The first step in the property development process is to decide what you want to achieve with the project, such as increasing the value of your property, creating additional space, or improving functionality.

Once you have a clear understanding of your goals,  you need to engage a town planner to determine whether your scope of works (what you want to do) is permissible on your land and then help you design a build that is compliant with the legislation in your state.

See here for more information about Town Planners

It’s important to select professionals with the right experience, expertise, and local knowledge to ensure that your development project is successfully executed. The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your council approval process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here.

The length of time it takes to complete a property development project can vary depending on the scope and complexity of the work. In general, you should expect the process to take several months to a year or more, depending on the size and scale of the project.

Contact the Corona Projects team for a quote and free consultation.

A range of consultants may be required for your development project, dependending on the scope of your proposed works, but the first and most important step is to engage a qualified town planner to help with the process.

Other consultants may include architects, designers, contractors, builders, engineers, and other specialists.

It’s important to select professionals with the right experience, expertise and local knowledge for your project to ensure that your development project is successfully executed. The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your council approval process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here.

There may be restrictions or limitations on what you can do with your property, depending on local zoning laws, building codes, and other regulations. These differ from council to council and state to state.

It’s very important to consult with a local town planner to ensure that your proposal is permissible and compliant with all relevant restrictions and limitations.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can provide a town planner who has local experience and knowledge to make sure your council approval process and build is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here.

Of course there are a range of potential challenges and obstacles that you may face during your property development.

These can include budget constraints, permissibility issues, unforeseen structural problems, and other unexpected challenges.

Any number of things can go wrong, so it’s important to choose professionals with the right experience, expertise, and local knowledge to ensure that your development project is successfully executed.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience plus extensive experience working with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your council approval process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here.

In short, no. In order to renovate or extend your property, scaled drawings prepared by an architect or draftsperson will be required, regardless of whether approval is sought through Council or a certifier/building surveyor.

Architects and designers can also provide valuable expertise and guidance throughout the project, from conceptualisation to completion.

It’s important to select professionals with the right experience, expertise, and local knowledge to ensure that your development project is successfully executed. The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your council approval process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here.

To ensure that your property development project stays within budget, it’s important to first have a clear idea of what you wish to accomplish and the associated scope of works (i.e what needs to be done).

Generally when applying for council approval or approval from a private certifier, you will be required to provide an estimated cost of works. Should the estimate fall outside your allocated budget, design changes can be implemented to reduce associated costs.

It’s important to select professionals with the right experience, expertise, and local knowledge to ensure that your development work is completed within your budget. You will also need a competent team who is able to keep you on track and suggest design changes to prevent unexpected budget blowouts.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a quote and free consultation.

Property development, renovations or extensions have the potential to increase the value of your home, especially when done well and in line with market demand.

Factors such as additional living space, improved functionality, upgraded finishes, and modern design elements can positively influence property value.

Before you start, it’s important to do your research and consult with real estate professionals to assess the local market dynamics and determine what will positively impact the value of your property.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a quote and free consultation.

To obtain Council approval, you will be required to submit an application, whether this be a Development Application (NSW) or a Planning Permit (VIC), to your local Council for their consideration, assessment, and determination.

As a minimum you will be generally required to provide Council with:

• Architectural Plans
  A set of scaled plans detailing the proposed works / layout of the subject premise. It is best to have these plans prepared by an architect or draftsman.
• Town Planning Report
  Outlining the proposal in detail along with an assessment against the relevant legislation.
• Owners Consent
  Written consent from the registered property owners. This includes consent from the Strata Manager should your property be strata managed.
• Site Survey
  Required if new works are proposed to the property.

These documents are the bare minimum requirements to be submitted to Council.

A checklist of every document required for different application types are typically provided on Council’s website.

Consultation with a town planner can assist in determining what specific documents a Council will require for your specific application.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your council approval process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a quote and free consultation.

Councils will charge a fee for assessment of a Development Application based on the estimated cost of works of your project.

Should you wish to obtain an estimate of the Council assessment fees applicable to your scope of works, you can contact your local Council and lodge an enquiry, just make sure to have your estimated cost of works in mind.

Council assessment times can vary greatly dependent on a multitude of factors including workload of the individual Council, scope of the proposal, internal and external referrals required, etc.

Generally, Councils may take anywhere from 2 to 9 months to determine an application.

Consultation with a Council duty planner can assist in determining an estimated timeframe.

