TAS: Planning approvals and council requirements
How planning approval works in Tasmania, when it is required, and how it fits into the owner-builder process.
Planning vs building approval in Tasmania
In Tasmania, planning approval and building approval are separate steps. Planning approval is handled by your local council and focuses on land use, siting, and amenity impacts.
Building approval focuses on construction compliance and is handled by your building surveyor/certifier.
When planning approval is commonly required
Planning approval is often required for:
- New dwellings
- Extensions that affect setbacks, height, or site coverage
- Works in heritage, bushfire, flood, or special control overlays
- Changes that alter the use or external appearance of a building
When planning approval may not be required
Some minor works may be exempt from planning approval, depending on council rules and site constraints. However:
- Exempt from planning does not mean exempt from building approval
- Overlays can still trigger approval even for small changes
- Written confirmation is strongly recommended
Practical tips for owner-builders
- Confirm planning requirements before finalising drawings
- Ask council for written advice or confirmation
- Share planning conditions with your building surveyor early
Common mistakes
- Assuming “small” projects don’t need planning approval
- Starting design work without confirming council requirements
- Ignoring planning conditions when applying for building approval