Preparing a planning application

The City of Hobart's fees for planning permits depend on:

• the type of use or development proposed
• the cost of the proposed development
• whether or not the development needs to be advertised.

For information on fees and charges please refer to our fees and charges page.

Alternatively, you can pick up a copy of our fees and charges at the Hobart Council Centre, 16 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.

The City of Hobart has the following standards for all plans that are submitted for approval.

Electronic file requirements

All files must be:

• in a PDF format
• created by a software program, not by a scanner
• unlocked with no password protection
• unzipped.

Hand sketches and written notes may be scanned and must be legible. We reserve the right to reject information if it is not supplied in an original electronic format or scanned files to an appropriate resolution.

File naming and size requirements

• Attach each plan and drawing as a single landscape PDF and name the file according to the plan or drawing number and type. For example, "DWG1075 House plan.pdf", "Concept Service Plan.pdf".
• Name the file according to the permit condition they support. For example, Condition 6 Stormwater Management Plan.pdf.
• The maximum file size is 300MB. If you have larger documents please contact City Planning Administration on 03 6238 2711.

We may accept a combined PDF file if it is appropriately book marked using software that can combine PDF documents.

Plan requirements

We require the following information with any drawings and plans (according to the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, clause 6.1.3):

1. any schedule of easements if listed in the folio of the title and appear on the plan, where applicable
2. a site analysis and site plan at a scale acceptable to the planning authority showing, where applicable:
   1. the existing and proposed use(s) on the site
   2. the boundaries and dimensions of the site
   3. topography including contours showing AHD levels and major site features
   4. natural drainage lines, watercourses and wetlands on or adjacent to the site
   5. soil type
   6. vegetation types and distribution including any known threatened species, and trees and vegetation to be removed
   7. the location and capacity and connection point of any existing services and proposed services
   8. the location of easements on the site or connected to the site
   9. existing pedestrian and vehicle access to the site
   10. the location of existing and proposed buildings on the site
   11. the location of existing adjoining properties, adjacent buildings and their uses
   12. any natural hazards that may affect use or development on the site
   13. proposed roads, driveways, parking areas and footpaths within the site
   14. any proposed open space, common space, or facilities on the site
   15. proposed subdivision lot boundaries
3. where it is proposed to erect buildings, a detailed layout plan of the proposed buildings with dimensions at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200 as required by the planning authority showing, where applicable:
   1. the internal layout of each building on the site
   2. the private open space for each dwelling
   3. external storage spaces
   4. parking space location and layout
   5. major elevations of every building to be erected
   6. the relationship of the elevations to existing ground level, showing any proposed cut or fill
   7. shadow diagrams of the proposed buildings and adjacent structures demonstrating the extent of shading of adjacent private open spaces and external windows of buildings on adjacent sites
   8. materials and colours to be used on roofs and external walls.

Plans and other supporting documents

• Not including basic information on plans. For example, north points, scales and retaining wall elevations.
• Inaccurate plans. For example, not correctly showing what is to be demolished or the extent of works on the site, labelling plans incorrectly, not showing chimneys, not showing materials / colours / finishes, not ensuring floor plans and elevations match.
• Site plans that don't show the context, street names or make it clear where on the site the works are proposed.
• Using photomontages which do not accurately portray the proposal. For example, using a wide angle lenses.
• For sun shadow diagrams: cutting off the diagram at an arbitrary point, or cutting it off at the lot boundary, not including the location and use of habitable rooms in adjoining buildings, not being to scale, not including 3D solar access diagrams.
• For consultant reports, there can be inconsistencies with other application documents and simple mistakes that require correcting.
• Providing information which is irrelevant to the planning assessment.
• Updating plans without updating the revision number or reference; not clearly stating when new information supersedes old; and not properly ensuring new information doesn't include superseded details.

Consideration of planning scheme requirements

• Making unrealistic proposals at the outset, when a more modest design is appropriate. Often, the challenges and frustrations faced by developers is a result of trying to overdevelop a site.
• Not genuinely responding to advice provided by officers regarding scheme requirements.
• Not addressing all applicable standards in the planning scheme.
• Lack of clarity about whether applicants are trying to satisfy an acceptable solution or performance criteria for an applicable standard in the planning scheme.
• Not responding to each of the issues which are raised in a request for further information.

After a planning permit is granted

• Underestimating how much needs to be done after the planning permit is granted to satisfy all conditions before the building permit is issued (which we call "condition endorsement"or "CEP").
• Not having a project manager for the condition endorsement phase.
• Entering into construction contracts before the condition endorsement phase has been completed.

Building permit applications

• Changing the design when lodging for the building permit without checking with us before applying for the building permit, and not identifying or explaining the changes.

Common mistakes in the development process(PDF, 268KB)

This is an overview of the timeframes for development related applications. Time may be extended where further information is required to determine your application.

Planning approval

• Permitted applications – 28 days
• Discretionary applications – 42 days
• Amendment of existing permits – 28 days

Condition endorsement

• Any planning permit conditions which require the City to approve further documentation – 20 business days

Building permits

• 7 days

Plumbing permits

• 7 days – plus 21 days if a certificate of likely compliance is required

Strata certification

• Provision of a certificate of approval – 30 business days

Subdivision

• Sealing of final plans – 20 business days

We have planner on duty during business hours 8.15 m to 5.15 pm. You can reach the Duty Planner by contacting us.

Depending on your question for the Duty Planner, it may be necessary to set up an appointment for you to come and discuss your proposal. Often we are able to respond to queries over the phone or by email.

Once you make an application, it may be referred to many parts of the organisation. Those referrals are coordinated by the responsible Planner. If you have any questions about the progress of your application, please contact the Planner. The Planner may need to refer your specific questions to other sections of the organisation.

The Development Appraisal Manager can assist you if you have any concerns with your application which are unable to be resolved by the responsible Planner.

For assistance with PlanBuild, please find resources and support on the self-help and training guides page .