SA Planning Report — the subject site
Property at a glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | the subject site |
| Title | (lot/plan reference redacted) |
| Lot | (lot/plan reference redacted) |
| Council | City of West Torrens |
| Zone | General Neighbourhood Zone (GN) |
| Subzone | None |
| Overlays | Airport Building Heights (Regulated) — All structures over 15 metres; Prescribed Wells Area; Regulated and Significant Tree |
| Technical & Numeric Variations (TNVs) | None listed |
| Planning & Design Code Version | Version 2026.8 (30 April 2026) |
| Assessment Pathway | Code Assessed — Deemed-to-Satisfy (single dwelling) or Code Assessed — Performance Assessed (departure from DTS criteria) |
The property is a single residential allotment in the General Neighbourhood Zone, subject to three overlays. The Airport Building Heights overlay limits structures over 15 metres (affecting multi-storey buildings only); the Prescribed Wells Area overlay requires sustainable water-supply planning; the Regulated and Significant Tree overlay triggers tree-retention assessment if regulated or significant trees are present on or near the site.
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Planning controls applying
General Neighbourhood Zone (GN)
Desired Outcome (DO 1): "Low-rise, low and medium-density housing that supports a range of needs and lifestyles located within easy reach of services and facilities. Employment and community service uses contribute to making the neighbourhood a convenient place to live without compromising residential amenity."The zone contemplates a mix of residential dwellings (detached, semi-detached, row, group dwellings, residential flat buildings) and small-scale complementary uses (shops, offices, community facilities, ancillary accommodation). Development is predominantly low-rise and low to medium density, with the greatest intensity near public open space and transport nodes.
Key Performance Outcomes and DTS/DPF Criteria:| Control | Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Land Use | PO 1.1, DTS/DPF 1.1 | Residential use (dwelling) or a small-scale complementary use meeting the specified definitions in DTS/DPF 1.1 |
| Site Area & Frontage (Single Dwelling) | PO 2.1, DTS/DPF 2.1 | Minimum site area: 300 m² (exclusive of battle-axe handle); Minimum frontage: 9 m (not on a battle-axe site) or 5 m (on a battle-axe site) |
| Site Coverage | PO 3.1, DTS/DPF 3.1 | Building footprint not exceeding 60% of site area |
| Building Height | PO 4.1, DTS/DPF 4.1 | 2 building levels maximum; 9 m maximum (excluding garages, carports, outbuildings); wall height ≤7 m (excluding gable) |
| Primary Street Setback | PO 5.1, DTS/DPF 5.1 | Setback determined by the average of abutting buildings minus 1 m, or 5 m if no abutting buildings; exact figure depends on context and survey |
| Secondary Street Setback | PO 6.1, DTS/DPF 6.1 | Setback ≥900 mm or the distance of an existing building on an adjacent property, whichever is greater |
| Side Boundary Wall | PO 8.1, DTS/DPF 8.1 | Where wall height ≤3 m: setback ≥900 mm; where wall height >3 m and south-facing: setback ≥1.9 m + 1/3 of excess height above 3 m from footing |
| Rear Boundary Wall | PO 9.1, DTS/DPF 9.1 | Where wall height ≤3 m: setback ≥900 mm; where wall height >3 m and south-facing: setback ≥1.9 m + 1/3 of excess height above 3 m from footing |
| Ancillary Buildings | PO 11.1, DTS/DPF 11.1 | Floor area ≤60 m² (site ≤500 m²) or ≤80 m² (site >500 m²); wall height ≤3 m; positioned behind building line and away from street frontage |
| Private Open Space | PO 17.1, DTS/DPF 17.1 | Ground-level dwelling: minimum 24 m² (≥3 m dimension, directly accessible from a living room) per Design in Urban Areas Table 1 |
| Car Parking | PO 19.1–19.6 | Residential dwelling: 1 space required per Transport, Access and Parking Table 1 (to be confirmed for the locality); setback ≥5.5 m from primary street boundary; width 3.0–3.2 m |
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Airport Building Heights (Regulated) Overlay
Desired Outcome (DO 1): "Management of potential impacts of buildings and generated emissions to maintain operational and safety requirements of registered and certified commercial and military airfields, airports, airstrips and helicopter landing sites." Qualifier: "All structures over 15 metres" — this overlay applies only to buildings that exceed 15 metres in height. Key Control:| Control | Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Building Height | PO 1.1, DTS/DPF 1.1 | Buildings >15 m in height must not exceed the height specified in the Airport Building Heights (Regulated) Overlay boundary on the SA Property and Planning Atlas. The lowest applicable height value applies where the site falls within multiple overlay zones. |
