December 2023

Message from the Chair of the State Planning Commission

This follows completion of consultation on the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan Discussion Paper. Throughout the consultation, Commission members met with councils, industry, First Nations groups and community members to gain their early input, which will help shape the draft Greater Adelaide Regional Plan.

We are now working through more than 700 submissions that were received, to ensure community ideas and values are understood and considered in preparing the draft plan. Some of the key themes that have been raised include:

• the importance of improving housing availability and affordability
• increasing public transport connectivity and encouraging its use
• improving resilience to climate change impacts and reducing biodiversity loss
• ensuring timely and coordinated infrastructure provision
• the importance of social cohesion and inclusion opportunities for all.

A highlight of the consultation was partnering with Urban Mind Studio, South Australian Grass Roots Ecosystem (SAGE), Global Shapers, Youth Affairs Council of South Australia and the Commissioner for Children and Young People to deliver a youth forum, hosted by the Commission and PLUS. The forum attracted 70 attendees to ensure South Australia’s young people have their say on what their Greater Adelaide region will look like in 30 years’ time. This followed an online workshop with Green Adelaide to gain important insights from the Youth Environment Council.

To keep up to date on the latest developments on the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan, visit the PlanSA portal.

Craig Holden
Chair, State Planning Commission

Message from the Executive Director, Team PLUS

Congratulations to our dedicated teams who won awards for their work on the River Murray Flood Resilience Code Amendment and the PlanSA portal.

The team behind our PlanSA portal won the Technology and Digital Innovation category for their outstanding work leveraging our digital infrastructure to enhance engagement and transparency in the South Australian planning system.

The River Murray Flood Resilience Code Amendment was acknowledged twice at the awards, winning the Climate Change and Resilience category for the team who facilitated it for PLUS and the President’s Award for the River Murray Planning and Building Working Group, convened for the project comprising PLUS, council and agency staff. This very important and impactful code amendment was a collaborative effort and I’d like to acknowledge the River Murray councils that partnered with us on this work.

Congratulations also to Kate McNab, whose outstanding contribution was recognised by receiving a Commendation in the Young Planner Award.

Our amazing staff were also recognised as leaders in planning at the recent Planning Institute of Australia SA Women in Planning Network event.

I’m thrilled to share Cherie Gill, PLUS Senior Planning Officer, was announced winner of the Outstanding Woman in Planning Award. What an incredible achievement and she is very deserving of the recognition.

The talented women working at PLUS were well represented at the event – of the eight nominees, four were our close friends from the PLUS team. Congratulations to Cherie and fellow PLUS nominees Amy Barratt, Cassia Byrne and Laura Kerber, who received a special commendation.

The SA Women in Planning Network aims to increase gender equity in planning across all levels, which I am very passionate about. I would particularly like to encourage women from planning and allied professions to consider joining council and regional assessment panels, bringing their diverse backgrounds and skills to the decision-making processes that drive our cities' growth and transformation.

Sally Smith
Executive Director, Planning and Land Use Services

PLUS’s Outstanding Women in Planning

This is particularly important with the recent release of the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan Discussion Paper, and the on-going review and development of the six other regional plans across the state. Each will be critical in providing a coordinated focus for public and private sector investment and to bring the great ideas and generational ambitions of local communities to fruition.

The outstanding contributions of fellow PLUS nominees, Laura Kerber, who received a Commendation for the exceptional work she does working on some of the State’s most complex assessments, Amy Barratt and Cassia Byrne were also recognised.

Consultation on updating South Australia’s bushfire hazard policy and mapping is now open

A proposal to update bushfire hazard mapping and effectively plan for the impacts of bushfire hazards across South Australia is now on community engagement.

The draft State-wide Bushfire Hazards Overlay Code Amendment seeks to review and update bushfire hazard policy and incorporate current bushfire hazard mapping into the Planning and Design Code.

In May 2022, the South Australian Government declared a climate emergency. Climate change is expected to result in more frequent and intense extreme weather events. Severe bushfires will occur more often and, without action, will have devastating impacts on our communities. These proposed changes to the Code aim to better reflect bushfire risk across the state and introduce new rules to help save lives and build more climate-resilient communities.

Bushfire hazard mapping has been undertaken for most of the state with the application of ‘high’, ‘medium’ and ‘general’ bushfire risk areas.

The Code Amendment also seeks to deliver an improved policy framework to enable more effective assessment of developments in areas of potential bushfire hazard impacts and ensure measures are in place to keep people, property, infrastructure, our economy and the environment as safe as possible.