If you have received a Notice of Intention / Development Control Order from Council in relation to unauthorised building works or an unauthorised use, or should you wish to regularise unauthorised works of your own volition, you can submit a Building Information Certificate (BIC) to Council.

Note that a BIC can only regularise unauthorised physical works and not an unauthorised use of a space.

All applications for the use of a space, retrospective or otherwise, must be made by way of a Development Application.

The requirements for a BIC vary dependent on the scope of the unauthorised works, however, generally the following documents are required: • Site Survey. Documenting the location of the unauthorised works on site in relation to other built structures on site.

• Architectural Plans
  Detailing the unauthorized works in plan, section, and elevational format for council assessment purposes.
• Town Planning Report
  Describing the unauthorised works in detail along with an assessment against the relevant legislation.
• Certificate of Structural Adequacy
  Prepared by a qualified structural engineer, to certify that the unauthorised works have been constructed in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards. Should the works not comply with the relevant standards, the certificate should recommend the required rectification works.
• Owners Consent
  Written consent from the registered property owners. This includes consent from the Strata Manager should your property be strata managed.
• Building Code of Australia (BCA) Report
  Certifying that the subject unauthorised works comply with the provisions of the BCA. The report will also need to detail any required rectification works to ensure compliance. Further required documentation may be required dependent on the scope of the unauthorised works.

TIP: Specific requirements can be determined using the relevant Council’s lodgement requirements checklist, available on the council website.

Once all the relevant documentation is obtained, you are ready to lodge your BIC. It can be difficult to navigate the requirements of a BIC, especially when considering the timeframes that may be imposed by Council in any relevant Development Control Order.

The best option is to engage a town planner who is familiar with your local Council to coordinate this process can assist in ensuring a complete package is provided to Council and avoid any additional submissions or fines should no action be taken.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your BIC application process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a town planner.

Read more about unauthorised building works here.

You can respond to a Building Notice of Intention / Development Control Order via email correspondence to the Council Building Compliance Officer who authored the letter.

Generally, you have two options, in so far as how to proceed:

1. Comply with the Development Control Order. Whether it be the demolition/rectification of the subject works or the ceasing of the use.
2. Lodgement of a Building Information Certificate (BIC). Should the works be permissible on your land, you can lodge a BIC for the regularisation of the subject works.

The BIC will be assessed by Council against the relevant planning controls applicable to your situation. Note that a BIC can only regularise unauthorised physical works and not an unauthorised use of a space. All applications for the use of a space, retrospective or otherwise, must be made via a Development Application. Lodgement of a BIC can be a complex and time sensitive process. It is often pertinent to consult with a town planner with regard to the lodgement of a BIC and the specific requirements in the circumstances of your case.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your BIC application process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a town planner.

Read more about unauthorised building works here.

The subdivision of your property, whether it be for Torrens-title or strata subdivision of your land/property, Council consent by way of a Development Application / Planning Permit is required in most cases.

Subdivision via a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is applicable in particular circumstances.

To determine the feasibility of your proposed subdivision, you will first need to ensure that your land meets the minimum lot size requirements specified by your Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP) / Planning Scheme.

Council assessment of a proposed subdivision will also take into account the type of development proposed on the land, existing built structures, potential site isolation, stormwater drainage, etc.

Application for the subdivision of land can be a complex process noting the above criteria that will come into Council consideration.

For the best chance of success, it’s important to consult a local town planner to look at your specific requirements.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a town planner who has experience in your local area.

You can read more about land subdivision here.

Complaints regarding suspected unauthorised building works can be directed to your local Council for their consideration.

If you have received a complaint or a Council Order about unauthorised building works on your site you may need to look into the lodgement of a Building Information Certificate.

You can read more about unauthorised building works and Building Information Certificates here

If you have been notified about the lodgement of a Development Application (DA) and you would like to submit a written objection in respect to this DA, such letters can be sent to the assessing officer who authored the notification letter or Council’s general email.

It is important to deliver a concise submission that focuses on the key concerns that you foresee impacting your property or the wider locality.

Engagement of a town planner can assist in preparing a detailed submission on your behalf that takes into consideration the relevant statutory planning legislation and case law.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your submission process is smoothly executed.

Find out more about how to engage a local town planner.

Approval for a boarding house will need to be sought from your local Council, by way of a Development Application (DA).

Since the implementation of the Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 2021, what would have previously been referred to as a boarding house has now been divided into two separate uses. Specifically:

1. ‘new-age’ boarding houses and
2. co-living housing.

The primary difference between the two uses is that new-age boarding houses must be used for affordable housing in perpetuity and will need to be managed by a registered community housing provider, whereas co-living housing operates more as a traditional boarding house would, under private operation.

