Planning Permits: Three Critical Guidelines for Managing the Application Process

Building a new home or conducting renovations can be exciting. However, you must not get too caught up in the emotions and forget about the practical considerations. One of the important issues that you must address is the need for a planning permit. Planning permits are documents which are designed to provide approval for the development of a piece of land. The application from a permit can seem like an inconvenience. However, you must think of it as a crucial process which will protect you, your building and the environment. Here are crucial guidelines for navigating the planning permit process with ease.

Budget for Permit Application

When lodging your application for a planning permit, a planning fee might be charged. The specific amount will depend on a range of factors. For instance, the fee can vary depending on your state and territory of residence. Moreover, different types of developments will attract different charges. The relevant authority will consider factors such as the scale and complexity of the project. It is important to make enquiries about the expected fee before lodging your application. This will allow you to prepare adequately. It might be tempting to overlook this process if your budget is tight. However, you must keep in mind that the penalty for non-compliance will be higher.

Learn About the Regulations

It is advisable to conduct a little research on planning permits before lodging an official application. If you understand the complete details of the process, you can minimise potential complications and subsequent expenses. For instance, it is essential to keep in mind that some forms of developments might be exempt from planning permits. In simple terms, if the changes you intend to make to your property are not considered major, you will not need a permit. You should study the application regulation in your local region and discuss with your chosen designer. In some cases, you might be able to modify your design to meet the exempt standards outlined by the council.

Appoint an Agent for the Process

Handling the application process for planning permits personally can be challenging, especially if you have other pressing issues in your life. Therefore, it is advisable to consider appointing another party to lodge the application on your behalf. For instance, you can nominate your building designer or your draftsperson to stand in for you. The expert will acquire the permits, allowing you to free up your time. However, ensure that you have a contract in place outlining this added responsibility to avoid future disagreements.