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Planning approval is required if a person proposes to undertake a new or modified use or development. Approval is obtained by lodging a development application with the relevant local council.

All proposals are assessed against relevant planning scheme provisions to determine the type of application, if any, that is required. If a permit is required, council will determine which category (permitted, discretionary or prohibited) applies to the proposed development under the planning scheme.

Simplified Planning Permit/Development Application (Permitted Development)

Under the Land Use Planning & Approvals Act 1993

This process is used where council is bound to grant unconditionally or subject to changes the proposed use or development, provided it meets the requirements of the planning scheme. Council will require a completed application form, copies of land titles and plans, prescribed fees and any other requirements (as specified by individual councils). Each council uses a different application form, most of which are available through the Planning Applications web site.

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Planning Permit/Development Application under a Planning Scheme (Discretionary Development)

Under the Land Use Planning & Approvals Act 1993

This process is used in situations where council has the discretion to refuse a permit, or may not progress a permit unless the planning scheme is waived or modified. 

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Combined Planning Scheme Amendment and Planning Permit/Development Application (Prohibited Development)

Under the Land Use Planning & Approvals Act 1993

A proposed development may be classified as prohibited if it does not comply with planning scheme provisions. If the development is prohibited then it cannot be undertaken unless the planning scheme is amended and as a consequence of this a planning permit can be considered. 

In these circumstances, an applicant has the option of submitting a joint proposal to council, requesting both a change to the planning scheme and seeking development approval. The assessment process provides for a public comment period, after which the council forwards its assessment of the proposal and any submissions received to the State Government's Resource Planning and Development Commission.  The Commission is responsible for assessing new and amended local government planning schemes, and will either approve, modify or refuse the application.

The process is commonly referred to as the 'section 43A process'.

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Tasmania’s Resource Management and Planning System has a broad focus and includes a wide range of resource management and planning activities, not just land use planning. For more information about the RMPS, see the Resource Planning and Development Commission's Guide to the RMPS.

Other planning processes such as major infrastructure developments and dam permits are detailed in the Other Development section.

Industrial Land

The Industrial Land Demand Tasmania report detailing Tasmania's future industrial land demand was released in June 2008. The report will help local government forecast their needs for industrial land and assist with better planning for future economic growth and development. The report forecasts the industrial land demand in 2011 to be between 437 hectares and 588 hectares depending on Tasmania's population growth, representing a 13% increase in land use by industry.