On this page you will find information about:
Obtaining building rules consent
How an application is processed
Application forms and fees
Obtaining building rules consent
Development that involves construction, or buildings and structures, requires building rules consent. Some examples include:
- building a house
- garage
- commercial buildings such as offices, shops and schools
- other buildings and structures such as swimming pools, retaining walls and fences.
Consent is considered by a building surveyor who assesses the application against the technical requirements of the Building Code of Australia, Minister's Specifications and any relevant Australian Standards. Together with the Development Regulations 2008 these are known as the Building Rules and they cover issues such as:
- structural adequacy
- fire safety
- health and amenity
- equitable access for people with disabilities
- energy efficiency.
Once assessment against the development plan and the building rules have taken place, and these consents have been granted the final development approval is issued by the council. The building work and/or change in land use can then proceed. Details of whether further approvals are required may be obtained from the relevant council.
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How an application is processed
Building consent can be issued by either council or a private certifier. A private certifier is an independent practitioner registered by the state government to carry out building rules consent and can be selected at the applicant’s discretion. Applications can be made direct to the council or to the private certifier.
For projects that are situated in out of council areas, the Building Policy Branch in the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure carries out the building rules assessment on behalf of the Development Assessment Commission. The Building Policy Branch review the relevant technical standards and provisions in the Building Rules to ensure compliance with South Australian conditions.
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Application forms and fees
Each council has their own application forms. Council fees are based on Schedule 6 of the Development Regulations and private certifiers charge their own fee for service.
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More information
On this site
Submitting development applications
Using a private certifier
Other websites
Local Government Association of South Australia
Australian Building Codes Board
Standards Australia
Development Assessment Commission