Do I need planning approval?

Almost all building work needs planning approval first.

Approval is required to:

• Undertake building works
• Make alterations to a building
• Change the use of a building (for example, from a house to short-term holiday accommodation, or an outbuilding to a dwelling)
• Undertake land clearing
• Excavate land, place fill or construct an access
• Erect signage
• Make other modifications to a building or land
• Subdivide land

If a proposal is exempt or No Permit Required, it will be listed in Section 4 of the Planning Scheme or in the relevant Use Table. If you’re not sure, contact us before you start — we can usually save you time.

How to apply

1. Read the planning application form. It outlines the information you need to submit.
2. Pull together your supporting documents — site plan, floor plan with measurements, recent folio plan and text, and anything specific to your proposal.
3. Lodge by email to or by post to Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, PO Box 6, Triabunna TAS 7190.
4. We acknowledge receipt, request additional information if needed, then assess the application.

How long does approval take?

• No Permit Required (compliant residential proposals): usually within 7 days
• Permitted: 28 days
• Discretionary (public exhibition required): 42 days

These are statutory timeframes. The clock pauses if we need more information from you. If a discretionary application receives representations or is recommended for refusal, the application goes to a Council meeting for determination, and a written extension of time may be needed — we will discuss this with you.

How you’ll be notified

Applicants are notified in writing within seven days of the decision. Planning permits become valid 14 days after notification, allowing time for any appeals.

If there were no representations, the applicant can choose to waive appeal rights — the permit then takes effect immediately and the building permit can be released, subject to conditions. If representations were made, the right of appeal cannot be waived because representors also have a right to appeal.

Other approvals you may need

Planning approval is separate from building, plumbing and demolition approval. You’ll typically need building and/or plumbing approval as well — see Building & plumbing for details.

Find planning information about your property

PlanBuild generates a property report with the zone, overlays, codes and maps that apply. It’s the simplest place to start: planbuild.tas.gov.au.