Fast council approvals: Your handy guide

Renovations can be a delight when you have a good timeframe, solid workmanship, a reasonable budget and everyone on board – including the local council.

But administration delays, confusion, conditional approvals, non-approvals and work orders can all blow out the cost of a renovation and leave a sour taste in the mouth of a first-time renovator.

So how do you manage a renovation project smoothly? The key is to do your research.

Know when you need approval

Some small-scale renovations, such as adding a backyard patio and pergola area, a driveway, carport or shed, may require council approval before building – and that may come as a surprise for some DIY renovators.

The key is to research your local council’s requirements. If budget or time is an issue, perhaps you can avoid the council drama by reducing the size, materials or scale of the project. For instance, many council areas provide exemptions for some small-scale renovations.

If you live in New South Wales, Planning NSW is a good place to start your research. (Look for like bodies in your own state or territory.) The website sets out a list of exempt and complying developments subject to individual local council regulations.

An exempt development consists of specified low-impact work that does not require development approval or council intervention. Examples are decks, garden sheds, carports, fences and so on.

Complying developments do require council intervention, but only to the extent of certifying that the development complies with council regulations. These kinds of developments generally include an extension to a house, a new two-storey house, a home business or a demolition.

NSW-based homeowner Christopher got quite a budget shock when he realised a new backyard entertaining area would cost double the price due to council approval requirements. However, by paring back the scale of the patio to a size deemed exempt by council regulations, he was able to avoid those costs and get started promptly.

Be your own project manager

Although it may be convenient – and in some cases, necessary – to have a project manager on board, it always helps to remain personally informed and involved on any renovating project.

Tina from Sydney’s southwest says this was essential to her knockdown–rebuild residential project being completed on time and within budget.

“I knew that any council administrative delays could impact the cost of the project, so I immediately took matters into my own hands if I sensed a delay,” Tina says. “I would ring or visit the council regularly to inquire about the status of my application and what I could do, if anything, to keep the approval process on track.”

Be proactive

Tina also made sure she stayed on the front foot when satisfying the council’s requirements. “I provided requested documents and information as quickly as I could, and attended to satisfying any approval conditions right away,” she says.

Tina’s advice for newbie renovators is to maintain a good relationship and clear communication with both your local council and your builder. “Communication is so important,” she says. “If everyone is clear as to what needs to be done to get the development over the line, then you are collectively working towards the same goal, and you will get there faster.”

Although all council regulations differ when it comes to renovations, a good starting point is to speak with your local council or check out its website. “Many councils have online FAQs, diagrams and checklists for first-time renovators, so it helps to check them out,” Tina says. “And if you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, it never hurts to just ask.”