Development applications

South Australia’s Planning and Design Code states in most cases, that council approval is required before development can be undertaken.

Development approval is needed for:

  • any construction, alteration, addition or demolition of a building, structure or certain trees,
  • a change in current use of land, or
  • anything that modifies a state or local heritage item.

Planning to build a low fence, small shed or open pergola? You may not require development approval. Find more information on our Minor development page.


Application forms

Browse the different forms below that may apply to your circumstances.

Request for Extension of Time

This form is to be completed when applying to Council for an Extension of Development Plan Consent or Development Approval for a Development Application.

From 11 November 2019 when a development is granted Development Plan Consent, the applicant has 24 months from the operative date in which to obtain Building Rules Consent. When a development is granted Development Approval, the applicant has 24 months from the operative date to substantially commence the development, thereafter for the development to be either substantially or fully completed within 3 years.

It is recommended that this application be lodged with Council a minimum of twenty (20) business days prior to the lapsing of the Consent/Approval to allow sufficient time for the request to be assessed.