I received a question from a member of the UA Community:

If I’m using a licensed Building Designer to draw up my renovation plans, will I still need Council Approval?

The two of those things actually don’t have any real relationship to each other.

The requirement for council approval is often linked to where you live, and what the quality and character of that area it is. For example:

• If it has some historical heritage quality in terms of having a lot of old homes in it.
• If you’re changing your street elevation because that will have an impact on how the street looks.
• If you’re extending your property, going up or going out, because that will have an impact on your neighbours.

Council are charged with guarding the quality and character of the area or suburb that they oversee. So they take on the
responsibility of representing your community and your neighbours. That then helps them manage what each individual does on their site.

If you think about it from that point of view, you can start to understand why certain things are going to need council approval. It’s about the impact on other people, as well as protecting the quality of the area that you love living in.

Watch the video for my tips about how to find out whether your project needs Council Approval.

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Other blogs you may find useful …

Not sure how much to push council rules? Here’s some suggestions.

Is your neighbour applying for a Development Approval and you don’t know what to do? Read this.

What’s the difference between a building designer, draftsperson or architect? Here’s some info.