A development application (DA) is typically required for which of the following?
Correct Answer
B) Building a new two-storey residential dwelling
Building a new dwelling typically requires a development application as it involves significant construction that affects the built environment. Minor internal modifications and maintenance work like painting usually fall under exempt or complying development.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Building a new two-storey residential dwelling requires a development application because it constitutes significant development under state planning legislation. New dwellings impact neighbourhood character, require infrastructure connections, must comply with building codes and setback requirements, and potentially affect neighbours' amenity. Such substantial construction cannot proceed as exempt or complying development and requires formal assessment by the consent authority to ensure compliance with local environmental plans, building standards, and community planning objectives.
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 state planning legislation. It's considered routine maintenance that doesn't materially affect the built environment, neighbourhood character, or require structural modifications. Such minor works generally don't require development consent.
Option C: Installing internal shelving in a garage
Installing internal shelving in a garage constitutes minor internal modifications that typically fall under exempt development. These works don't affect the building's external appearance, structural integrity, or neighbourhood character, and therefore don't require development consent under planning legislation.
Option D: Replacing existing floor tiles with similar materials
Replacing existing floor tiles with similar materials is routine maintenance and renovation work that typically qualifies as exempt development. Such like-for-like replacements don't materially alter the building's character or impact the environment, so development consent isn't required.
Deep Analysis of This Planning Environment Question
Development applications (DAs) are a cornerstone of Australian planning law, designed to ensure orderly development and environmental protection. Under state planning legislation, DAs are required for development that significantly impacts the built or natural environment. The distinction between exempt development, complying development, and development requiring a DA is crucial for real estate professionals. Building a new dwelling represents substantial development that affects neighbourhood character, infrastructure demands, and environmental considerations. This question tests understanding of when formal planning approval is necessary versus when work can proceed under exempt or complying development provisions. The principle reflects the balance between property rights and community planning objectives, ensuring developments meet building codes, environmental standards, and local planning policies while protecting community amenities.
Background Knowledge for Planning Environment
Development applications are governed by state planning legislation (such as NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act). Development is categorized as exempt (no approval needed), complying (fast-track approval), or requiring full DA assessment. Exempt development includes minor works like painting, basic maintenance, and small internal modifications. Complying development covers moderate works meeting pre-determined standards. DAs are required for significant development including new buildings, major alterations, change of use, and works that don't meet exempt or complying criteria. The system balances development rights with community planning and environmental protection.
Memory Technique
Remember 'BIG' - Building, Infrastructure, Growth. If the work involves Building new structures, requires Infrastructure connections, or represents significant Growth/change to the property, it likely needs a DA. Small maintenance and internal tweaks are usually exempt.
When facing DA questions, ask: 'Is this BIG?' New dwellings are BIG (all three elements). Painting and internal shelving are small maintenance. If it's not BIG, it's probably exempt development.
Exam Tip for Planning Environment
Look for keywords: 'new building/dwelling' almost always needs DA, while 'painting', 'internal modifications', 'replacing like-for-like' typically don't. Focus on scale and external impact.
Real World Application in Planning Environment
A client wants to build a granny flat in their backyard. As their agent, you must advise that this requires a development application because it's a new dwelling structure. However, if they just want to repaint their house or install built-in wardrobes, you can reassure them these are typically exempt development requiring no council approval, saving time and money while ensuring they understand their obligations under planning law.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Planning Environment Questions
- •Assuming all building work requires a DA
- •Confusing exempt development with complying development requirements
- •Not recognizing that new dwellings always require formal planning approval
Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
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- → Under SEPP (State Environmental Planning Policy) provisions, what is complying development?
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