Before considering a new-age boarding house or co-living housing development, you must make sure:

1. the proposal is permissible on your land
2. your lot is sufficiently sized – the minimum lot size for both developments is 600m2 on land in the R2 Low Density Residential Zone or 800m2 for development in all other land zones.

DA submission requirements for new developments of this nature are quite onerous and differ slightly from council to council. These requirements include:

1. a comprehensive set of architectural plans prepared by a registered architect,
2. a thorough town planning report (Statement of Environmental Effects), and
3. numerous consultant reports

Given the complexities associated with navigating the design and development of a development of this nature, it is important to engage with a town planner and qualified architect to assist in the preparation of a reasonable and compliant proposal.

Read more about new-age boarding houses and how to get stared here.

See here for our personal experience with new-age boarding house.

The first step in the property development process is to decide what you want to achieve with the project, such as increasing the value of your property, creating additional space, or improving functionality.

Once you have a clear understanding of your goals,  you need to engage a town planner to determine whether your scope of works (what you want to do) is permissible on your land and then help you design a build that is compliant with the legislation in your state.

See here for more information about Town Planners

It’s important to select professionals with the right experience, expertise, and local knowledge to ensure that your development project is successfully executed. The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your council approval process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here.

A range of consultants may be required for your development project, dependending on the scope of your proposed works, but the first and most important step is to engage a qualified town planner to help with the process.

Other consultants may include architects, designers, contractors, builders, engineers, and other specialists.

It’s important to select professionals with the right experience, expertise and local knowledge for your project to ensure that your development project is successfully executed. The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your council approval process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here.

There may be restrictions or limitations on what you can do with your property, depending on local zoning laws, building codes, and other regulations. These differ from council to council and state to state.

It’s very important to consult with a local town planner to ensure that your proposal is permissible and compliant with all relevant restrictions and limitations.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can provide a town planner who has local experience and knowledge to make sure your council approval process and build is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here.

If you have received a Notice of Intention / Development Control Order from Council in relation to unauthorised building works or an unauthorised use, or should you wish to regularise unauthorised works of your own volition, you can submit a Building Information Certificate (BIC) to Council.

Note that a BIC can only regularise unauthorised physical works and not an unauthorised use of a space.

All applications for the use of a space, retrospective or otherwise, must be made by way of a Development Application.

The requirements for a BIC vary dependent on the scope of the unauthorised works, however, generally the following documents are required: • Site Survey. Documenting the location of the unauthorised works on site in relation to other built structures on site.

• Architectural Plans
  Detailing the unauthorized works in plan, section, and elevational format for council assessment purposes.
• Town Planning Report
  Describing the unauthorised works in detail along with an assessment against the relevant legislation.
• Certificate of Structural Adequacy
  Prepared by a qualified structural engineer, to certify that the unauthorised works have been constructed in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards. Should the works not comply with the relevant standards, the certificate should recommend the required rectification works.
• Owners Consent
  Written consent from the registered property owners. This includes consent from the Strata Manager should your property be strata managed.
• Building Code of Australia (BCA) Report
  Certifying that the subject unauthorised works comply with the provisions of the BCA. The report will also need to detail any required rectification works to ensure compliance. Further required documentation may be required dependent on the scope of the unauthorised works.

TIP: Specific requirements can be determined using the relevant Council’s lodgement requirements checklist, available on the council website.

Once all the relevant documentation is obtained, you are ready to lodge your BIC. It can be difficult to navigate the requirements of a BIC, especially when considering the timeframes that may be imposed by Council in any relevant Development Control Order.

The best option is to engage a town planner who is familiar with your local Council to coordinate this process can assist in ensuring a complete package is provided to Council and avoid any additional submissions or fines should no action be taken.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your BIC application process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a town planner.

Read more about unauthorised building works here.

You can respond to a Building Notice of Intention / Development Control Order via email correspondence to the Council Building Compliance Officer who authored the letter.

Generally, you have two options, in so far as how to proceed:

1. Comply with the Development Control Order. Whether it be the demolition/rectification of the subject works or the ceasing of the use.
2. Lodgement of a Building Information Certificate (BIC). Should the works be permissible on your land, you can lodge a BIC for the regularisation of the subject works.

