On this page:
Planning policies The South Australian Planning Policy Library Planning policy reform Guides and information resources Planning policies
Development plans contain policies that describe what kinds of development are appropriate in council areas and where they may occur.
The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure has developed a set of planning policies that are common to many development plans in South Australia.
The South Australian Planning Policy Library
The state's current planning policies are contained in the South Australian Planning Policy Library (PDF 6.9MB). For an alternative version of this document contact Department of Planning and Local Government.
The library encourages best practice policy application and a consistent development plan format across the state. It also makes it easier and faster for councils to update their development plans and for government agencies to assess proposed amendments.
The South Australian Planning Policy Library builds on and replaces the Better Development Plans Library, which was introduced in 2007.
The South Australian Planning Policy Library will also be updated to include new policies from Ministerial development plan amendments if and once they have final approval by the Minister for Urban Development and Planning.
[top of page]
Planning policy reform
The state government is reforming the planning policy library to more directly align with the South Australian Planning Strategy, which includes The 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide and plans for regional areas. The changes will lead to more direct links between strategic planning priorities and development plans and so provide greater certainty to councils, the community and industry about development assessment.
The first stage of the reform process involved development of five new policy modules to guide the growth of new neighbourhoods, infill around corridors and public transport stops, and the expansion of land for employment. The second stage involves a review and updating of the rest of the policies in 2011-12.
For more information about the reform process see South Australia's planning policy overview (PDF 260KB) and the Reform of South Australia's planning policies - stage one (PDF 259KB).
[top of page]
Guides and information resources
A series of technical information sheets are available to assist the interpretation and use of the planning policy library.
Guides related to planning policy include:
These guides are under review and will be updated in line with the South Australian Planning Policy Library in 2011-12.
For an alternative version of these documents see planning contacts.
[top of page]
More information
On this site
Accessing relevant development plans
Development plans and their use
The South Australian Housing Code and Minister's SpecificationsContact Planning Policy Reform Team