Permits, Planning & Paperwork: What You Need Before You Build in Tasmania

Planning a build or renovation? You’ll need more than a good idea and a builder.

You’ve got dreams. Maybe it’s a fresh new home, a long-overdue kitchen reno, or finally extending to fit your growing family. But before your builder can lift a hammer, there’s one critical step that can’t be skipped: planning, permits, and paperwork.

Before anything gets built, it needs to be approved. And that depends on planning rules, overlays, site conditions, and compliance with building standards. I make sure all of that is considered from the very beginning.

Building in Tasmania: What’s involved?

Before construction starts, your project must comply with:

• Tasmanian Planning Scheme – specific to your council area

• The National Construction Code (NCC) – for all building standards

• Any applicable overlays – like bushfire-prone areas (BAL), landslip risk, or heritage listings

And your builder?
They can’t legally begin work without the necessary planning, building and plumbing permits.

Even internal renovations can trigger approvals, depending on the scope.

So… do you actually need a permit?

That depends on:

• Where you live

• The zone and overlays on your land

• What kind of work you’re proposing

For example:

• A new home, extension, or major renovation often needs both planning and building approvals

• Some minor works may be exempt or permitted, but still need confirmation

• If your block is in a bushfire-prone area, you’ll likely need a BAL assessment

• Sloping land? You may need a geotechnical or landslip hazard report

• Heritage overlay? Expect additional design constraints

Even some seemingly minor projects can trigger a permit. If you’re unsure, I’ll check all of this for you in the early stages of our work together.

Designing for approvals is part of my process

When I take on your project, I’m not just drawing plans. I’m designing to meet both your vision and the rules.

Here’s what I include:

• A review of the planning scheme and overlays before we even start designing

• Concepts designed to comply with Acceptable Solutions wherever possible

• Identification of anything that might require a discretionary permit

• Coordination with surveyors, engineers, and other sub-consultants

• Designs that meet the NCC, including energy efficiency, fire safety, and accessibility where relevant

This means your design isn’t just beautiful — it’s buildable, approvable, and practical.

How long does the whole process take?

Planning and building approvals are just one part of the journey.
Before we submit anything, we invest time in getting the design right — so when it does go to council or a building surveyor, it’s well-documented and coordinated.

Here’s a rough guide to how it flows:

Design Discovery + Feasibility

We start by understanding your site, goals, budget, and the planning context. If needed, I’ll coordinate early advice or engage consultants up front.

Concept Design & Documentation

We develop your layout, drawings, and selections — designed to meet both your brief and compliance requirements.

Planning Permit Application

If required, I’ll lodge the application and manage the process. Council approval can take 6–8+ weeks if discretionary assessment is involved.

Construction Documentation

Once planning is approved, we finalise working drawings and gather any reports still required - such as BAL assessments, energy reports, or engineering plans.

Building Permit Application

All documents are submitted to your chosen building surveyor. Their process typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on how quickly consultants can respond.

From first meeting to permit-ready design?

This process can easily take 6+ months, especially for complex projects. That’s why…

Start 12–18 months before you plan to build

This isn’t just to pad out a timeline, it’s so you have space to:

• Make confident design decisions

• Navigate approvals without stress

• Line up trades and construction at the right time

• Avoid rushed quotes, last-minute redesigns, or approval hold-ups

When clients come to me early, we’re able to do things properly, and with far fewer surprises down the track.

Next Step: Book Your Design Discovery Session

This is your starting point. A one-on-one meeting where we:

• Review your site or renovation scope

• Unpack any planning or building permit triggers

• Outline what’s possible and what to expect

• Determine if a feasibility stage is the right next step

Let’s get it right from the start, so when it’s time to build, the paperwork’s sorted, the path is clear, and you can focus on creating a home you love to live in.

If you’re in Launceston, Northern Tasmania, or surrounds and planning a new build, renovation or extension

Send me your site details or follow along on Instagram @tahleahhoyledesign for ideas, design tips and project updates.