The BIC will be assessed by Council against the relevant planning controls applicable to your situation. Note that a BIC can only regularise unauthorised physical works and not an unauthorised use of a space. All applications for the use of a space, retrospective or otherwise, must be made via a Development Application. Lodgement of a BIC can be a complex and time sensitive process. It is often pertinent to consult with a town planner with regard to the lodgement of a BIC and the specific requirements in the circumstances of your case.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your BIC application process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a town planner.

Read more about unauthorised building works here.

The cost of property development can vary widely depending on the scope of the project and the materials and labour involved.

It’s important to create a detailed budget for your project and to account for any unexpected expenses or contingencies. You may also want to obtain multiple quotes from contractors and builders to ensure that you are getting a fair and competitive price for the work.

Contact the Corona Projects team for a quote and free consultation.

Of course there are a range of potential challenges and obstacles that you may face during your property development.

These can include budget constraints, permissibility issues, unforeseen structural problems, and other unexpected challenges.

Any number of things can go wrong, so it’s important to choose professionals with the right experience, expertise, and local knowledge to ensure that your development project is successfully executed.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience plus extensive experience working with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your council approval process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here.

In short, no. In order to renovate or extend your property, scaled drawings prepared by an architect or draftsperson will be required, regardless of whether approval is sought through Council or a certifier/building surveyor.

Architects and designers can also provide valuable expertise and guidance throughout the project, from conceptualisation to completion.

It’s important to select professionals with the right experience, expertise, and local knowledge to ensure that your development project is successfully executed. The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your council approval process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here.

To ensure that your property development project stays within budget, it’s important to first have a clear idea of what you wish to accomplish and the associated scope of works (i.e what needs to be done).

Generally when applying for council approval or approval from a private certifier, you will be required to provide an estimated cost of works. Should the estimate fall outside your allocated budget, design changes can be implemented to reduce associated costs.

It’s important to select professionals with the right experience, expertise, and local knowledge to ensure that your development work is completed within your budget. You will also need a competent team who is able to keep you on track and suggest design changes to prevent unexpected budget blowouts.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a quote and free consultation.

Property development, renovations or extensions have the potential to increase the value of your home, especially when done well and in line with market demand.

Factors such as additional living space, improved functionality, upgraded finishes, and modern design elements can positively influence property value.

Before you start, it’s important to do your research and consult with real estate professionals to assess the local market dynamics and determine what will positively impact the value of your property.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a quote and free consultation.

Living in your property during a renovation or extension can be challenging and may not be feasible, particularly if extensive structural changes or major construction works are involved.

Dust, noise, and restricted access to certain areas can significantly impact daily life. It’s important to consider alternative living arrangements (and the cost thereof) during the planning phase of your project to ensure your comfort and safety.

If you have received a Notice of Intention / Development Control Order from Council in relation to unauthorised building works or an unauthorised use, or should you wish to regularise unauthorised works of your own volition, you can submit a Building Information Certificate (BIC) to Council.

Note that a BIC can only regularise unauthorised physical works and not an unauthorised use of a space.

All applications for the use of a space, retrospective or otherwise, must be made by way of a Development Application.

The requirements for a BIC vary dependent on the scope of the unauthorised works, however, generally the following documents are required: • Site Survey. Documenting the location of the unauthorised works on site in relation to other built structures on site.

• Architectural Plans
  Detailing the unauthorized works in plan, section, and elevational format for council assessment purposes.
• Town Planning Report
  Describing the unauthorised works in detail along with an assessment against the relevant legislation.
• Certificate of Structural Adequacy
  Prepared by a qualified structural engineer, to certify that the unauthorised works have been constructed in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards. Should the works not comply with the relevant standards, the certificate should recommend the required rectification works.
• Owners Consent
  Written consent from the registered property owners. This includes consent from the Strata Manager should your property be strata managed.
• Building Code of Australia (BCA) Report
  Certifying that the subject unauthorised works comply with the provisions of the BCA. The report will also need to detail any required rectification works to ensure compliance. Further required documentation may be required dependent on the scope of the unauthorised works.

TIP: Specific requirements can be determined using the relevant Council’s lodgement requirements checklist, available on the council website.

Once all the relevant documentation is obtained, you are ready to lodge your BIC. It can be difficult to navigate the requirements of a BIC, especially when considering the timeframes that may be imposed by Council in any relevant Development Control Order.

The best option is to engage a town planner who is familiar with your local Council to coordinate this process can assist in ensuring a complete package is provided to Council and avoid any additional submissions or fines should no action be taken.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your BIC application process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a town planner.

Read more about unauthorised building works here.

