SA Planning and Design Code (PlanSA)
How South Australia's digital ePlanning system categorises development. Review Accepted, Deemed-to-Satisfy (Code Assessed), and Performance Assessed building rules.
Exempt Building Works
Minor works that require no planning consent or building assessment under Schedule 4 of the PDI (General) Regulations 2017.
Fences under 2.1m, retaining walls under 1.0m.
Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS)
Standard designs that meet numerical rules in the Planning and Design Code. Assessed automatically via the PlanSA digital portal within 5 to 10 days.
Standard outbuildings, verandas, carports.
Discretionary Review
Required when a building design departs from Code criteria or is located in a Heritage, Character, or Bushfire overlay zone.
Assessed by Council Assessment Panel (CAP).
South Australian Exemption Thresholds
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls retaining a difference in ground level of not more than 1.0m are exempt. If the wall is over 1.0m, or combination of fence + wall exceeds 2.1m, engineering and building consent are mandatory.
Dividing Fences
Fences not exceeding 2.1m in height (or 1.0m for masonry) are exempt from development approval in general residential zones.
Verandas & Shade Sails
Unenclosed verandas up to 15m² floor area and 3.0m in height with open sides are exempt from planning consent, provided they meet standard boundary setbacks.
Rainwater Tanks
Water storage tanks up to 10,000L with overall height not exceeding 3.0m above ground level are exempt from development approval across standard metropolitan allotments.