You may need development approval to fill or excavate a site, if the proposed work will change the ground level of the land. An application is generally required where it exceeds the thresholds nominated in Table 5.8.1 of the City Plan or if it is elevated to assessable development through an overlay in section 5.10 of the City Plan.
This type of application applies to earthworks on residential, commercial or industrial allotments where the earthworks are not considered to be incidental to building works. Retaining walls on individual lots are classed as building works, not operational works.
An application for the undertaking of earthworks for a new residential estate will generally be assessed within a Civil engineering – works for infrastructure application as bulk earthwork and would not require a separate application for change to ground level.
Where the undertaking of earthworks within a lot is associated with and incidental to the construction of retaining structures, such works are considered to be building works and are not Operational works and approval is required from a private building certifier.
For any questions regarding lodgement, please contact us on 07 5582 8708.
Refer to the forms and applications section below for links to the forms and to apply online.
For application fees see our Register of fees & charges.
How to apply
Use this form to apply for an operational works change to ground level application. Fees apply. Refer to our Register of fees & charges for details.
Refer to How to lodge development application for information on application forms and other relevant supporting documentation.
For more information please contact us on 07 5582 8708.