What it does
Mechanically, the instrument inserts a package of new regulatory mechanisms into the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 and makes related textual amendments. The main mechanical changes are:
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New certification routes for otherwise permitted development: the regulations may designate planning schemes or special planning orders as "certifiable schemes or orders" and specific uses or developments within them as "certifiable permitted uses or developments" (s 50A). Once so prescribed, an applicant may apply to a planning certifier for a permitted use or development certificate (s 50B).
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A water and sewerage interaction procedure: where an application for a permitted use or development certificate would affect water demand, sewage load, works or operations of a regulated entity (as defined in the Water and Sewerage Industry Act 2008), the planning certifier must notify the relevant regulated entity (s 50C(2)); the regulated entity may make submissions and request further information (ss 50C(4)-(9)). A planning certifier may issue a water and sewerage certificate stating the certifier’s view about whether s 50C(2) applies, or noting submissions or the relevant notice (s 50D).
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A route to lodge "privately certified" planning applications to planning authorities: applications that relate only to certifiable permitted uses or developments may be accompanied by the permitted use or development certificate and a water and sewerage certificate; where such an application is made, the planning authority has special obligations, a different fee treatment (applicant pays half the otherwise-applicable fee) and compressed time references (s 58(4)-(8); s 51(1C)-(1D)).
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Planning compliance certificates for single dwellings and "low risk" developments: Part 4, Division 2B (ss 60ZA-60ZF) creates definitions (single dwelling, ancillary dwelling, low risk development/use), requires a planning compliance certificate to be obtained before carrying out a single dwelling development or a low risk development (s 60ZB(1)), establishes application, decision, register, cancellation and appeal processes (ss 60ZC-60ZF), and provides penalties and enforcement powers including court-ordered remediation or cost recovery (s 60ZB(2)-(5)).