CPD Course 12 – Identify and Interpret Statutory Planning Processes

This unit looks at different types of planning controls that shape the way our towns and cities are developed, and how council at various levels can impose controls on what we build. The importance of planning controls is to ensure that development is consistent with community’ needs and requirements whilst facilitating future growth. Planning controls that you may come across include:

• State Environment Plans (SEPPs) – under state government guidelines
• Regional Environmental Plans (REPs) – under state government guidelines
• Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) – under local government guidelines
• Draft Environmental Plans
• Heritage
• Native Title

Valuers often receive instructions by clients who are considering buying some land to develop. When a developer client requests advice concerning purchasing a piece of land for development they will initially want to know the development capacity of the land and any relevant controls or constraints that will be in placed on the land. This task requires you to determine the highest and best use for the property. At this preliminary stage, the information you must obtain includes zoning details, local council planning policies and building codes, the maximum building height allowed, maximum site coverage allowed, FSR and any other relevant facts that will affect the development potential of the property. You must also check any DCPs relevant to the land. This task requires extensive investigation. The valuer would use one or more of the following sources to obtain the information required to able to provide advice to the client:

• Local Council Websites
• Zoning Maps
• LEPs and DCPs
• The State Planning Controls
• Private Certifiers
• The Department of Planning
• The Land & Planning Management Authority
• The Environmental Protection Agency

Completion of this course provides 12 CPD points. $350 including GST