Resource: Everything you need to know about Requests for Information (RFIs)
What is a Request for Information?
A Request for Information (RFI) is a formal letter issued during the planning assessment process asking an applicant to provide additional information or clarification regarding their proposal. An RFI usually means the assessing planner does not yet have enough information to properly assess the development against the Planning and Design Code rather than that the application is “failing”. That being said, many Council’s will also use an RFI as an opportunity to highlight any concerns or “shortfalls” with the development.
Commonly, RFIs are triggered when key plans, reports or technical inputs are missing, unclear, inconsistent or not at an appropriate level of detail for the type and scale of development.
How RFIs fit into the SA planning system
Under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 and associated Regulations, development applications in South Australia are lodged and managed through the PlanSA system. Relevant authorities (such as councils, assessment managers, accredited professionals or the State Planning Commission) must verify that an application has the required minimum or “baseline” information before they can progress it through assessment.
If something is missing at verification, the authority can issue a request for further documentation, and once the application is under assessment, they can issue a Request for Information. For most performance assessed developments and non‑residential deemed‑to‑satisfy proposals, the relevant authority is limited to one formal RFI unless the applicant agrees to further requests.
Typical reasons you might receive an RFI
You can expect an RFI if any of the following apply:
Site plans, elevations or other plans are missing, inconsistent or not properly dimensioned.
Key planning issues are not addressed in the planning report, such as interface with neighbours, overlooking, overshadowing, bulk and scale or traffic impacts.
Technical reports (for example, traffic, stormwater, waste, acoustic, contamination, bushfire, flooding or arborist reports) are required but not provided.
Referral agencies (such as transport, environment or infrastructure agencies) need extra information before they can provide advice.
Receiving an RFI is therefore very normal, particularly for more complex or non‑standard proposals.
Timeframes and your obligations
Timeframes are important once an RFI is issued. The relevant authority has a fixed period (typically 10 business days from formal lodgement) to identify missing baseline documentation and issue the request, and you as the applicant usually have up to 60 business days to respond to a formal Request for Information during assessment.
If you do not respond within the allowed time or do not seek an extension, the application can lapse and you may need to re‑lodge and pay fees again. It is generally better to request a realistic extension early and provide a complete, well‑considered response than to rush partial information that leads to further questions.
How to respond to a Request for Information strategically
Treat an RFI as an opportunity to strengthen your application rather than a mere box‑ticking exercise. When you receive one:
Read each item carefully and review what plans, documents or clarifications are needed.
Engage your planner and any relevant specialists (such as architect / draftsperson, engineer, traffic or acoustic consultant) to coordinate a single, coherent response.
Provide a short covering letter or planning response that cross‑references each RFI item and points to where the requested information can be found.
Where you disagree with a request, explain why, with reference to the Planning and Design Code, rather than simply ignoring it.
A clear, organised response can significantly reduce assessment delays and help the planner write a more favourable report.
Practical tips to avoid or minimise RFIs
While RFIs are common, good preparation can minimise their scope and impact:
Obtain early planning advice where possible so you understand likely issues before lodging.
Check the PlanSA and council guidance on required plans and documents for your development type and make sure everything is included and legible.
Use an experienced planning professional who knows how local authorities interpret the Code and what level of detail is expected.
Anticipate hot‑button issues such as neighbour amenity, access and parking, stormwater, and streetscape character, and address them up front in your planning report and design.
Make sure your application form, titles and ownership details are complete and consistent with your plans.
For many applicants, the difference between a smooth assessment and a frustrating one is the quality and completeness of the first lodgement.
How Urban Horizons can help
At Urban Horizons, we regularly assist clients in South Australia to prepare, lodge and manage development applications, including responding to Requests for Information. We can:
Review an RFI and explain what is being asked both in plain language, or in “Council lingo”.
Coordinate any additional drawings or specialist reports needed.
Prepare a structured written response addressing each point with clear references to the Planning and Design Code.
Liaise with council planners and referral agencies to clarify expectations and seek extensions where required.
If you have received a Request for Information on your planning application and are unsure what to do next, reach out and we can talk through your options and a practical strategy to move your project forward.