Council improves development approval efficiency
Lodging a development application at midnight is now a possibility, if you are so inclined, thanks to Sunshine Coast Council’s new development services initiatives.
Lodging a development application at midnight is now a possibility, if you are so inclined, thanks to Sunshine Coast Council’s new development services initiatives.
Applicants now have the convenience of lodging all types of development applications electronically, replacing the need to provide multiple hard copies during business hours.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said this is another example of council’s focus on becoming more responsive to the needs of business and the community.
“Online applications make sense,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“These changes will make it more convenient, easier and less costly for all parties—applicants, the development industry and council—to do business.
“Council is continually modernising its operations to keep pace with the expectations of industry and business. Our staff have developed and tested a range of new initiatives and I am pleased we are beginning to roll them out.”
Regional Planning Portfolio Councillor Russell Green said electronic applications will make a huge difference to a wide range of people.
“Council can now accept the full range of planning, operational works, plumbing and private building certifier lodgements electronically,” Cr Green said.
“Council has received positive responses from industry and business about its move toward online applications.
“A number of consultants, certifiers, contractors and engineers have tested the new initiative and are telling us how much they look forward to not only saving on reams of paper and the time required to lodge hard copies, but also having a more efficient and streamlined business process.”
The ability to lodge applications electronically is one of many improvements being rolled out by council’s development services area over the next few months.
For further details about development services and how to lodge a development application visit Council's website or phone 5475 PLAN (5475 7526).
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INITIATIVES
Development Applications
Material Change of Use, Reconfiguration and Operational Works applications can now be lodged by email. For further information, refer to the Lodging a Development Application page on council’s website.
Plumbing applications
All plumbing applications can be submitted online through MyCouncil. Alternatively, Plumbing Applications can be sent by email. For further information, refer to the Lodging a Plumbing Application page on council’s website.
Private Certification Building Documentation
Private Building Certifiers can now lodge statutory building documentation online through MyCouncil. Private Certifiers can contact Building Services on 5420 8611 for further details.
PD Online
A number of improvements have been made to PD Online, a website that provides information about development applications to the public. The Application Search screen has been revised and improved, and enhancements have been made to the “Documents” section so the public can more easily view and locate public documents.
iPads for Inspections
Council is trialling the use of iPads for use in site inspections related to Development Approvals. This initiative will increase efficiency by allowing field staff to immediately record the results of an inspection on mobile devices connected to council’s systems.
FastTracking Development Applications
Council is developing a series of FastTrack Development Application packages to improve processing times and consistency of outcomes for a range of low risk, code assessable development applications. This new initiative is currently being trialled. For more information, phone 5475 PLAN (5475 7526).