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Prescribed Wells Area Overlay
Desired Outcome (DO 1): "Sustainable water use in prescribed wells areas." Key Control:| Control | Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Water Supply | PO 1.1, DTS/DPF 1.1 | Development must have a lawful, sustainable and reliable water supply that does not place undue strain on water resources in the prescribed wells area. |
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Regulated and Significant Tree Overlay
Desired Outcome (DO 1): "Conservation of regulated and significant trees to provide aesthetic and environmental benefits and mitigate tree loss." Key Controls:| Control | Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Retention | PO 1.1, DTS/DPF 1.1; PO 1.2, DTS/DPF 1.2 | Regulated trees (listed on council's register or meeting Code DBH thresholds: typically ≥200 mm diameter at breast height) and Significant trees (heritage / ecological value) must be retained where they contribute to the character of the area and do not impede development. DTS/DPF criteria are not specified — assessment defaults to Performance Outcome merit. |
| Tree-Damaging Activity | PO 1.3, PO 1.4, DTS/DPF 1.3, DTS/DPF 1.4 | Removal, lopping, pruning, root damage, or excavation within the Tree Protection Zone (typically 5–10 m radius) requires consent. DTS/DPF criteria are not specified — assessment defaults to Performance Outcome merit. |
| Groundwork Near Trees | PO 2.1, DTS/DPF 2.1 | Excavation or filling within the vicinity of regulated/significant trees must not unduly compromise the tree's root system. DTS/DPF not specified — Performance Outcome merit assessment applies. |
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Design in Urban Areas General Development Policies (Part 4)
The following Part 4 provisions also apply to all development, including a single dwelling:
| Control | Criterion | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Private Open Space | Design in Urban Areas Table 1 | Ground-level dwelling: 24 m² minimum with ≥3 m minimum dimension, directly accessible from a living room (applies to single dwelling) |
| Decks (if proposed) | PO 33.1–33.3, DTS/DPF 33.1–33.3 | Decks ≤900 mm set back from side/rear boundaries; ≥2 m from residential boundaries; ≤25 m² floor area; ≤1 m above natural ground level (unless residential use with screening) |
| Car Parking | Transport, Access and Parking Table 1 | 1 space required for a dwelling; 5.4 m minimum length, 3.0 m minimum width (enclosed) or 2.4 m width (uncovered) |
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Development capacity
Single Detached Dwelling
Zoning permit: ✓ Yes — a single dwelling is the primary use in the General Neighbourhood Zone (PO 1.1, DTS/DPF 1.1). Site requirements (DTS/DPF 2.1):- Minimum site area: 300 m² (the actual measured site area must be confirmed by title/survey)
- Minimum frontage: 9 m (measured at the street boundary; if the site is a battle-axe allotment, minimum 5 m applies to the battle-axe "handle")
- Height: 2 storeys, maximum 9 m (9 m measured from natural ground level to the highest point of the roof, excluding guttering; gable ends and wall height capped at 7 m)
- Site coverage: Maximum 60% (DTS/DPF 3.1)
- Primary street setback: Determined by abutting buildings (average minus 1 m) or 5 m if no abutting context (DTS/DPF 5.1) — survey of neighbouring setbacks required
- Secondary street setback: ≥900 mm or match existing neighbour (DTS/DPF 6.1)
- Side boundary: ≥900 mm (if wall ≤3 m) or 1.9 m + 1/3 excess (if south-facing and >3 m)
- Rear boundary: ≥900 mm (if ≤3 m) or 1.9 m + 1/3 excess (if south-facing and >3 m) — note: site >301 m² requires 4 m ground-floor setback, 6 m upper-level (DTS/DPF 8.1)
- Private open space: Minimum 24 m² directly accessible from living room with ≥3 m dimension
- Ancillary buildings: Maximum 80 m² (site >500 m²) or 60 m² (site ≤500 m²), wall height ≤3 m, setback ≥5.5 m from primary street
- If the dwelling complies with all DTS/DPF criteria: Deemed-to-Satisfy (Code Assessed) — no consent required; council must approve if application is complete. No public notification.
- If the dwelling departs from any DTS/DPF criterion (e.g., exceeds 9 m height, <900 mm side setback, <24 m² private open space): Code Assessed — Performance Assessed — merit-based assessment against Performance Outcomes (PO 4.1, PO 8.1, PO 17.1, etc.); public notification typical; refusal possible.
