Building & Planning

The Planning and Building Department is responsible for all approvals as required by the Tasmanian Building Regulations. These regulations assure all residents that commercial, industrial, residential buildings, garages, carports and rural buildings are constructed to an acceptable standard and it ensures that residents are protected at all times.

Building & Extensions

The erection of any building or structure and any external or internal alterations to any building require building approval. Any plumbing works associated with these alterations must be undertaken by a registered plumber.

Following on from approval of your plans, periodic and statutory inspections are carried out by officers of the Planning and Building Department and the following inspections are mandatory:

Foundations and Floor Slabs
Frame
Stormwater and Sewerage Drains
Final Inspection on Completion

Garden Sheds of nine square meters and under may be exempt from approval, but if you are erecting one please consider your neighbour and do not let the roof water run onto his property.
If you are unsure as to whether an approval is required a telephone call will quickly solve any uncertainty.

It is our objective to assist you, where ever possible, and you can telephone us on 64 621177 for further information.

Planning

Planning deals with the way any land on the Island may be used. Within the King Island Planning Scheme 1995, land is zoned to allow specific uses within designated areas. The primary areas and zones are divided into various categories:

residential
business
industrial
rural

Provision is also made for land to be used for public purposes and open space. The intention of planning is to ensure that whatever works are carried out are to be of a coordinated layout and to an acceptable standard, and to ensure that sufficient measures are taken to eliminate conflicts between adjacent land users.

Planning affects all residents, not only if they wish to build and develop, but merely to purchase a property and use it. In any event all planning applications have to be considered by the Council before work can proceed.

Land use fall into one of three categories:

1. Permitted uses - the Council has to approve the development but it can impose any conditions it considers necessary.

2. Discretionary uses - the Council may approve or reject the application and with any approval it may impose any conditions it wishes.

3. Prohibited uses - which means the Council cannot give approval.

If the Council imposes conditions which you do not like, or rejects an application, there is a right of appeal to the Resource Management and Planning Tribunal.

Any resident also has the right of input into the Council's deliberations by making representation when a development is advertised. If you do not like the decision which the Council issues you can lodge an appeal with the Resource Management and Planning Tribunal.

Residential Zones

Whilst the primary intention of a Residential zone is to allow for a detached residence upon a single block there are six variations between zones.

Business Zones

The intention of these zones is to allow for the commercial development of the Island.

Industrial Zones

The intention of these zones is to allow for the industrial development of the Island.

OTHER ZONES

Rural

Such a zone allows for development in the rural areas. Whilst you are allowed to build a single dwelling in this zone, you can expect rural pursuits and operations to be carried out around you.

Public Open Space

The Council can zone or designate specific areas for parks, sports grounds, picnic and barbeque areas and even bush land which it feels would be best for recreation or set aside in its natural condition.

Public Purposes

All areas that are required for public use such as schools, hospitals and refuse disposal sites are zoned for this use.

The Council's Planning Department will be pleased to answer any queries and advise you and can be contacted during office hours at the Council Offices where zoning maps can be inspected. Whilst an appointment is not necessary, it is preferable to arrange a time when the officer is available, by telephoning 64 621177.

Please keep in mind that the above advice is for general guidance only. If you have any specific questions or require planning permission, please contact the Director Development and Environmental Services, King Island Council, PO Box 147, Currie 7256.

A full list of Fees and Charges is available to view and print. Many of these charges relate to Building & Planning. You will need Adobe's Acrobat Reader to read this document. For all Building & Planning Application Forms please go to our Forms page.