You Are Here : Home / Development/ Development Types and Approval Pathways / Exempt Development

Exempt Development

Exempt development refers to minor building renovations or works that don’t need any planning or building approval.

Exempt development is very low impact development that can be done for certain residential, commercial and industrial properties without approval, as long as the proposed works meet all the development standards.

Common examples of Exempt Development

Decks
Garden sheds
Carports (located 1m behind the building line)
Boundary Fences
Awnings

A development is considered to be Exempt Development if:

The Bellingen Shire Local Environmental Plan 2010 identifies the development as 'Permitted without Consent' in the land use table which is associated with the zoning of the site
The Bellingen Shire Local Environmental Plan 2010 lists the development under Schedule 3 'Exempt and Complying Development'
The development type is found in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 - Refer to General Exempt Development Code, Advertising and Signage Exempt Development Code and Temporary Uses and Structures Exempt Development Code

Fact sheets

If you want to understand more about the exempt development, read the following fact sheets:

Understanding Exempt Development (PDF, 243 KB)
Air-conditioning units (PDF, 183 KB)
Balconies, decks, patios, pergolas, terraces and verandahs (PDF, 113 KB)
Fences (PDF, 233 KB)
Carports and garages (PDF, 643 KB)
Driveways, hardstands, pathways and paving (PDF, 395 KB)
Home-based enterprises (PDF, 403 KB)
Advertising and Signage (PDF, 994 KB)
Aerials antennae and communication dishes (PDF, 184 KB)
Boundary adjustments and strata subdivisions (PDF, 268 KB)
Cabanas cubby houses ferneries garden sheds gazebos and greenhouses (PDF, 370 KB)
Demolition of buildings (PDF, 318 KB)
Hot water systems and rainwater tanks (PDF, 510 KB)
Waterway structures (PDF, 519 KB).

Animations

The following animations provide guidance for air-conditioning units, balconies, decks and patios and fences.

Common Questions

Planning on building or renovating and don't know where to start?

These Frequently Asked Questions may help guide you.

Did you know?

Exempt development cannot be carried out in some circumstances. For example, if it is in an environmentally sensitive area, on bush fire prone land or within a heritage area.

It is the landowner's responsibility to check all the provisions relating to exempt development and meet the specified development standards and land requirements.

Before you start work

Not sure if your development meets the criteria of Exempt Development?

Visit our How we can help page to access all the services we provide to answer your questions.

Council Recomendation

It is recommended to discuss your proposed works with your neighbours and consider their concerns.