Minor domestic developments
Fences
Depending on the height and material of a fence, it may not require development approval before installation.
Visit the PlanSA approval wizard to check if your proposal requires approval.
Regardless of whether approval is required, it is always best to speak to your neighbour before undertaking any fencing work on a common boundary.
There may be legal requirements to notify your neighbour, and to share costs of the fencing. These responsibilities lie between neighbours and are not subject to Council approval or control.
Information about your rights and responsibilities under the Fences Act are available from the Legal Services Commission of South Australia.
Retaining walls
Retaining walls generally do not need approval unless the wall, or series of tiered walls, retains a difference in ground levels of more than 1 metre. Some exceptions to this rule apply, such as when associated with a fence.
Visit the PlanSA approval wizard to check if your proposal requires approval.
If you are proposing to construct a retaining wall near a property boundary, you may need to provide notification to your neighbour. Further information is available from the Legal Services Commission of South Australia.
Sheds, garages, carports and pergolas
Building a shed, garage, carport or pergola will usually require development approval from Council, however small structures may not.
Visit the PlanSA approval wizard to check if your proposal requires approval.
Water tanks
New houses built in South Australia are required to install a rainwater tank of at least 1000 litres. The tank must be plumbed to a toilet, water heater or to all cold water outlets in the laundry, and the inlet and overflow must be fitted with mosquito proof screens. These rules also apply to home extensions or alterations with an area greater than 50 m2 that include a toilet, water heater or laundry cold water outlet.
In most cases, development approval is not required to install a rainwater tank on an existing home or business, however there are some exceptions.
Visit the PlanSA approval wizard to check if your proposal requires approval.
Swimming pools and spas
Development approval is required for:
- new swimming pools or spas
- renovations to existing swimming pools or spas
- new swimming pool or spa safety barriers
- renovations to existing swimming pool safety barriers.
This includes children’s paddle pools, wading pools or inflatable pools that are deeper than 300 mm and include a filtration system.
Visit the SA Government Pool and Spa Safety website or PlanSA for more information.
Other minor domestic additions
If you are planning an addition or alteration to your home or property that is not listed above, approval still may be required.
Visit the PlanSA approval wizard to check if your proposal requires approval.