Resource: Verification in the Planning System
What is verification?
In short: ‘verification’ is the initial check after you submit a development application, but before it is formally lodged for assessment.
The Relevant Authority reviews your submitted documents: plans, reports, and details, to make sure the application has sufficient information to determine procedural matters such as the nature of development, the correct ‘elements’, the assessment pathway (Accepted, Deemed-to-Satisfy, Performance Assessed, etc.), as well as whether Public Notification or referrals are required.
A common misconception is that PlanSA is the Relevant Authority, because the process is handled on the statewide PlanSA Development Application Portal. This is not the case. For most planning applications, Council is the Relevant Authority.
How long does verification take?
Council verification usually takes up to 5 business days; however, if information’s missing, the clock resets.
What information is required?
The level of information required varies substantially dependent on what is proposed. Here’s what you’ll need for most planning consents in South Australia:
Plans:
Site plan showing:
The dimensions of all boundaries, all existing buildings on the site, any proposed works or buildings, all soft landscaping on the site (areas capable of plant growth), and in some cases, the Bench Level and Finished Floor Level of the proposed building, together with the gradient of driveways.
Elevation drawings showing:
The side view of all proposed structures or buildings, post or wall heights, ceiling heights, roof heights.
Floor plans showing:
The internal layout of any building, with rooms or areas nominated for their purpose.
Electricity & Native Vegetation Declarations: Confirmation of safety clearances from powerlines and confirmation of whether or not any impact on native vegetation will occur.
Supporting Evidence: Depending on your site, you may need contamination reports or heritage statements.
Other: Development location, contact details, proposed use, the cost of the development.
Bonus Tip: Whilst not mandatory, a lodgement report included with the application can streamline verification and the future assessment. Urban Horizons lodgement reports provide the Relevant Authority a comprehensive overview of the site, procedural matters, and an assessment against the Planning and Design code.
What happens once the Relevant Authority has all the required information?
The Relevant Authority will verify the application, determine the procedural matters (the nature of development, elements, referrals and whether or not public notification is required), and issue an invoice for the associated fees. Once the fees are paid, the application is formally lodged and moves into assessment.
Not sure if your current documents meet the mark? Urban Horizons can help you prepare, check, and lodge the right documents first time around, so your project moves forward ASAP. We can also guide you to the right person to help procure your documents. Contact Us today.