Development Regulation: The Planning Rules That Shape the Build
Planning regulation (DA and conditions) controls what you are allowed to build on a site: height, setbacks, overlooking, heritage controls, flood constraints, parking, landscaping, and more. Builders should read conditions like contract clauses—because they drive program and cost.
1. Practical Impacts of DA Conditions
- Pre-commencement requirements: erosion and sediment controls, dilapidation reports, traffic management plans.
- Staging restrictions: certain works cannot proceed until approvals are obtained.
- Authority interfaces: drainage, driveways, crossovers, and utility relocations.
2. Builder Best Practice
- Create a conditions register and assign ownership (PM, engineer, subcontractor).
- Put conditions into your program as tasks with realistic lead times.
- Never assume “minor changes” don’t require amended approvals—confirm early.
3. Common Planning Traps That Hit Builders
- Hours of work: restrictions affect noisy works, concrete pours, and deliveries.
- Tree protection zones: can change access, crane setup, and earthworks sequencing.
- Stormwater and drainage: authority requirements can trigger redesign or additional works late.
- Heritage constraints: materials, demolition limits, and approvals pathways can be slower than expected.
4. Planning Conditions as Programme Activities
If a condition requires a report, inspection, or approval, it belongs in the program. Treat each condition as a task with a due date and owner. That simple step prevents last-minute scrambles that delay occupancy.