What should I include in a scope for a town planner?

Summary: Checks whether you need planning/development approval and prepares and manages the application if you do.

Why it matters: Overlays (heritage, flood, bushfire, character, vegetation) and setback or height rules can change the design or add months. A planner identifies these upfront.

Minimum scope by stage

• Before design: zoning, overlays, codes and approval pathway check; list of reports council will need
• Planning: planning report; application lodgement; responses to council requests
• After approval: review of conditions and a list of what must be met before building approval, during construction and before occupation, passed to the designer and consultants
• Construction: applications to change the approval if the design changes
• Completion: help showing compliance with planning conditions where council requires it

Options

• Pre-lodgement meeting with council
• Neighbour consultation or notification advice
• Appeals or variation requests
• Subdivision or dual occupancy (duplex) approvals

Meetings and site visits: One site visit; council pre-lodgement meeting if useful.

Watch-out: Pathway names differ by state (e.g. complying development in NSW, code assessment in QLD, planning permit in VIC). Many single dwellings do not need a planner. Check with council first. Missed conditions can delay building approval or occupancy.