The Development Act 1993 requires that no development can be undertaken unless it has the approval of the relevant authority, which in most cases is your local council. This means that any construction, alteration, addition to or demolition of a building or structure, a change in that current use of land or anything that modifies a designated heritage item constitutes development as defined in the Development Act 1993 and therefore requires formal development approval.
Changes to the planning system
From July 2020 onwards the Development Plan will be replaced by a state-wide Planning and Design Code. The draft Planning and Design Code is currently open for community consultation until February 2020. For more information please refer to the SA Planning Portal.
Please click relevant icon below for more information about the development you wish to undertake.
All forms, fact sheets and helpful guides are below the icons.
**These forms must be read in conjunction with the relevant Information Sheet - see below drop down menu Planning Building and Development Help Guides
Development Application Fee Schedule
Quick Checklist - Dwelling & Dwelling Additions
Quick Checklist - Shed, Verandah, Carport & Deck
Fact Sheet 1- What is planning?
Fact Sheet 2- Do I need approval?
Fact Sheet 3- Why do I need approval?
Fact Sheet 4- What is Development Approval?
Fact Sheet 5- What do I need to lodge an application?
Fact Sheet 6- What else do I need to lodge an application?
Fact Sheet 7- Where do I get help preparing my application?
Fact Sheet 8- Applications lodged by builders
Fact Sheet 9- What are the types of development?
Fact Sheet 10- Can I apply for a Non-Complying development?
Fact Sheet 11- How are applications assessed?
Fact Sheet 12- What process will my application follow?
Fact Sheet 13- What is public notification?
Fact Sheet 14- Representations- Objecting to an Application
Fact Sheet 15- What are referrals?
Fact Sheet 16- What is the Development Plan?
Fact Sheet 17- What is zoning and why are there different requirements in different areas?
Fact Sheet 18- How do I get the Development Plan changed?
Fact Sheet 19- Associated costs of Development - Please refer to Development Application Form
Fact Sheet 20- Where can I get plans drawn?
Fact Sheet 21- What is Council Development Assessment Panel?
Fact Sheet 22- How long will my application take?
Fact Sheet 23- What is the process for a Land Division?- Urban
Fact Sheet 24- What is the process for a Land Division?- Regional
Fact Sheet 25- Glossary - Key terms used in the planning process
Attachment of Structures to Existing Roof Frames
Building Requirements Checklist
Building Safely Near Powerlines
Certificate of Independent Technical Expert - Building Advisory notice
Community Wastewater Management System Standards
Design Guidelines for the Provision of Infrastructure and Other Assets
Fences and the Law (www.lsc.sa.gov.au or call 1300 366 424)
Garage - Lodging an Application
Heavy Vehicle Parking on Residential Premises
Horse Keeping in the Mount Lofty Ranges
Industrial/Commercial Buildings and Additions
More than one Dwelling on an Allotment
New Dwelling/Dwelling Additions
Planning Requirements Checklist
Pre-used Transportable Buildings
Shed/Carport/Verandah/Garage - Checklist Brochure
Stormwater Detention & Retention Standards
Swimming Pools & Spas or www.sa.gov.au/swimmingpools
Trees and the Law (www.lsc.sa.gov.au or call the Legal Helpline 1300 366 424)
Waste Control (Septic, Aerobic and Common Effluent)
Minister's Specification SA H3.2 - “Concessions for farm buildings” 2015 edition
CFS Policy 0014 – “Above Ground Water Storage Tanks for Fire Fighting Purposes”
CFS Development Assessment Web Page
Before You Build - Crown Land and Waterfront Properties
Native vegetation in South Australia (except parts of metropolitan Adelaide) is protected. You may need to apply to clear native vegetation. This is a separate process to the Development Act approval process.
See maps to find out where the protection under the Native Vegetation Act applies. Contact your local Natural Resources Centre if you need general information.
For more information, contact the Planning and Development Department on (08) 8555 7000 or email alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au
To lodge a Development Application, please do so electronically via email - alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au.
For larger files (exceeding 10MB) please upload your application and/or associated files here
To notify Council of a Development Stage, please use our Mandatory Notifications Form
To request preliminary advice prior to lodging a Development Application, please use our Preliminary Advice Form
Council's Development Application Register is available to view. The register is an up to date source of all development applications lodged with Council.
