Simplifying local council regulations for your project’s success

Navigating local council regulations can feel overwhelming. From zoning laws to building codes, the rules vary widely depending on your location, leaving you with a maze of requirements to meet.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer, getting your project off the ground often means tackling a number of complexities.

At Approved, we understand how challenging it can be to make sense of it all. That’s why our expert team is here to simplify the process, saving you time, reducing stress, and ensuring compliance every step of the way.

Understanding local government requirements

Local council regulations aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each council has its own Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP), which dictate what you can and can’t do with your property. These plans cover everything from zoning and height limits to environmental protections.

Some key considerations to keep top of mind:

• LEPs: Define zoning requirements and dictate permissible uses for land.
• DCPs: Provide additional guidelines, such as setback requirements or landscaping conditions.

Why does this matter? Misinterpreting these documents or over looking key details can lead to delays and extra costs. Our team ensures your project aligns with local council-specific regulations from the start, helping you avoid costly setbacks.

The challenges of navigating local regulations

Whether it’s residential, commercial, or industrial development, certain hurdles are common across all types of projects.

Common challenges include:

• Zoning compliance: Ensuring your project fits within council-approved land use.
• Environmental considerations: Managing compliance with biodiversity and water use regulations.
• Documentation overload: Meeting local council-specific requirements for submissions.
• Timeline variability: Approval times can differ widely, with some councils taking months to process applications.

For example, Property Council of Australia found that in 2023, the median time for councils to assess development applications in NSW was 77 days. By contrast, certain fast-tracked approval pathways like the Newcastle Local Area’s ADA approvals can take as little as 1–15 days.

How we simplify the development approval process for our clients

We specialise in making the approval process straight forward and efficient.

Here’s how we help:

Tailored solutions for every project

Every project is unique, and so are the challenges it faces. We work with you to develop customised solutions, from initial assessments to identifying the best approval pathway for your project. For example, in Newcastle, we recently secured approval for a swimming pool in just 1 day through the ADA fast-track process.

Expert guidance at every step

Our team stays up to date with local regulations so you don’t have to. From navigating council requirements to managing regulatory changes, we provide proactive advice to help you meet deadlines and budgets.

Dedicated client support

With a dedicated client manager assigned to every project, we ensure clear communication, manage expectations, and keep you informed of milestones.

Strong industry relationships

Our connections with engineers, certifiers, and consultants, combined with excellent relationships with councils across NSW and regional areas, help streamline the process and eliminate roadblocks.

What's changing in local regulations?

Did you know that there are some recent updates to NSW planning policies that could impact your project? Take a look here:

• Housing reforms: As of July 2024, new rules allow dual occupancies, terraces, and townhouses in R2 zones, creating more opportunities for medium-density housing.
• Transport-oriented development: Updates to SEPP have introduced streamlined planning controls near metro and rail stations, with potential implications for zoning.

These changes highlight the importance of staying informed.

Our team ensures you remain compliant while maximising the potential of your development.

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The risks of non-compliance are high ranging from penalties to project delays or outright refusal of approvals.

By offering services like Approval Pathways Assessments, we help you identify potential roadblocks early and provide actionable insights to keep your project on track.

Navigating local council regulations doesn’t have to be daunting. With us, you’ll have the expertise, guidance, and support needed to move your project forward smoothly and efficiently,

Contact us today for a friendly consultation.