Dual Occupancy / Semi-Detached Dwellings
Zoning permit: ✓ Yes — semi-detached dwellings are listed in DTS/DPF 1.1. Additional site requirements (DTS/DPF 2.1):- Minimum site area per dwelling: 300 m² (total minimum 600 m² for two units on one allotment)
- Minimum frontage: 9 m (total frontage requirement depends on subdivision context)
Row Dwellings / Terrace Houses
Zoning permit: ✓ Yes — row dwellings are listed in DTS/DPF 1.1. Site requirements (DTS/DPF 2.1):- Minimum site area per dwelling: 250 m²
- Minimum frontage: 7 m averaged across the row
Group Dwellings / Residential Flat Buildings
Zoning permit: ✓ Yes — group dwellings and residential flat buildings are listed in DTS/DPF 1.1. Site requirements (DTS/DPF 2.1):- Minimum site area: 300 m² average (including common areas)
- Minimum frontage: 15 m total
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Pathway analysis
Most Likely Project: Single Detached Dwelling (New Build or Renovation with Addition)
#### Assessment Classification
Use class: Dwelling (single residential occupancy, ancillary car parking and private open space). Code Assessed — Deemed-to-Satisfy pathway (if DTS/DPF criteria met):- Development comprises: dwelling + garage/carport + private open space (PO 1.1, DTS/DPF 1.1).
- Site area: if ≥300 m², satisfies DTS/DPF 2.1.
- Frontage: if ≥9 m, satisfies DTS/DPF 2.1.
- Height: if ≤9 m (2 storeys), satisfies DTS/DPF 4.1.
- Coverage: if ≤60%, satisfies DTS/DPF 3.1.
- Setbacks: if setbacks comply with DTS/DPF 5.1, 6.1, 8.1, 9.1, satisfies those criteria.
- Private open space: if ≥24 m² with ≥3 m dimension, directly accessible from living room, satisfies DTS/DPF 17.1.
- Car parking: if 1 space provided, setback ≥5.5 m from street, 3.0–3.2 m width, satisfies DTS/DPF 19.1–19.6.
- Ancillary buildings: if ≤80 m² (site >500 m²) or ≤60 m² (site ≤500 m²), wall height ≤3 m, setback ≥5.5 m from primary street, satisfies DTS/DPF 11.1.
- Departs from one or more DTS/DPF criteria (e.g., height 10 m, side setback 700 mm, private open space 20 m², site area 280 m²).
- Assessment against corresponding Performance Outcomes (PO 4.1, PO 8.1, PO 17.1, etc.) on merit.
- Public notification triggered if material departures (typically notification period 10 business days; representations considered by council).
- Council Assessment Panel (CAP) or delegate decision, depending on representation complexity.
- Processing time: 20–30 business days (if no major submissions; longer if CAP referral).
- Refusal possible if POs cannot be satisfied.
#### Agency Referrals (Section 9.1 Referrals Schedule)
Standard referrals under Part 9.1 (Referrals) for a single dwelling in the General Neighbourhood Zone:
| Agency | Trigger | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| DIT (Department for Infrastructure & Transport) | If access to a State-Maintained Road (likely for the subject site if arterial); or if the proposal impacts a public road reserve | Check whether the subject site is state-managed. If so, DIT clearance required. If not, no referral. |
| EPA (Environment Protection Authority) | Wastewater (on-site septic) or noise-generating activity | Not engaged for a standard dwelling with reticulated sewerage. No referral. |
| SA Water | Water supply or sewerage connection (reticulated systems) | Standard condition; no consent-stage referral typically required. |
| Heritage SA | State Heritage Place or Historic Area overlay (none listed for this property) | Not engaged. No referral. |
| CFS (Country Fire Service) | Bushfire Hazard overlay (not listed for this property) | Not engaged. No referral. |
| NVC (Native Vegetation Council) | Native Vegetation Clearance (not applicable to urban residential) | Not engaged. No referral. |
| Regulated/Significant Tree overlay | Tree-damaging activity on a regulated or significant tree | Referral required IF trees are identified by arborist. If trees present: council may refer to DEW or heritage specialist for assessment. |
#### Public Notification
Deemed-to-Satisfy: No notification (ministerial exemption applies; s 114 PDI Act). Performance Assessed: Public notification (10 business days minimum, per s 112 PDI Act). Representations invited from interested parties. If no representations received, or if representations support the proposal, council may delegate decision. If representations oppose, CAP determination may be required.#### Specialist Reports Likely Required
