A development application (DA) is generally required for which of the following activities?
Correct Answer
B) Building a new two-storey residential dwelling
Building a new dwelling constitutes significant development that requires council approval through a development application process. This ensures the proposal complies with zoning, building codes, and other planning requirements.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Building a new two-storey residential dwelling constitutes major development requiring formal council assessment through a development application. Under state planning legislation, new dwellings must be evaluated for compliance with zoning controls, building height limits, setback requirements, parking provisions, and environmental considerations. This ensures the development aligns with local planning policies, doesn't adversely impact neighbouring properties, and meets building standards for safety and amenity. The DA process allows public notification and council assessment of potential impacts.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Painting the exterior of an existing house
Painting the exterior of an existing house is typically classified as exempt development under planning legislation. It's considered routine maintenance that doesn't alter the building's structure, use, or impact on neighbours. Most councils don't require DA approval for repainting existing surfaces in similar colours, as it doesn't raise planning concerns about neighbourhood character or environmental impact.
Option C: Installing new carpet inside a home
Installing new carpet is internal fit-out work that doesn't require development approval. It's considered exempt development as it doesn't change the building's external appearance, structural integrity, or use classification. Internal renovations like flooring replacement fall under building maintenance rather than development requiring planning assessment, provided no structural changes are involved.
Option D: Replacing existing windows with identical ones
Replacing existing windows with identical specifications typically constitutes exempt development or maintenance work. Since there's no change to the building's appearance, size, or structural configuration, most planning schemes don't require DA approval. However, heritage properties or windows facing public areas might have specific requirements, but generally like-for-like replacement is permitted without formal approval.
Deep Analysis of This Planning Environment Question
Development applications (DAs) are a cornerstone of Australian planning law, designed to ensure orderly development that protects community interests and environmental standards. Under state planning legislation, councils must assess whether proposed development complies with zoning requirements, building codes, environmental protections, and community standards. The distinction between exempt development, complying development, and development requiring DA approval is fundamental to planning practice. New residential dwellings represent significant development that impacts infrastructure, neighbourhood character, and environmental systems. This question tests understanding of when formal planning approval is required versus routine maintenance or minor alterations that fall under exempt development provisions. The principle reflects the balance between property rights and community planning objectives, ensuring developments contribute positively to urban planning goals while protecting existing residents' amenity.
Background Knowledge for Planning Environment
Development applications are governed by state planning legislation (varying by state - NSW Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, Victorian Planning & Environment Act, etc.). The planning system categorises development into exempt (no approval needed), complying (fast-track approval), and development requiring full DA assessment. Exempt development covers routine maintenance, minor alterations, and specific low-impact activities defined in planning instruments. New dwellings always require DA approval as they constitute significant development affecting infrastructure, traffic, neighbourhood character, and environmental systems. Councils assess DAs against zoning controls, development control plans, and state environmental planning policies.
Memory Technique
Remember BUILD: Big changes need approval, Upkeep doesn't. Internal work = Invisible to planning, Little changes = Low concern, Dwellings = Definitely need DA. If you're BUILDING something new or substantially changing the external envelope, you need approval. If you're just maintaining what's already there, you probably don't.
When facing DA questions, ask: 'Am I BUILDING something new or just maintaining existing?' New construction, additions, or major external changes = DA required. Painting, carpet, like-for-like replacements = usually exempt.
Exam Tip for Planning Environment
Focus on the scale and visibility of change. New buildings, extensions, and changes affecting neighbours require DAs. Internal work, maintenance, and like-for-like replacements typically don't. When in doubt, bigger and more visible changes need approval.
Real World Application in Planning Environment
A property investor wants to build a new duplex on their vacant block. They must submit a DA including architectural plans, site analysis, and environmental assessments. The council will assess compliance with zoning (residential permissibility), building height limits, setbacks from boundaries, parking requirements, and potential impacts on neighbours. Public notification allows community input. Meanwhile, their existing rental property needs exterior repainting and new carpet - these maintenance works proceed without DA approval as exempt development.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Planning Environment Questions
- •Assuming all building work requires DA approval
- •Confusing development approval with building approval requirements
- •Not distinguishing between exempt development and complying development pathways
Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
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