If your home needs to be rebuilt, or you decide to renovate or extend, a planning and building permit will be required. Other Council permits may also be required.
Dedicated planning officers have been assigned to process planning permit applications for storm damaged homes so that these applications can be assessed as a priority.
Properties in Erosion Management Overlays may require a permit if a significant rebuild is required. This is due to the risk of landslip for these properties if changes are made to features like constructed drainage or fixed irrigation systems, or if tree removal is required.
Properties in Bushfire Management Overlays may also require a permit if a significant rebuild is required. This is to ensure that appropriate protection measures are implemented for development in bushfire areas.
Property owners with storm damaged homes are eligible to have planning and septic tank permit fees waived.
For advice, please contact Marcella Simone from Planning Services on 1300 368 333.
While making plans to repair or rebuild your home, consider the following precautions when entering your property:
- Do not enter the tree-damaged sections of the building until a building assessment has been completed and you have been advised that it is safe to access those parts of the building.
- Ensure that anyone on the property or adjoining properties maintains a safe distance away from the fallen tree and tree-damaged sections of your building/s, which as a guide is at least one and a half times the height of the wall of the building.
- Ensure the electricity and solar panel supply to the building is isolated or disconnected by a licensed electrician.
- Ensure the gas supply to the building is turned off at the gas meter.
- Secure any loose debris that may be blown around and become a danger in high winds.