The draft Code Amendment is out for community engagement from 23 November 2023 to 5 pm, 8 March 2024.

A series of in-person and online public information sessions will be held in early 2024. Details will be published on the YourSAy website. 

For more information, view the proposed bushfire hazard mapping and to submit feedback, visit the YourSAy website.

Changes to Crown and essential infrastructure development applications

Applications for Crown and essential infrastructure development will now be lodged and managed through the PlanSA Development Application Processing (DAP) system.

State agencies or applicants lodging on behalf of, or sponsored by, a Crown agency are able to register for an online account and lodge new development applications and land division proposals directly into the PlanSA system.

The DAP increases visibility over assessment processes and functionality for applicants compared to the existing lodgement process and will be used for:

• lodging development applications online
• tracking the progress of a lodged development application through the assessment process
• online assessment for decision makers and referral bodies
• issuing decisions online
• digital notifications.

This will simplify how state agencies, decision makers and others interact with the planning system and will provide a centralised place for all South Australia’s assessment processes into the future.

Applications currently under assessment will continue to be processed within existing systems. Requests to vary previously approved development applications should be sent by email to spcapplications@sa.gov.au.

Proposed miscellaneous amendments to the General Regulations

To clarify aspects of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017, the South Australian Government is proposing a number of amendments, which are currently open for consultation.

The draft Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) (Miscellaneous) (No 2) Amendment Regulations 2023 propose the following key amendments to the General Regulations:

• making Assessment Managers at councils the designated authority for assessing and approving Building Envelope Plans
• clarifying that the operative period of any consent aligns with the operative period of the final development approval
• updating the notification period prescribed in regulation 93(1)(b) of the General Regulations to five business days’ notice for out of council areas to allow more time to plan for and undertake inspections if required
• amending regulation 104(8)(d) of the General Regulations to make reference to a communications facility under the Commonwealth's Telecommunications Act 1997
• a new clause that prescribes establishing transhipment points associated with a proposed or existing port facility for transferring bulk commodities within state coastal waters as development
• exempting hazard monitoring equipment from requiring development approval in certain circumstances
• increasing the scope of exempt works associated with the supply, disposal or treatment of water or waste water in schedule 13 of the General Regulations
• minor editorial changes that will provide greater clarity throughout the Regulations.

A summary of all proposed amendments is available on the PlanSA portal.

Feedback on the proposed Amendment Regulations can be submitted to PlanSASubmissions@sa.gov.au by 8 December 2023.

New planning rules secure granny flats for rental 

New planning rules ensuring ‘granny flats’ (ancillary accommodation) can be rented to anyone and refining criteria to fast-track approvals for new homes in master-planned areas are now in effect.

Amended regulations now ensure all existing ancillary accommodation can be leased or rented out, potentially bringing hundreds of new homes to the rental market.

These changes mean it is no longer an offence to enter into an agreement to rent a granny flat with anyone, even if development approval limits use or restricts occupation to family of the main home’s residents.

These regulation amendments are the next step in a bigger package of rule changes being considered, including streamlining the approval pathway for ancillary accommodation and reviewing the existing definition to enable these dwellings to be self-contained.

Changes to rules for accepted development in master-planned growth areas

Following feedback from the Local Government Association, updates have also been made to regulations enabling new homes in master-planned growth areas to be assessed as ‘accepted development’, which removes the need for planning consent and progresses applications straight to building assessment.

Changes include only applying ‘accepted development’ to existing allotments and new criteria for:

• setbacks from the street and side boundaries
• driveways, garages and parking spaces
• finished floor levels to boost protection in flood-risk areas.

These additional criteria will ensure better long-term design for residents in master planned communities and homes that are well suited to their local setting.

These changes also provide greater protection to state and local heritage, ensuring State Heritage Areas, State Heritage Places and Local Heritage Places in master-planned growth areas still undergo the full development assessment process.

These are the latest initiatives in a suite of South Australian Government announcements under A Better Housing Future, designed to address the state’s housing crisis.

New Certificate of Occupancy requirements for new homes from October 2024

An update to the state’s planning laws will require a Certificate of Occupancy to be issued before residents can move into newly built homes from October next year.

The certification will be issued by a local council or a private building certifier, giving homeowners peace of mind that their new home is safe and suitable to occupy.

The Certificate of Occupancy will be required for all houses and townhouses where the building consent application is lodged and verified in the e-planning system on or after 1 October 2024.

