Where to start

Development approval (also known as planning approval) and building permits are two separate application processes that might be needed before a development can commence.

Development includes: the erection, construction or demolition of any building or structure; erection, placement and display of advertisements or signs; building alterations or additions; excavation work; and establishing or changing the land use of a site.

In some cases, both development and building approvals will be required.  In those cases, development approval must be applied for and granted before a building permit can be applied for and issued.