Building development

Local government does not administer building approvals in the Northern Territory Approvals are processed by private building certifiers, and records and auditing are administered by the Building Advisory Services Branch of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment (DIPE) which can be contacted on phone 8999 8961.

Darwin City Council is, however, responsible for storm water connections and driveway construction. To inquire about these, call our Permits Officer on phone 8930 0597.

Council's role in the planning process

The planning authority

All Development Applications in the Darwin Municipality are processed by and decided upon by, the Development Consent Authority.

Council is invited to submit comment to the Development Consent Authority on all development applications in relation to relevant planning matters.

Application forms for developments can be obtained from the Development Consent Authority - 8th Floor AMP Building, Corner of Cavenagh and Knuckey Streets, Darwin.

Discuss your application first

Council encourages developers to discuss their application with the relevant Council officer/s either before or when a development application is lodged. Appointments can be made by contacting the Planning and Design Secretary on phone 8930 0585.

Our Planning and Design people can also clarify matters for the developer and provide a clear understanding of the processes that the proposal must go through. Taking the time to seek advice and clarify issues can avoid frustration further down the track

Council is keen to promote the best possible planning outcomes for Darwin , ensuring that developers are aware its requirements and that unwarranted time delays and potential conflicts are avoided.

Council considerations

In formulating its comments to the Development Consent Authority, Council considers matters such as storm water drainage, the provision of public car parking, traffic issues and all works within municipal roads.

Council's Corporate Plan also contains specific action plans that will guide its responses to the authority. The corporate plan supports planning that takes account of Darwin 's changing social, economic and environmental needs. It promotes environmentally appropriate building design encompassing resource conservation, and encourages planners to identify and conserve appropriate natural and cultural heritage.

Public exhibition

As part of the development application process, development details are publicly exhibited by an advertisement in the NT News and a bright pink sign on the land where the development is proposed.

Our officers are also available to discuss any issues of relevance to Council that community members might like to raise about a development proposal.

For further information about this process, please call Council's Planning and Design Section on phone 8930 0585.

TOP