically means repairs or upgrades to the sealed or paved driving surface of a road.

A geographic area from which rainfall and stormwater naturally drain toward a common point, such as a creek, wetland, or stormwater system. Council manages infrastructure and land use within catchments to reduce flooding, erosion, and water pollution.

A network of security or monitoring cameras used to record activity in public spaces, Council facilities, or infrastructure such as stormwater pipes. In a drainage context, CCTV inspection involves sending a camera through underground pipes to assess their condition without digging.

A long-term plan developed with community input that sets out the vision and priorities for the area, typically covering 10 or more years.

The act of meeting legal requirements, Council by-laws, permit conditions, or planning standards. Council's compliance role involves investigating potential breaches — such as illegal building works, noise complaints, or unauthorised land use — and taking appropriate action to ensure rules are followed.

The process by which Council seeks input from the community, stakeholders, or affected parties before making a decision. This may include public exhibitions, surveys, community meetings, or written submissions. Consultation helps ensure that Council decisions reflect community needs and values.

See Alderman.

A formal application lodged with Council seeking approval to carry out a use or development on a property. Also called a planning permit application in Tasmania.

A document that provides detailed planning and design guidelines for specific types of development or areas within the municipality.

The authority given to Council staff (such as the General Manager) to make certain decisions on Council's behalf, without the matter needing to go to a full Council meeting.

A planning application that does not automatically meet all standards and must be advertised to the public for a 14-day period. Third parties (neighbours, community members) have the right to make representations and there is a right of appeal.

A legal right for a person, company, or authority to use part of a private property for a specific purpose — such as running water, sewer, or electrical infrastructure underground.

Development that meets the needs of the present community without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations.

The senior staff member responsible for the day-to-day administration of Council. Appointed by, and accountable to, the elected Council.

The body that acts as the planning authority for development applications within Glenorchy. Decisions are made under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993.

Recognition that a place, building, or area has cultural, historical, or architectural significance. Listed places may have restrictions on what changes can be made to them.

A framework that links Council's long-term Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, and Operational Plan to ensure consistent and accountable planning.

A designation in the planning scheme that indicates what types of activities and development are appropriate for a particular area (e.g. General Residential, Commercial, Industrial).

The geographic area administered by a local council. Glenorchy City Council is the LGA covering the City of Glenorchy.

The Glenorchy-specific part of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, which contains zoning maps, overlays, and local planning rules that apply alongside the statewide State Planning Provisions.

The elected head of Council, chosen by the community through a direct vote. The Mayor chairs Council meetings and acts as the public representative of the Council.

A formal proposal put forward at a Council meeting for debate and a vote.

A written notice submitted by an Alderman in advance of a Council meeting, requesting that a particular matter be discussed and voted on.

An annual plan that sets out the specific tasks and projects Council will undertake to deliver its Delivery Program commitments.

A layer on the planning scheme map that identifies areas subject to additional planning rules (e.g. flood prone land, heritage areas, bushfire prone areas, landslip hazard). Overlays apply on top of the base zone rules.

An alternative way to satisfy a planning standard when the Acceptable Solution cannot be met. A discretionary assessment is required, meaning the application must be advertised.

A type of development that meets all planning standards and can be approved without being advertised to the public or third-party appeal rights.

Formal approval from Council (as the Planning Authority) to carry out a specific use or development on a piece of land. Also referred to as a development application.

The set of rules and maps that control how land can be used and developed within the municipality. Glenorchy operates under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme – Glenorchy.

A payment (up to 5% of the unimproved land value) required from subdivisions to fund public parks and open space within the community.

The minimum number of Aldermen required to be present at a Council meeting for it to be legally valid and for decisions to be made.

The annual bill sent to property owners showing the rates (taxes) owed to Council based on the assessed value of their property.

Charges levied by Council on property owners to fund local services and infrastructure such as roads, waste collection, parks, and community facilities.

A written submission made by a member of the public during the advertising period of a discretionary planning application, either in support of or opposition to the proposal.

Land set aside (reserved) for road purposes, which may include the road itself, footpaths, nature strips, and underground services. Council manages activities within road reservations.

The statewide planning rules that form the foundation of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, covering zones, codes, definitions, and exemptions consistently across all Tasmanian councils.

The process of dividing one parcel of land into two or more separate lots, each capable of being sold individually. Requires a planning permit from Council.

An independent statutory authority that oversees Tasmania's planning system, including approving Local Provisions Schedules and hearing planning appeals.

The value of a property's land only, excluding any buildings or improvements on it. Used as the basis for calculating some rates and contributions.

A geographic division within a council area used for electoral purposes. Aldermen/Councillors may be elected to represent specific wards.