The date for introducing Certificate of Occupancy requirements for new homes has been delayed from January next year to provide industry with additional time to adapt to the new requirements and recognises our state’s current housing affordability and accessibility issues.

This also aligns with new energy efficiency and liveable housing standards coming into effect across the state from October next year.

While a Certificate of Occupancy is not currently required for new houses, key health and safety requirements must still be met for new homes.

To support the building industry to adapt to the changes, new requirements and forms for obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy have been published on the PlanSA portal.

A comprehensive training program to support the building industry will also be provided in 2024.

Practice Direction 14 – Site Contamination

The State Planning Commission has varied Practice Direction 14 to update the definition of ‘constrained site’.

The definition of ‘constrained site’ was added to Practice Direction 14 earlier this year to signal that detailed site contamination investigations can be reserved in certain circumstances where sites are occupied by a building or tenanted, and there is a low likelihood of site contamination impacting on a proposed development.

The new updated definition provides more detail on the circumstances where it may not be reasonably practicable to access the site to undertake site investigations.

The Commission acknowledges that more reform is required to enhance the Site Contamination Development Assessment Scheme and will be undertaking additional investigations in the coming months.

Empowering women from allied professions to shape communities

In the dynamic world of urban development and planning, opportunities abound for women from all walks of professional life to contribute their unique skills and perspectives to shape the future of our communities.

Council and regional assessment panels offer a remarkable platform for women from allied professions to actively participate in the decision-making processes that drive our cities' growth and transformation.

Embrace your expertise: Are you an architect, landscape architect, engineer, lawyer, land surveyor or in environmental and construction management, public policy, or from any other allied profession? Your expertise is not confined to your field alone – it holds immense potential to enrich urban planning and development discussions. By joining a council or regional assessment panel, you can lend your insights to assess development applications, influence policy decisions and ensure a harmonious balance between progress and sustainability.

Amplify your impact: Every voice matters in the journey of community growth. Assessment panels provide a unique platform to amplify your impact. As a panel member, you'll actively contribute to shaping the city's skyline, infrastructure and environmental resilience. Your participation will directly influence the development projects that shape neighbourhoods, making them more vibrant, equitable and liveable.

Cross-collaboration and networking: Diversity drives innovation, and assessment panels thrive on a diverse membership. Collaborate with professionals from various sectors, share your insights and learn from others. This networking opportunity can foster interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing your own skills while shaping policies that affect every facet of urban life.

Mentorship and professional growth: Stepping onto a council or regional assessment panel offers more than just participation – it's an opportunity to engage in mentorship and professional growth. Learn from seasoned panel members and contribute your own fresh perspectives. As a woman from an allied profession, your insights can help redefine urban planning strategies and outcomes.

Flexible participation: Assessment panels offer flexible participation options, accommodating various schedules. Meetings can be attended remotely, ensuring that your commitment aligns seamlessly with your other responsibilities.

How to get involved: To join a council or regional assessment panel, you need to be an Accredited Professional (Level 2). If you're ready to make your mark on urban development, visit the PlanSA portal to learn more about the accreditation process, requirements and benefits of becoming a part of this influential community.

Open Space Grants Program open for applications

Applications for the Open Space Grant Program 2023-24 are now open to support the revitalisation and development of laneways, main streets, civic plazas and reimagined public spaces.

The Grant Program aims to enhance public open spaces in both metropolitan and regional South Australia.

Councils are encouraged to submit suitable projects online using the Smarty Grants website. It is recommended that you review the guidelines prior to submitting your application.

Applications close at 12 pm on Friday, 9 February 2024.

Find out more on the PlanSA portal.

Planning for climate change

PLUS and the State Planning Commission are working to embed climate change considerations across South Australia’s planning policies and procedures, based on the best available climate science and research.

Our planning system can help build a state that is more resilient to the impacts of climate change and achieves our target of net zero emissions by 2050.

The Planning for Climate Change brochure outlines how the planning system can respond to climate change risks, and the specific planning projects we have implemented and planned to address climate change challenges and take advantage of climate-related opportunities.

We will continue to work with local government, industry and the community, including the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters of South Australia, to collaborate on planning ideas and solutions that can influence and respond to climate change.

Creating greener places for healthier and sustainable communities

The document was developed through Healthy Parks Healthy People SA – a partnership between Wellbeing SA and the Department for Environment and Water – with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects SA Chapter.

Download a copy and share it with your colleagues and clients.