| Report Type | Trigger | Cost (est.) | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist Assessment | Regulated/Significant Tree overlay applies; survey required to confirm tree presence/location | $500–$1,200 | Pre-lodgement (2–3 weeks) |
| Site Survey | Confirm site area, frontage, slope, tree locations, existing setbacks of abutting buildings | $1,500–$2,500 | Pre-lodgement (1–2 weeks) |
| Geotechnical Report | Sloping land (>1 in 8 gradient) or unstable soil (if observed); not typically required for flat urban sites | $2,500–$5,000 | Pre-lodgement (3–4 weeks) if needed |
| Traffic & Access Report | If access is shared, or if primary street has high traffic volumes; usually not required for a single dwelling | $1,500–$3,000 | Not usually required |
| Building Design/Plans | Standard architectural/engineer drawings (floor plan, elevations, sections, site plan with dimensions, levels, materials schedule) | $2,000–$5,000 (architect) | Pre-application (4–6 weeks) |
#### Processing Timeline
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Pre-lodgement advice from council | 1–2 weeks |
| Arborist + survey (if required) | 2–4 weeks |
| Architectural design | 4–6 weeks |
| Lodgement (complete application) | Week 7–8 |
| DTS pathway: consent issued | 10–15 business days |
| Performance Assessed (no representations): consent issued | 20–25 business days |
| Performance Assessed (with representations): CAP determination | 30–45 business days |
| Total (best case, DTS): | 8–10 weeks |
| Total (worst case, CAP + representations): | 15–20 weeks |
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Recommended next steps
1. Pre-Lodgement Meeting with City of West Torrens
Action: Contact the City of West Torrens Planning Department to arrange a free pre-lodgement meeting. Bring:- Title deed and survey (if available).
- Preliminary sketch plan of the proposed dwelling (orientation, setbacks, height, private open space).
- Photos of the site and neighbouring dwellings.
- Site dimensions and assumed DTS/DPF compliance (300 m² minimum, 9 m frontage).
- Street-setback context (existing abutting buildings' setbacks; whether 5 m default applies).
- Tree-register check (council will confirm if regulated/significant trees are listed on or near the property).
- Whether the subject site is state-maintained (DIT referral required?).
- Whether the site is in a Concept Plan boundary (unlikely, but DTS/DPF 10.1 requires checking Part 12).
2. Commission an Arborist Assessment (if Trees Present)
Action: Engage an arborist to:- Inspect the site and identify any regulated trees (≥200 mm DBH or on council's register) and significant trees (heritage value).
- Measure tree height, branch spread, health condition.
- Determine Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) — typically 5–10 m radius from tree base.
- Advise on retention feasibility and building setbacks/design modifications needed to protect trees.
- Provide a written Arborist Report for the development application.
- No regulated/significant trees will be harmed, OR
- Trees will be retained with design modifications (e.g., increased setbacks, modified driveway routing), OR
- Tree removal is justified (disease, safety hazard, site constraints) and will be Performance Assessed against PO 1.1–1.4.
3. Commission a Detailed Site Survey
Action: Engage a surveyor to:- Confirm site area (in m²), frontage length (to nearest 0.1 m).
- Measure existing ground slopes (gradient %).
- Locate boundaries precisely; identify any easements or encroachments.
- Measure existing buildings on abutting sites and their setbacks from the street (to calculate DTS/DPF 5.1 primary street setback).
- Site area ≥300 m² ✓
- Frontage ≥9 m ✓
- Slope is flat or <1 in 8 (no earthworks constraints) ✓
- Primary street setback can be determined (average of abutting buildings minus 1 m, or 5 m if no abutting context).
4. Engage an Architect/Designer
Action: Prepare preliminary design sketches and then final architectural plans showing:- Site plan (scale 1:100 or 1:200) with boundary, setbacks, driveway, private open space, ancillary buildings (if any), existing trees.
- Floor plans (ground and upper level) with room dimensions, living-room location, private open space dimensions and access, car parking location.
- Elevations (front, rear, side) showing height (measured from natural ground level), wall height, gable end, materials, colours.
- Sections through the site (if sloping) showing ground levels, finished floor level (FFL), height measurement point.
