Planning Rules & Statutory Compliance
Understand building approval pathways before committing funds. Review quantitative limits for Exempt Development, fast-track code assessments, and mandatory municipal council approvals.
Universal National Legal & Engineering Guides
Statutory boundary frameworks and critical utility asset restrictions applicable Australia-wide
Dividing Fences Act & Cost Sharing
Dividing Fences Act 1991 & Fences Act 1968
Statutory 50/50 boundary cost-sharing rules, formal Notice to Fence procedures, and neighbor dispute resolution mechanisms.
Building Near Easements & Surcharge Rules
NCC 2022 & Water Authority Asset Protection
Engineering controls for utility easements (sewer, stormwater, power) and the 45° angle of repose (Zone of Influence).
State Planning Acts & Local Codes
Detailed quantitative exemption limits and assessment frameworks by state jurisdiction
NSW Codes SEPP Explained
State Environmental Planning Policy 2008
Threshold benchmarks for exempt building work, Complying Development Certificates (CDC), and formal Development Applications (DA).
Victorian Building Regulations
Building Regulations 2018 (Schedule 3)
Navigating municipal Planning Permits versus VBA Building Permits, siting guidelines, and certified structural exemptions.
Queensland Planning Act & QDC
Planning Act 2016 & QDC MP 1.2
Accepted Development (exempt), Code Assessable fast-track rules, boundary setbacks, and the $150k QLeave levy trigger.
WA Residential Design Codes (R-Codes)
State Planning Policy 7.3 (Vol 1 & 2)
How density codings (R20 to R60) determine Deemed-to-Comply exemptions versus discretionary Design Principle assessments.
SA Planning & Design Code
PDI Act 2016 & PlanSA ePlanning
Navigating South Australia’s digital planning portal: Accepted development, Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS), and Performance Assessed.
Tasmanian Planning Scheme
Building Act 2016 (TAS) Risk Framework
Risk-based building categories: Low Risk (Categories 1 & 2), Notifiable Work (Category 3), and Permit Work (Category 4).
ACT Territory Plan & Crown Leases
Planning Act 2023 (ACT)
Leasehold residential planning in Canberra, Schedule 1 exempt development conditions, and solar envelope boundary cuts.
National Exemption Benchmarks
Standard quantitative thresholds for residential works without building permits
Retaining Walls
Generally exempt up to 1.0m height if set back 900mm–1500mm from boundaries with zero surcharge loads (0.5m in WA).
Boundary Fences
Exempt up to 1.8m–2.0m behind the front building line or 1.2m forward of it. Masonry walls capped at 1.0m–1.2m.
Decks & Patios
Exempt if finished surface is under 1.0m above ground (800mm in VIC, 500mm in WA) and within lot open-space limits.
Garden Sheds
Max 10m²–20m² area and 2.4m–3.0m overall height with a minimum 900mm setback from side and rear boundaries.
Check Rules for Your Local Council Area
Exemption thresholds are subject to local planning overlays, stormwater catchments, and heritage zonings. Search your suburb to check verified local government planning schemes.