The Planning Office provides an integrated planning and development service which deals with the way any land within the municipality may be used and developed. The Office manages a variety of issues relating to planning, heritage, urban design and environment.

The Planning Office aims to provide for fair, orderly and sustainable use and development within the municipality.

About the Planning Application Process

Planning affects all residents and property owners in relation to developing and using a property. In Tasmania, the development and use of land falls into one of four categories:

1. Permitted - Council has to approve the development but it can impose such conditions it deems necessary having regard to the matters Council may take into consideration as specified in Parts 6, 7 and 8 of the Planning Scheme.
2. Discretionary - Council may approve or reject the application and with any approval it may impose such conditions it deems necessary having regard to the matters Council may take into consideration as specified in Parts 6, 7 and 8 of the Planning Scheme.
3. Prohibited - Council shall refuse the application.
4. Permitted as of right - No planning permit is required.

'Permitted' Planning Applications do not require any advertising.

'Discretionary' Planning Applications require a 14-day advertising period and are advertised in the Local Government Section of The Advocate every Wednesday and Saturday. A site notice is also placed on the land and letters are sent to adjoining property owners and occupiers. Any resident or property owner also has the right of input into Council's deliberations by making representation when a development is advertised. If you do not like a decision which Council issues you can lodge an appeal with the Resource Management and Planning Tribunal.

If Council imposes conditions on a Permitted or a Discretionary Planning Permit which the applicant does not like, or refuses an application, there is a right of appeal to the Resource Management and Planning Tribunal.

Obtaining Planning Permission

If you intend to construct, alter, demolish, relocate, subdivide or display signs then you will need to ensure that your proposal meets the requirements of the Planning Scheme.

Check with our Planning Officers to see if you need to lodge a Planning Application and/or a Building Application. Unauthorized development, use or building without the required consent may result in legal action and fines.

Planning Scheme

The main local planning control for the municipality is the Devonport and Environs Planning Scheme 1984 (the Planning Scheme). It is designed to provide a balance, and the regulations contained within it are there to keep the development of Devonport's port, industrial, commercial, residential, rural and public use areas on an even keel.

The Planning Scheme meets the legislative requirements of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (the Act). The Act ensures that the responsibility for resource management and planning is shared in Tasmania, between different spheres of government, industry and the community.

The following document is an updated version of the Devonport and Environs Planning Scheme 1984.

Devonport and Environs Planning Scheme 1984 - 17 July 2012

Standards for Single Dwellings - Planning Directive No. 4 164.48 Kb *To be taken into consideration for any new plans submitted after 29 August 2011.

CBD Overlay 2008 184.10 Kb

Town Planning Zones - Urban

Town Planning Zones

The information contained in any of the above documents should be checked with Council's Planning Department for any updates and/or amendments.

Forms & Fees

Planning Application Form 54.30 Kb

Section 58 Application 28.90 Kb

Section 43a Application Form

Section 33 Application Form

Schedule of fees and charges