Is there a charge for lodging a planning application?
All planning applications require the payment of a fee. The fee depends upon the type and scope of the use or development being proposed. It is recommended that you contact Council’s Planning Office for an accurate calculation of fees for a particular development.
Some applications may require approval from a State Government agency (e.g. Environment Protection Authority). An additional fee may be charged by the State Government in such circumstances.
Council Planning Fees 2021-22 (PDF, 106KB)
What is involved in the planning application process?
Permitted applications
The Planning Authority is bound to approve a “Permitted” planning permit application. There is no right of objection by another party for “Permitted” applications.
Discretionary applications
‘Discretionary’ planning permit applications must be publicly notified for a 14-day period by:
- Sending a written notice to all adjoining owners and occupiers;
- Displaying a notice at the boundary of the land;
- Placing an advertisement in The Advocate newspaper; and
- Making the application available for inspection at Council’s offices.
Some details of the application can also be viewed on the Council’s website.
Any person has a right to object to a discretionary application during the 14-day advertising period.
The Planning Authority may either approve a discretionary application with conditions or refuse the application.
Planning application assessment
Your application will be assessed by Council’s Planning and Assessment Team which is a multi-discipline group of professional officers including Town Planners, Engineers, Environmental Health Officers and Permit Authority staff.
Planning decisions
Planning applications are generally determined by staff under delegated authority. However, if a representation is received the application is determined by Council’s Planning Authority Committee or full the Council.
How long does the planning application decision making process take?
The Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 requires the Planning Authority to determine ‘Permitted’ planning applications within 28 days and ‘Discretionary’ planning applications within 42 days from the date of submission. However, the Planning Authority aims to determine applications sooner than this.
If the Planning Authority requires additional information be provided before it can make a decision the 42 day time frame will be halted until this additional information is provided to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority.
How can I comment on a planning application?
Any person has a right to make a representation (in favour of or against) a discretionary application during the 14 day advertising period. Representations must be made in writing and addressed to the General Manager, Devonport City Council, PO Box 604, Devonport, 7310 or by email to [email protected].
Can I appeal a planning authority decision?
Applicants may appeal the Planning Authority’s decision on a planning application within 14 days after notice of that decision is served on them. The applicant may appeal either against the decision to refuse an application, or against the conditions imposed on a planning permit.
Any person who has lodged objection representation regarding a development during the 14-day advertising period may lodge an appeal within 14 days after being served notice of the decision.
Lodging an appeal
Planning appeals are heard by the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal, which is a body established under the State’s planning laws. The Appeal Tribunal is completely independent of the Planning Authority.
The Appeal Tribunal’s contact details are as follows:
Phone: 03 6165 6794
Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: GPO Box 2036, Hobart TAS 7001
Street Address: Level 1, 144-148 Macquarie Street, Hobart
Website: http://www.rmpat.tas.gov.au/
Other useful resources
The Land Information System Tasmania (the LIST) is a whole-of-government online infrastructure that helps you find information about land and property in Tasmania. For more information on the LIST visit www.thelist.tas.gov.au.