There’s no other way to put it – Planning Schemes are huge. They’re filled with jargon and have an immense number of codes to consider. Queensland LGA Planning Scheme codes are the regulations that your development must adhere to, to be approved by your local Council. The codes are a critical part of what ensures the vision for the community’s harmony, aesthetic, and growth is achieved. Addressing the planning scheme with precision is critical. Let’s take a step-by-step approach and dissect a planning scheme. Understanding QLD Planning Schemes If you ever have the opportunity to look at planning schemes from multiple Councils, you’ll see that the design and structure of them are almost identical. This is because it’s a structure set by the State. It’s the content that differs from Council to Council depending on what suits their communities. Here is the breakdown of an average QLD Planning Scheme: 1. Community Statement – this section describes the region and often it will also describe the vision for the region. 2. About the Planning Scheme – this is an important chapter to read if you are unfamiliar with planning schemes because it outlines how to understand it. 3. State Planning Provisions – this section outlines how the Planning Scheme meets State planning policies (because they must be incorporated into the codes etc). 4. Strategic Framework – this section forms the basis for how appropriate development should occur and what the detailed vision and goals for the region are. You will need to address this if your development requires an Impact level assessment. 5. Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) – this section outlines plans for future infrastructure expectation and growth (water, sewerage, parks etc). 6. Tables of Assessment – this section determines whether your development type is an accepted development, code assessable, impact assessable or prohibited. 7. Zone Codes – these are the codes applicable to each zone in the Local Government Area (e.g. low-density residential zone, centre zone, rural zone, high impact industry zone). 8. Overlay Codes – these codes must be addressed if they impact your property and often include bushfire hazard overlay, flood hazard overlay, biodiversity overlay and airport environs overlay. 9. Development Codes – these cover any other aspects of the development such as use, earthworks, landscaping, parking and access, and services. 10. Schedules – these are incredibly useful attachments to the planning scheme that include definitions and mapping 11. Appendices – these are additional attachments that include a jargon glossary and table of amendments Interpreting a QLD Planning Scheme Sometimes processing what you’re looking at can be overwhelming but there are actually really good guides built into the planning scheme to understand what the point of it is, what you need to achieve, and how you do that. 1. Read the Purpose Statements – each code has a section at the beginning that discusses the purpose of the code, which provide valuable context to help interpret the codes and how to mould your code responses 2. How the Codes are Structured – When looking at the codes, you’ll see Performance Outcome (PO) and Acceptable Outcome (AO): Performance Outcome (PO) – the overall expectation of the code Acceptable Outcome (AO) – How this overall expectation MUST be achieved, although alternative solutions can be proposed 3. Apply a Holistic Approach – It’s obviously quite important to meet codes, however looking at the planning scheme as a whole can help when proposing alternate solutions. Does this alternate solution achieve the purposes, needs, and visions of the planning scheme? 4. Be Familiar with Definitions – never assume the meaning of any jargon. It’s important to check the definitions and glossary to ensure your understanding and application are accurate. 5. Identify Your Codes – when pulling together a Development Application Report, start the process by identifying your relevant codes. Check the maps to determine which zone and overlay codes impact your property, then use the Table of Assessment to determine which other codes (development, use etc) are required. Starting with this helps give your application (and development specifics) direction. 6. Pre-lodgement Meetings and Council Advice – this is a useful resource when understanding the codes and how they impact your development. You can also get an idea of the likelihood your development will be approved. Note – there are limitations to the assistance you can receive. Complex applications or developers not understanding the codes may be referred to a private town planner to complete the application.