To obtain Council approval, you will be required to submit an application, whether this be a Development Application (NSW) or a Planning Permit (VIC), to your local Council for their consideration, assessment, and determination.

As a minimum you will be generally required to provide Council with:

• Architectural Plans
  A set of scaled plans detailing the proposed works / layout of the subject premise. It is best to have these plans prepared by an architect or draftsman.
• Town Planning Report
  Outlining the proposal in detail along with an assessment against the relevant legislation.
• Owners Consent
  Written consent from the registered property owners. This includes consent from the Strata Manager should your property be strata managed.
• Site Survey
  Required if new works are proposed to the property.

These documents are the bare minimum requirements to be submitted to Council.

A checklist of every document required for different application types are typically provided on Council’s website.

Consultation with a town planner can assist in determining what specific documents a Council will require for your specific application.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your council approval process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a quote and free consultation.

Councils will charge a fee for assessment of a Development Application based on the estimated cost of works of your project.

Should you wish to obtain an estimate of the Council assessment fees applicable to your scope of works, you can contact your local Council and lodge an enquiry, just make sure to have your estimated cost of works in mind.

Council assessment times can vary greatly dependent on a multitude of factors including workload of the individual Council, scope of the proposal, internal and external referrals required, etc.

Generally, Councils may take anywhere from 2 to 9 months to determine an application.

Consultation with a Council duty planner can assist in determining an estimated timeframe.

If you have received a Notice of Intention / Development Control Order from Council in relation to unauthorised building works or an unauthorised use, or should you wish to regularise unauthorised works of your own volition, you can submit a Building Information Certificate (BIC) to Council.

Note that a BIC can only regularise unauthorised physical works and not an unauthorised use of a space.

All applications for the use of a space, retrospective or otherwise, must be made by way of a Development Application.

The requirements for a BIC vary dependent on the scope of the unauthorised works, however, generally the following documents are required: • Site Survey. Documenting the location of the unauthorised works on site in relation to other built structures on site.

• Architectural Plans
  Detailing the unauthorized works in plan, section, and elevational format for council assessment purposes.
• Town Planning Report
  Describing the unauthorised works in detail along with an assessment against the relevant legislation.
• Certificate of Structural Adequacy
  Prepared by a qualified structural engineer, to certify that the unauthorised works have been constructed in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards. Should the works not comply with the relevant standards, the certificate should recommend the required rectification works.
• Owners Consent
  Written consent from the registered property owners. This includes consent from the Strata Manager should your property be strata managed.
• Building Code of Australia (BCA) Report
  Certifying that the subject unauthorised works comply with the provisions of the BCA. The report will also need to detail any required rectification works to ensure compliance. Further required documentation may be required dependent on the scope of the unauthorised works.

TIP: Specific requirements can be determined using the relevant Council’s lodgement requirements checklist, available on the council website.

Once all the relevant documentation is obtained, you are ready to lodge your BIC. It can be difficult to navigate the requirements of a BIC, especially when considering the timeframes that may be imposed by Council in any relevant Development Control Order.

The best option is to engage a town planner who is familiar with your local Council to coordinate this process can assist in ensuring a complete package is provided to Council and avoid any additional submissions or fines should no action be taken.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your BIC application process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a town planner.

Read more about unauthorised building works here.

You can respond to a Building Notice of Intention / Development Control Order via email correspondence to the Council Building Compliance Officer who authored the letter.

Generally, you have two options, in so far as how to proceed:

1. Comply with the Development Control Order. Whether it be the demolition/rectification of the subject works or the ceasing of the use.
2. Lodgement of a Building Information Certificate (BIC). Should the works be permissible on your land, you can lodge a BIC for the regularisation of the subject works.

The BIC will be assessed by Council against the relevant planning controls applicable to your situation. Note that a BIC can only regularise unauthorised physical works and not an unauthorised use of a space. All applications for the use of a space, retrospective or otherwise, must be made via a Development Application. Lodgement of a BIC can be a complex and time sensitive process. It is often pertinent to consult with a town planner with regard to the lodgement of a BIC and the specific requirements in the circumstances of your case.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your BIC application process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a town planner.

Read more about unauthorised building works here.

Complaints regarding suspected unauthorised building works can be directed to your local Council for their consideration.

If you have received a complaint or a Council Order about unauthorised building works on your site you may need to look into the lodgement of a Building Information Certificate.

You can read more about unauthorised building works and Building Information Certificates here

If you have been notified about the lodgement of a Development Application (DA) and you would like to submit a written objection in respect to this DA, such letters can be sent to the assessing officer who authored the notification letter or Council’s general email.

