Development

A Development Application (also known as a Development Permit) is only required when proposed development is classified as assessable development under the Planning Act 2016. Assessable development means that the proposal needs to be checked against the Planning Scheme requirements to ensure that development is appropriate and aligns with the requirements for the area as a whole.

The Development Application provides information about the proposed development so that Council can assess the application against the requirements of the CairnsPlan 2016 and other legislation.

To determine whether you need to lodge a Development Application:

1. Determine the property’s zone. This can be done by using the CairnsPlan 2016 Property Report Tool.  Zones indicate areas of preferred land use (eg community facilities, industry, rural residential, conservation) and set out controlled or prohibited uses. They also contain controls relating to buildings and subdivision, and may specify information that must be submitted with a development application. In addition, some areas are covered by Local Plans which set out specific requirements in localised areas.
2. Check if any overlays apply. Generally, overlays apply to a single control or related set of controls (such as heritage, environmental concerns, natural hazards or built environnment). Multiple overlays can apply to a single block of land. You can check your property using the CairnsPlan 2016 Property Report Tool.
3. Use the Table of Assessment in the CairnsPlan to identify if the proposed development is Code Assessable or Impact Assessable.  Check if any codes apply that will need to be addressed in a Development Application.