If you're planning any of the following, you may need a planning permit.
- Buying or renovating a residential property (extensions, decks, sheds, garages)
- Building a second dwelling or units
- Buying or leasing a property to run a business
- Developing or redeveloping a commercial or industrial property
- Working from or running a business from home
Two important things not to assume:
- That you can run a business on a property just because one already operates there
- That no permit is needed simply because no building work is involved
Two types of planning permit:
Permitted — Council must grant the permit (with or without conditions) within 28 days.
Discretionary — The application must be advertised publicly (newspaper, on-site notices, and notices to neighbours), allowing 14 days for people to submit their support or objections. Council then decides within 42 days whether to approve (with or without conditions) or refuse the application.
Not sure which applies to you, or whether you even need a permit? Talk to a planner — it’s the safest way to check before you commit to anything.
Unsure what something on this page means? Check out Our Glossary.