Do I need a permit to use or develop land?

"Use" refers to the purpose for which land is utilised, while "development" includes any works carried out on land.  Before starting a new use, changing an existing use, or undertaking development, you may need a permit.

 

The PlanBuild Tasmania portal is a good place to start, it offers:

  • a Guided Enquiry  service to help identify planning, building, and plumbing rules for various common developments.
  • a detailed Property Report  outlining applicable planning zones, codes, and overlays. 
  • Note: the full planbuild application service will be rolled out to Burnie late 2026.

 

Go to the PlanBuild Tas website

 

After reviewing your property report from PlanBuild and completing the guided enquiry service, if you need assistance in applying for a permit contact our planning officers at planning@burnie.tas.gov.au with details of your proposed use or development.

Note: If a permit is required you must not commence any activity until the permit is granted, activated, and its conditions are met.

 

Land Use or Development Examples

Establishing a New or Changed Use:

  • Changing from residential use to visitor accommodation.
  • Establishing a new business in an existing building.

 

Development Activities (include but are not limited to):

  • Constructing, altering, or extending a building.
  • Developing multiple dwellings.
  • Demolishing or relocating a structure.
  • Conducting earthworks or removing vegetation.
  • Subdividing land.
  • Displaying signs.

 

The Tasmanian Planning Scheme (TPS) outlines when a permit is required:

  1. No Permit Required (NPR):

    • Applies to low-impact use and development.
    • The use must comply fully with all standards and cannot rely on performance criteria.
    • Must not be prohibited under any TPS provision.

  2. Permitted:

    • A permit must be granted if all applicable standards are met without relying on performance criteria.
    • Must not be prohibited under any TPS provision.

  3. Discretionary:

    • A permit may be granted (or refused) after considering the purpose statements, applicable standards, and any public representations.
    • Must not be prohibited under any TPS provision.
    • Notification and public consultation are required.

  4. Prohibited:

    • No permit is available, and the use or development cannot legally proceed.

 

If a permit is available and a use or development relies on performance criteria to meet all or part of an applicable standard, or is deemed discretionary under any other provision of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme (TPS), the granting of the permit is considered discretionary.

 

Discretionary Permits

For discretionary applications, the Burnie Planning Authority will:

  • Notify adjoining owners and occupiers.
  • Place a notice on-site and advertise in The Advocate newspaper.
  • Provide a 14-day public exhibition period, during which any interested person may inspect the application and submit written representations on matters relevant to the discretion being exercised.

Key Considerations:

  • Decisions are made after the exhibition period ends.
  • Representations relevant to the discretion must be considered.
  • Representers have the right to appeal decisions to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

 

Please Note - A permit under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 is separate from approvals required under the Building Act 2016.  Additional approvals may be necessary for building, plumbing, or demolition works, refer to further information on Building and Plumbing.

For further assistance, contact our Planning Officers at  burnie@burnie.tas.gov.au.

 

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