The NSW Government created the Planning Portal to make the residential building and development approval process ‘simpler, faster and more transparent’. For many this will be a welcome relief but for others it is likely to become a source of frustration.
The Planning Portal went live a couple years ago but was initially introduced to a limited number of Councils. Gradually more Councils were added. Eventually all NSW Councils were required to use the Planning Portal from July 2021. Here are some things you may want to know as the Planning Portal becomes widely used.
Will the NSW Planning Portal impact you?
You will only need to use the Planning Portal for jobs requiring Council approval ie jobs that need a Development Application or Complying Development Consent etc. You do not need it for Exempt Developments or renovation work that previously would not have required Council approval.
Why has the NSW Planning Portal been implemented?
The NSW Government created the Planning Portal so that all parties involved in the building approval process can ‘lodge, process and approve applications’. There is an application tracker that enables users to track progress and receive email notifications. The notifications should reduce communication delays and breakdowns between the various parties involved in the approval process.
Who will use the NSW Planning Portal?
- Homeowners/Property owners
- Developers
- Drafts people and Architects
- Certifiers
- Builders
- Councils
- State Government Agencies
An Example of how the NSW Planning Portal might be used
Mr and Mrs Client want to build a deck off their kitchen/dining area so they can host larger family celebrations. They consult with a Builder and Draftsperson to get the ball rolling. Mr and Mrs Client engage the services of a Draftsperson to draw their plans and to submit the plans to Council for approval (note: not all Drafts people offer this service).
The Draftsperson finalises the drafting plans and submits the application using the Planning Portal. Throughout the approval process the Draftsperson receives email notifications regarding progress as well as any requests for additional information. He/she receives email notification when approval is granted.
At this point Mr and Mrs Client use the Planning Portal to appoint their Certifier and to complete their Construction Certificate application. Once appointed the Certifier begins preparations for the Construction Certificate. Mr and Mrs Client, the Draftsperson and the Builder will need to submit documentation such as
- Long Service Levy payment receipts
- Dilapidation Reports
- Home Building Compensation Fund warranty insurance Certificates etc.
Each party can upload their documents directly as they become available. Once all the required documents have been uploaded the Construction Certificate will be granted and Mr and Mrs Client receive email notification.
During deck construction the Builder has a site inspection by the Engineer.
Once construction is complete Mr and Mrs Client submit their Occupation Certificate application to the Portal. The Builder will upload the Engineer’s site visit report to the Portal. The Certifier will complete his final inspection. The Occupation Certificate is granted once certification requirements have been met. Mr and Mrs Client receive email notification.
How do you access and use the NSW Planning Portal?
The Planning Portal can be found on the NSW Government site under Planning, Industry and Environment.
You can access the Planning Portal via your Service NSW Account or by creating a Planning Portal Account. If you are a homeowner or property owner it is probably simplest to access the portal via your existing Service NSW Account (if you have one). You will automatically enter into the system as an Applicant. Frequent users will want to create a portal account.
Help and support
Once you have accessed the portal it is just a matter of navigating and trial and error as with most online portals. However, the Planning Portal offers specifically prepared instructional videos and frequently asked questions for
- Applicants
- Developers and Practitioners
- Certifiers
- Agencies
- Councils.
They also offer phone and email support.
We hope this answers some of your questions regarding the NSW Planning Portal. We look forward to learning and using the Planning Portal to better service our clients.
If you have any questions about jobs requiring Council approval why not phone us today on 0409 129 840 or submit an enquiry form to receive our information emails?
Milliken Builders obtained information for this blog from © State of New South Wales and Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