It is important to deliver a concise submission that focuses on the key concerns that you foresee impacting your property or the wider locality.

Engagement of a town planner can assist in preparing a detailed submission on your behalf that takes into consideration the relevant statutory planning legislation and case law.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your submission process is smoothly executed.

Find out more about how to engage a local town planner.

Approval for a boarding house will need to be sought from your local Council, by way of a Development Application (DA).

Since the implementation of the Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 2021, what would have previously been referred to as a boarding house has now been divided into two separate uses. Specifically:

1. ‘new-age’ boarding houses and
2. co-living housing.

The primary difference between the two uses is that new-age boarding houses must be used for affordable housing in perpetuity and will need to be managed by a registered community housing provider, whereas co-living housing operates more as a traditional boarding house would, under private operation.

Before considering a new-age boarding house or co-living housing development, you must make sure:

1. the proposal is permissible on your land
2. your lot is sufficiently sized – the minimum lot size for both developments is 600m2 on land in the R2 Low Density Residential Zone or 800m2 for development in all other land zones.

DA submission requirements for new developments of this nature are quite onerous and differ slightly from council to council. These requirements include:

1. a comprehensive set of architectural plans prepared by a registered architect,
2. a thorough town planning report (Statement of Environmental Effects), and
3. numerous consultant reports

Given the complexities associated with navigating the design and development of a development of this nature, it is important to engage with a town planner and qualified architect to assist in the preparation of a reasonable and compliant proposal.

Read more about new-age boarding houses and how to get stared here.

See here for our personal experience with new-age boarding house.

If you have received a Notice of Intention / Development Control Order from Council in relation to unauthorised building works or an unauthorised use, or should you wish to regularise unauthorised works of your own volition, you can submit a Building Information Certificate (BIC) to Council.

Note that a BIC can only regularise unauthorised physical works and not an unauthorised use of a space.

All applications for the use of a space, retrospective or otherwise, must be made by way of a Development Application.

The requirements for a BIC vary dependent on the scope of the unauthorised works, however, generally the following documents are required: • Site Survey. Documenting the location of the unauthorised works on site in relation to other built structures on site.

• Architectural Plans
  Detailing the unauthorized works in plan, section, and elevational format for council assessment purposes.
• Town Planning Report
  Describing the unauthorised works in detail along with an assessment against the relevant legislation.
• Certificate of Structural Adequacy
  Prepared by a qualified structural engineer, to certify that the unauthorised works have been constructed in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards. Should the works not comply with the relevant standards, the certificate should recommend the required rectification works.
• Owners Consent
  Written consent from the registered property owners. This includes consent from the Strata Manager should your property be strata managed.
• Building Code of Australia (BCA) Report
  Certifying that the subject unauthorised works comply with the provisions of the BCA. The report will also need to detail any required rectification works to ensure compliance. Further required documentation may be required dependent on the scope of the unauthorised works.

TIP: Specific requirements can be determined using the relevant Council’s lodgement requirements checklist, available on the council website.

Once all the relevant documentation is obtained, you are ready to lodge your BIC. It can be difficult to navigate the requirements of a BIC, especially when considering the timeframes that may be imposed by Council in any relevant Development Control Order.

The best option is to engage a town planner who is familiar with your local Council to coordinate this process can assist in ensuring a complete package is provided to Council and avoid any additional submissions or fines should no action be taken.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your BIC application process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a town planner.

Read more about unauthorised building works here.

You can respond to a Building Notice of Intention / Development Control Order via email correspondence to the Council Building Compliance Officer who authored the letter.

Generally, you have two options, in so far as how to proceed:

1. Comply with the Development Control Order. Whether it be the demolition/rectification of the subject works or the ceasing of the use.
2. Lodgement of a Building Information Certificate (BIC). Should the works be permissible on your land, you can lodge a BIC for the regularisation of the subject works.

The BIC will be assessed by Council against the relevant planning controls applicable to your situation. Note that a BIC can only regularise unauthorised physical works and not an unauthorised use of a space. All applications for the use of a space, retrospective or otherwise, must be made via a Development Application. Lodgement of a BIC can be a complex and time sensitive process. It is often pertinent to consult with a town planner with regard to the lodgement of a BIC and the specific requirements in the circumstances of your case.

The Corona Projects team has more than 25 years of experience with your local council, so can not only meet your needs, but make sure your BIC application process is smoothly executed.

Contact the Corona Projects team here for a town planner.

Read more about unauthorised building works here.