- Schedule of materials (roof, walls, fencing, driveway surface).
| P&D Code Requirement | Proposed | Complies? |
|---|---|---|
| Site area ≥300 m² | [actual area] | Yes/No |
| Frontage ≥9 m | [actual frontage] | Yes/No |
| Height ≤9 m | [roof height in m] | Yes/No |
| Coverage ≤60% | [footprint % of site] | Yes/No |
| Primary street setback | [distance in m] | Yes/No |
| Side setback ≥900 mm | [distance in m] | Yes/No |
| Rear setback ≥900 mm (≤3 m wall) or 1.9 m + 1/3 excess (>3 m south-facing wall) | [distance in m] | Yes/No |
| Private open space ≥24 m² with ≥3 m dimension | [area in m², dimension in m] | Yes/No |
| Car parking 1 space, 3.0–3.2 m width, 5.5 m setback from primary street | [setback in m, width in m] | Yes/No |
| Ancillary buildings ≤80 m² (site >500 m²), wall height ≤3 m | [area in m², height in m] | Yes/No |
5. Prepare Development Application (DA)
Action: Lodge a complete application to City of West Torrens via the PlanSA portal, including:- Completed DA form (application for Planning Consent).
- Title deed + plan of allotment.
- Site survey (scaled, dimensions, boundaries).
- Architectural plans (site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, materials schedule).
- Arborist report (if trees present).
- DTS/DPF compliance schedule (showing which criteria are met).
- Certificate of title (current).
- Owner's declaration and authorisation.
6. Key Code Provisions to Read in Full
Applicant and planner should read and understand:
| Provision | Relevance | Reading Time |
|---|---|---|
| General Neighbourhood Zone (GN) — Part 2 | Primary zoning; all built-form controls (height, setback, coverage, density, private open space) | 30 min |
| Airport Building Heights (Regulated) Overlay — Part 3 | Not engaged for ≤15 m dwellings, but confirm via SA Property & Planning Atlas | 10 min |
| Prescribed Wells Area Overlay — Part 3 | Water-supply sustainability; mains connection = DTS compliance | 10 min |
| Regulated and Significant Tree Overlay — Part 3 | Tree retention/removal assessment; Performance Outcome merit if trees present | 20 min |
| Design in Urban Areas — Part 4 | Private open space tables, car parking, decks, fences, overlooking, ancillary buildings | 30 min |
| Transport, Access and Parking — Part 4 | Car parking rates, driveway width, setbacks, access safety | 20 min |
| Part 9.1 — Referrals | Triggers for DIT, EPA, Heritage SA, CFS, NVC referrals | 15 min |
| Section 107 PDI Act — Seriously at Variance Test | Threshold for refusing Performance Assessed applications | 5 min |
7. Anticipated Conditions
If consent is granted (DTS pathway), expect standard conditions including:
- Compliance with stamped plans (DTS/DPF 1.1 compliance condition).
- Stormwater disposal (not to flow onto neighbours' land; Design in Urban Areas PO 5.1).
- Sediment and debris control during construction (General Development Policies — Construction).
- Landscape/tree retention (if regulated trees identified; Regulated and Significant Tree Overlay PO 1.1).
- Works completion before occupation (all driveways, private open space, car parking completed).
- Waste bin storage (Design in Urban Areas PO 20.1).
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Summary: What to Do Now
1. Call City of West Torrens Planning (1–2 days) — arrange pre-lodgement meeting; confirm DTS pathway viability. 2. Arborist + Surveyor (2–4 weeks in parallel) — confirm site dimensions and tree status. 3. Architect/Designer (4–6 weeks, after survey) — prepare compliant designs and DTS/DPF schedule. 4. Lodgement (week 7–
Sources & legislation
Every claim in this report is grounded in the following authoritative documents. Click any link to open the in-force version directly.
- PDI Act 2016 — Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (SA) — Primary statute. Establishes the State Planning Commission, the Planning and Design Code, and the four assessment pathways (Accepted, Deemed-to-Satisfy, Performance Assessed, Restricted).
- PDI Regulations 2017 — Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017 (SA) — Regulations under the PDI Act — referral triggers, prescribed development classifications, application requirements.
- Planning & Design Code — South Australian Planning and Design Code — Single state-wide instrument. Zones, subzones, overlays and General Development Policies — gazetted under the PDI Act.
- SA Planning Portal — PlanSA — South Australian Planning Portal — Statutory lodgement portal for development applications. Hosts the SAPPA viewer and the Code in its in-force form.
- Part 4 — General Development Policies — Planning and Design Code Part 4 — General Development Policies — Cross-zone policies — car parking, design quality, signage, advertising, infrastructure, hazards.
- Adelaide Airport Curfew Act 2000 — Adelaide Airport Curfew Act 2000 (Cth) — Airport Building Heights (Regulated) and adjacent overlays trigger Commonwealth airport referrals (Aviation Reference Point obstacle limitation surfaces).
- Development Act 1993 (repealed) — Development Act 1993 (SA) — repealed — The pre-PDI Act statute. Historic approvals may still rely on it; included as a navigational reference only.