The Tasmanian Planning Scheme sets out the rules and regulations for land use and development across Tasmania, including the Huon Valley. It applies zoning, overlays, and codes to properties, guiding what can be built or modified and whether a planning permit is required.

Tasmanian planning scheme and local provisions

The Tasmanian Planning Scheme (TPS) consists of:

  • State Planning Provisions (SPPs) – standard statewide rules for land use and development
  • Local Provisions Schedule (LPS) – locally specific planning controls, including zoning and overlays

As of 20 July 2024, Huon Valley Council has adopted the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, and all applications lodged from this date will be assessed under its provisions.

The Tasmanian Planning Commission oversees the implementation and review of the planning scheme. You can find the latest decisions on the Tasmanian Planning Commission website.

How to check your property’s zoning and planning requirements

You can check the zoning and overlays that apply to your property using the TPS GIS Portal:
Huon Valley TPS Maps

These maps provide reference information, but final zoning confirmations are subject to Tasmanian Planning Commission review.

What this means for planning applications

  • Existing applications – If your planning application was lodged before 20 July 2024 and has already been deemed valid, it will continue to be assessed under the previous Interim Planning Scheme.
  • New applications – If your application was not yet valid before 20 July 2024, it will be assessed under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme (TPS) once it becomes valid.

Types of planning permits

There are five categories of planning applications under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme:

  • Exempt – Some minor developments do not require planning approval but may still need other permits (e.g., building or plumbing). You can notify Council of exempt activities via email or letter.
  • No Permit Required (NPR) – If a proposed use is listed as NPR in the zoning table and meets all acceptable solutions, no planning permit is required. A certificate confirming this can be obtained from Council.
  • Permitted – If an application meets all zone and code requirements, a permit will be issued. These applications do not go through a public notification period.
  • Discretionary – If a development does not meet all acceptable solutions and requires assessment against performance criteria, it is discretionary. These applications are publicly notified, and representations can be lodged during a 14-day public exhibition period.
  • Prohibited – If a proposed use is listed as prohibited in the zoning table, Council must refuse the application.

Use and development in the planning scheme

All properties in the Huon Valley fall under a zone, which determines land use and development rules. The planning scheme distinguishes between:

  • Use – The activity undertaken on the land (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial)
  • Development – Physical changes to land or buildings (e.g., construction, subdivision, earthworks)

Each zone includes a use table, classifying activities as No Permit Required (NPR), Permitted, Discretionary, or Prohibited.

Development standards in the planning scheme

The planning scheme applies development standards, which consist of:

  • Objectives – The intended outcomes for land use and development
  • Acceptable Solutions – Prescriptive, measurable rules that ensure compliance
  • Performance Criteria – Alternative assessment criteria that allow flexibility but require a planning judgment

If a development does not meet Acceptable Solutions and relies on Performance Criteria, it will be classified as a discretionary application, requiring public notification and Council assessment.

If a discretionary application does not meet the necessary performance criteria, Council must refuse the application.

Previous planning schemes

For reference, past planning schemes remain available:

Further information

For further assistance, contact Huon Valley Council on (03) 6264 0300.

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