Exemptions from development and building approval may apply to certain external door, window, wall or wall opening alterations provided they comply with relevant provisions of Regulations. Examples include certain:

Exemptions from development approval

The development does not need development approval if it complies with relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Regulation 2008, Schedule 1. The following is a summary of the provisions and is correct as of the date the web page was last updated - scroll to the bottom of the web page to find this - however the Regulation's Schedule may been updated since then. In summary, the development is exempt provided that:

• it only involves one or more of - removing an external door or window or a part of an external wall to leave an opening, enlarging or reducing the opening, installing any one or more of a wall, door or window in the opening;
• no part of it is within 1.5m of a side boundary for the block;
• no part of it is within 3m of a rear boundary for the block;
• the finished floor level or other trafficable surface (for example, paving) immediately adjacent to the work is not more than 500mm above natural ground level;
• the maximum exterior horizontal opening span is 2m;
• it complies with relevant general exemption criteria.

See definitions to understand the terms in italics.

Changing the external appearance, material or finish of a building or structure may be subject to other laws, including heritage laws and energy efficiency provisions of building laws.

Exemptions from building approval

The development does not building approval if it complies with relevant provisions of the Building (General) Regulation 2008, Schedule 1. The following is a summary of the provisions and is correct as of the date the web page was last updated - scroll to the bottom of the web page to find this - however the Regulation's Schedule may been updated since then. In summary, the development is exempt provided that:

• it is for a class 1, class 2 or class 10 building only;
• a Certificate of Occupancy or other certificate under the Building Act 2004 has been issued for the building;
• the maximum horizontal opening span is 2m;
• it complies with the Building Code and the exempt building code;
• it is done in a proper and skilful way as per the Building Act 2004;
• it will not affect the structural integrity of any part of a building for which a Certificate of Occupancy or other certificate under the Building Act 2004, part 5, has been issued;
• it will not affect a fire-rated wall, ceiling or floor;
• it will not affect a ventilation or air-handling system, fire protection system or other mechanical service;
• it will not affect a fire escape, emergency lift, stairway, exit or passageway to an exit;
• it will not affect the natural light of ventilation available to a building for which a certificate under the Act, part 5, has been issued;
• it will not affect the building in a way that reduces its compliance with the Building Code to a level that is less than the minimum requirements of the Code;
• it does not involve handling asbestos or disturbing friable asbestos (other than minor maintenance work, i.e. low-speed or hand-drilling, sealing, painting, coating if done personally by the owner or occupier of the premises).

No building approval, licence, notice, certifier, plans, inspections, certificates required under the Building Act 2004 but design and construction standards do apply.