A development application (DA) is generally required for which of the following activities?

Q: What is the correct answer to: A development application (DA) is generally required for which of the following activities?

The correct answer is Building a new two-storey residential dwelling. 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.

Q: What background knowledge is needed for this Planning Environment question?

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.

Q: What is a good way to remember the answer to this Planning Environment question?

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.

Q: What exam tip applies to this Planning Environment question?

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.

Q: How does this Planning Environment concept apply in Australian real estate practice?

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.

Question

Planning EnvironmentDevelopment ApplicationsEASY

A development application (DA) is generally required for which of the following activities?

Answer Options

A

Painting the exterior of an existing house

B

Building a new two-storey residential dwelling

C

Installing new carpet inside a home

D

Replacing existing windows with identical ones