Ensuring Development Meets Planning Regulations

All development in the Huon Valley must comply with planning regulations under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme. Compliance ensures that developments align with zoning laws, protect community interests, and maintain environmental and heritage values.

If a development is undertaken without the required approvals, or does not adhere to approved conditions, Council may take enforcement action.

Common Compliance Issues

Council’s Planning Compliance team investigates concerns related to:

  • Building or land use without a planning permit – Construction, land clearing, or changes of use that require approval but have not been permitted.
  • Failure to comply with permit conditions – Not adhering to conditions set in an approved planning permit.
  • Unauthorised signage – Erecting signage that does not meet planning scheme requirements.
  • Illegal land clearing or excavation – Clearing native vegetation or altering land levels without approval.
  • Encroachments into public land – Developing structures or undertaking works beyond private property boundaries.

If you are unsure whether your development is compliant, please check your planning permit or contact Council.

How Compliance is Enforced

When a possible breach is identified, Council follows a structured enforcement process:

1. Investigation
  • Council officers assess the issue based on site visits, aerial imagery, and records.
  • The property owner may be contacted to provide information.
2. Compliance Notice or Warning
  • If a breach is confirmed, the owner may receive a Compliance Notice, outlining the non-compliance and steps to rectify it.
  • For minor issues, a warning may be issued, providing an opportunity to voluntarily resolve the matter.
3. Enforcement Action

If the issue is not rectified within the required timeframe, Council may:

  • Issue fines or infringement notices.
  • Take legal action under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993.
  • Direct that unapproved works be removed or rectified.

What to Do If You Receive a Compliance Notice

If you receive a compliance notice, it is important to act promptly. You should:

  1. Read the notice carefully – It will outline what must be done and by when.
  2. Contact Council if you have questions – Officers can explain the issue and what steps you need to take.
  3. Engage a planning professional if necessary – A town planner, surveyor, or building consultant can help bring your development into compliance.
  4. Take action within the specified timeframe – Failure to do so may result in further enforcement.

Reporting a Suspected Breach

If you believe a development is not complying with planning regulations, you can report it to Council. Investigations are confidential, and Council will not disclose the identity of complainants.

To report a suspected breach, contact Council’s Planning Compliance team at (03) 6264 0300 or email hvc@huonvalley.tas.gov.au.

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