Amnesty Ends for Mandatory Building Notifications
Many people who have obtained Development Approval for developments have not been reporting the mandatory notifications as required under legislation. The Planning, Infrastructure and Development Act 2016, set out mandatory notifications to be given to Council for development approved by Council. Failure to submit mandatory notifications carries a $750 expiation fee.
Southern Mallee District Council has taken an amnesty approach since the introduction of the reformed Development Act giving time for all parties involved in the industry to adapt to the new requirements through education and familiarity to adjust to the new SA Planning Portal system.
A review of Council records has shown that there is a low level of compliance despite all the efforts of Council and the fact that all relevant notifications are published on the Development Approval documents.
The amnesty applied will be ending 31 August 2023. From 1 September 2023 any mandatory notification not submitted to council will incur an expiation fee of $750.
All applicants who have received a Development Approval since the introduction of the planning reforms are encouraged to review their approval documents and lodge the appropriate notification.
All development approvals will have a minimum 2 notifications - commencement and completion.
These notifications are also the triggers for other events such as Certificate of Occupancy and commencement of refuse collections.