ePlanning mandate takes effect

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the mandate is a game changer for families and will transform the planning system.

“Gone are the days of having to fill in piles of paperwork and travel to a council building to lodge a DA. Homeowners can now lodge DAs online in the comfort of their home,” Mr Dominello said.

“Australians love renovating their homes, and we want to make this process as hassle-free, transparent and simple as possible.

“This mandate puts the customer at the centre of the planning process.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the councils that make up the initial mandate account for two-thirds of all DA determinations in NSW, which equates to $39 billion in investment value across the State.

“This is another example of how we’re fast-tracking the planning system so it’s more timely, transparent and certain for everyone,” Mr Stokes said.

“The Government has invested almost $10 million to enhance its ePlanning platform and ensure all councils can get online to process DAs more quickly and transparently.

“ePlanning is a big win for homeowners, with DA processing times slashed by more than half in some councils that have already adopted the online system.”

Since 1 July, councils and Principal Certifying Authorities (PCAs) operating in the areas covered by the mandate have been required to start accepting and processing DAs, complying development certificates and post-consent certificates via the NSW Planning Portal.

From 31 December 2020, it will be mandatory for all of these applications and PCA appointments to be completed on the Portal. This transition period will allow councils time to prepare their operating procedures and staff to implement ePlanning successfully.

ePlanning is mandated in the following local government areas: