Exempt development refers to low-impact renovations or structures that meet specific State Policy standards and therefore don’t require planning or building approval. This includes the construction or installation of structures such as cabanas, cubby houses, garden sheds, or gazebos, provided they are not placed on a heritage item or within environmentally sensitive areas.
Specified Development
The construction or installation of certain structures is considered specified development under this code if they adhere to the following development standards:
- Floor Area: The structure must not exceed a floor area of 20m².
- Height: It should not be higher than 3m above existing ground level.
- Setback: The structure must be located at least 900mm from each lot boundary.
- Building Line: It should be positioned behind the building line of any road frontage.
- Material Restrictions: The structure cannot be a shipping container and must be constructed of low-reflective materials.
- Drainage: It must dispose of roof water without causing a nuisance to neighbours.
- Bushfire Safety: If situated on bushfire-prone land, it must be more than 5m from a dwelling.
- Heritage Areas: It should be located in the rear yard in heritage conservation areas.
- Access: It must not interfere with entry, exit, or fire safety measures of adjacent buildings.
- Building Classification: The structure must be classified as Class 10 and cannot be habitable.
- Easements: It must be located at least 1m from any registered easement.
Additionally, there can be no more than two of these developments per lot. By adhering to these standards, you can take full advantage of exempt development regulations without the need for extensive approvals.
