Your local council plays an important role when it comes to planning and building. Councils plan and shape how our neighbourhoods grow, bringing them to life.

As the closest level of government to communities, local planning decisions are essential as each community is different.

How council can help with planning and building

If you want to build, renovate, or extend your home, the first place to start is Plan SA. Plan SA is also the first stop if you’re thinking of adding a new pergola or swimming pool.

It can be helpful to contact your council before you start a development application. They may be able to give advice and information on your project and application.

Many councils have guides and resources that can help you along the way. They also have professional planners who can listen to your ideas and answer questions.

Find out if you need development approval

All planning and building development applications are lodged and assessed through PlanSA.

You can check if approval is needed for your project through Plan SA. Plan SA also has information about accredited professionals, should you want someone to guide you through the process. This includes people from your council.

PlanSA provide information on applying, including guides and checklists. They also have information on application fees and rules for your development.

Submit a development application

You can begin your development application through PlanSA.

After you lodge a development application it gets assessed by the relevant authority. Sometimes, this may include an assessment manager at council, or a panel put together by your local council. Who assesses the application depends on how complex the project is and where it's located.

If the development is a significant project, it may be assessed through the State Commission Assessment Panel. This panel reviews applications depending on how complex the project is and where it is located.

You can track the progress of your development application through PlanSA. In rural areas, councils give final approval for a development in their local area.

Start your build

Once you have development approval, you can bring your vision to life and building can start.

At different stages of the build you will need to contact your council. It's their job to inspect building work to make sure everything meets codes and standards.

Your local council is there for you along the way if you need guidance and information.