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Do I need to get a development approval/planning approval for my activity?
Your local council will be able to advise you if a development or planning approval is required for your proposed activity.
What is the EPA's role in the assessment of an application for a development or planning approval?
Under section 37 of the Development Act 1993 and regulation 24 of the Development Regulations 2008 planning authorities, such as a local council, are required to refer certain types of development applications to 'prescribed bodies' such as the EPA for advice or direction.
The EPA will either advise that particular environmental conditions be attached to any approval, or, for certain activities, direct that particular environmental conditions be attached to any approval or that an application be refused.
What are the EPA's requirements in relation to my application for a development or planning approval?
A good start is the Guide for Applicants. There are several activity specific Guides for Applicants including some that relate to those activities that are referred to the EPA.
Clause 7 of Schedule 5 of the Development Regulations 2008 also contains a specific list of information that must be included in development applications that are required to be referred to the EPA. Further information on the requirements of Schedule 5 can be obtained through the relevant local council.
For further information please contact the Client Services Officer (Environment Assessment) on tel: (08) 8204 9075 or fax: (08) 8124 4673.
Will my application for a development or planning approval need to be referred to the EPA?
Schedule 8 of the Development Regulations 2008 outlines the circumstances under which referral is required, the time allocated for the response, and the nature of advice to be provided by the EPA. Such referrals may include non-complying development in the Mount Lofty Ranges Water Protection Area or the River Murray Water Protection Area and activities specified in Schedule 21 and Schedule 22 of the Development Regulations 2008.
You should contact your local council which will be able to advise you as to whether your development application would be referred to the EPA.
What is the process for undertaking a rezoning?
A rezoning is undertaken through the statutory development plan amendment (DPA) process under the Development Act 1993. An amendment to a Development Plan initiated by a council is undertaken in two stages; as a Statement of Intent (SOI) agreed to with the Minister, and then a Development Plan Amendment (DPA) is prepared.
A DPA initiated by the Minister does not require the preparation of a SOI, but the DPA must be based on investigations initiated by the Minister. The Development Act identifies the steps in the DPA process, including any public consultation that may be required.
What is the EPA's role in assessment of a rezoning proposal?
Where the EPA has an interest in the matter, the rezoning proposal will be referred to the EPA for comment. The EPA may advise that certain environmental investigations into the impact of the rezoning be undertaken or that certain principles of development control be inserted into the development plan to guide any development that results from the rezoning proposal.
What is the process for undertaking a major project?
The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) manages the process for undertaking a major project. You can reach the department on (08) 8343 2222 or email.
What is the EPA's role in assessment of major projects?
An environmental impact statement, public environmental report, development report or other assessment documents may be referred to the EPA for comment. It will undertake an environmental assessment of the proposal and may provide advice on the measures that are proposed to address any environmental impacts.
The EPA does not make a decision on whether a major project should be approved. That decision is made by the Governor of South Australia.
Last modified: 19/04/2013 04:46 pm
