Development applications
Lodge a development application
Development applications can be lodged online via the state PlanSA Portal. You will need to create an online account before you can lodge an application.
Lodge a development application
Alternatively, you can download and complete a hard copy application form. Additional fees may apply.
If you would like informal advice about a concept plan before progressing to a formal development application, our staff can assist. To access this service, please complete and submit a concept plan request form.
Required documentation
The information you'll need to provide with your application depends on the nature of your development and its complexity.
PlanSA’s development application checklist is a useful guide to help you gather the information you’ll need to lodge a development application.
Building Indemnity Insurance
Building Indemnity Insurance (BII), also known as Builders Warranty Insurance, is mandatory for any 'domestic building work' that:
- requires development approval and
- is valued over $20,000 in project cost.
'Domestic building work' includes construction, alteration, repair or demolition of a building that is intended to be used as a place of residence, such as houses, townhouses, units, retirement villages and some apartments. This also includes other building work such as sheds, swimming pools, verandahs and fencing built within a normal housing property.
The insurance is legislated by the Building Work Contractors Act 1995 and protects the owner of the building if the builder/contractor dies, disappears, or becomes insolvent. BII also covers the cost of rectifying defective work or up to 5 years after the build is completed.
A copy of the BII certificate must be supplied to the Council or PlanSA portal upon the signing of a building work contract and prior to commencing the work.
For further information, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.safa.sa.gov.au/building-indemnity-insurance/home.
Application fees and payments
All development applications incur fees in order for the assessment process to be undertaken by a planning professional.
The fees that will be payable for your application will depend on what you are proposing.
See what development application fees may apply to your development.
Application fees can be paid via the PlanSA Portal or in person at Council’s office.
Pay a development application fee
Tracking and managing your application
After lodging an application, you can track progress towards approval in PlanSA's development application register.
All applications lodged through PlanSA are published in the register, even after the approval process has finished.