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Page Last Updated:
Monday, 30 July 2012
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Home>Planning and Building Services
| Planning and Building Services | |
| The Planning and Building Departments deliver a wide range of regulatory services and play an important policy development role.
Council's Planning Department has the responsibility of controlling land use and development under the Planning and Environment Act, through the provisions of the Colac Otway Planning Scheme, and for administering subdivision in accordance with the Subdivision Act 1988. A Planning Enforcement officer plays an active role responding to complaints and ensuring compliance with approved planning permits and the Planning Scheme.
Council is also responsible for amending the Planning Scheme from time to time, including the rezoning of land, although all decisions are subject to final approval by the State Planning Minister. Council is required to review its Planning Scheme every four years, with the latest review being completed in 2010. Council implements State Planning Policy through its local provisions, and its Strategic Planning Unit undertakes a range of strategic planning projects aimed at guiding future use and development in the Shire, which often leads to amendments to the Scheme.
Council's Building Department is responsible for carrying out the Council's statutory functions under the Building Act. These functions cover community safety and the administration and enforcement of building legislation, such as requirements for barriers on spas and swimming pools and essential safety measures for commercial buildings. Services provided by the Building Department include issuing Building Permits and inspections, Demolition Consent, Siting Variations and resolving works carried out without a Building Permit
Whilst in most cases a Building Permit is required for proposed buildings and works, a Planning Permit is often also required, and proponents of new development should always check the need for both a Planning and Building Permit.
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