Skip navigation

IRIS Tasmania  >  Planning and Development  >  Land Use and Development  >  Text - Simplified Planning Permit

Simplified Planning Permit

Simplified Process for Planning Permit

Stage 1 – Informal Communication

  • Discuss:
    • relevant planning scheme provisions and application requirements with your local council;
    • your intentions with relevant authorities and State agencies e.g. removing threatened species, accessing State roads; and 
    • your intentions with owners of neighbouring properties and affected parties.
  • After all discussions, an application for permit for use or development may not be required

Stage 2 – Application Submission and Referral

  • You will need to fill in and submit an Application for a Planning Permit / Development Application with your local council
    • Councils normally require you to provide a completed application form, as well as a copy of relevant titles and sketch plans showing the existing and proposed use and development
    • Fees should also be submitted at this time
    • See the Planning Applications web site for information about planning application requirements
    • Generally, council has 42 days to determine the application
  • Council may request additional information to be able to assess the application
    • If additional information is required, the assessment period does not run until the request has been met to the satisfaction of Council
    • Applicants are able to appeal requests for additional information.
    • Council has 21 days to request additional information

Stage 3 - Advertising and Consultation

  • The application is publicly notified, usually by council on behalf of the applicant
    • The requirements for advertising are specified in regulations and include:
      • advertising in major newspapers;
      • displaying a notice on the public boundary of the land; and
      • sending a written notice to adjoining landowners and occupiers.
  • The application is referred to relevant sections within council and/or to external organisations for advice
  • Third parties (e.g. neighbours, State agencies) may make representations to council which must be considered
  • The timeframe for making a representation is generally 14 days from the date of advertisement

Stage 4 – Assessment and Decision

  • Council determines the application by either:
    • refusing it; or
    • approving it with or without conditions.
  • The applicant and/or representors are notified of the decision
  • Council has 7 days to notify the applicant and any third parties of the decision

Stage 5 - Appeal

  • The applicant and/or any representors may lodge an appeal against all or part of the council's decision with the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal (RMPAT)
  • RMPAT have 90 days to determine the appeal
  • The parties may undertake a mediation conference with the aim of reaching an agreement without holding a full hearing
    • Mediation conferences are chaired by a professional mediator
    • The vast majority of planning appeals in Tasmania are resolved through mediation
  • The Tribunal holds formal hearing at which all parties are able to provide submissions to support their case
  • The Tribunal decision either confirms, varies or sets aside the council's decision