Application
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to consult with a planning authority regarding planning approval requirements for small-scale buildings covered by the Building Code of Australia (BCA), except construction Type A buildings; and to prepare and collate documentation for planning approval applications. It involves negotiation with the authority and the client regarding changes or additional requirements, and finalisation of the planning approval process for the building design project.
This unit supports small-scale building design projects, including alterations and additions, heritage restorations, and new buildings, including houses, factories, motels, offices, restaurants, retail and service outlets, and warehouses. It applies to building designers who submit compliant documentation and advocate for planning approval on behalf of clients.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit of competency in some States. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions. | ||
1. | Confirm planning approval application requirements. | 1.1. | Documentation requirements for planning approval applications |
1.2. | Pre-application meetings with planners are arranged and conducted, as required, to clarify planning approval application requirements. | ||
1.3. | Comprehensive checklist of planning approval application requirements is prepared and confirmed with planners. | ||
1.4. | Client is notified of planning approval application requirements and associated costs, and consent to proceed is confirmed. | ||
2. | Prepare and submit planning approval application. | 2.1. | Project design drawings are checked for planning approval compliance and required additions or changes are made in consultation with the client. |
2.2. | Documentation required from other professionals is specified and obtained, and fully completed in good time. | ||
2.3. | Documentation for planning approval application is prepared, checked for compliance with requirements, and confirmed with client. | ||
2.4. | Completeness of planning approval application is confirmed with reference to checklist and submitted. | ||
2.5. | Notifications and advertisements are arranged as required. | ||
3. | Support application through approval process. | 3.1. | Progress of application through planning approval process is monitored, and clarification of project design is provided as requested. |
3.2. | Client is represented at local authority and other meetings, as required, and approval for planning application is advocated. | ||
3.3. | Information is presented to councillors, the general public and consultants using language suitable for the context. | ||
3.4. | Requirements for changes to project designs are negotiated within the limits of designer’s authority. | ||
3.5. | Client is consulted regarding matters outside scope of designer’s authority. | ||
4. | Finalise planning approval process. | 4.1. | Required changes to planning approval drawings and documentation are made in consultation with client. |
4.2. | Decision on planning approval application is obtained and filed with final design project documentation according to workplace procedures. | ||
4.3. | Client is notified of decision on planning approval application and copies of documentation are provided. | ||
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy the requirements of the elements, performance criteria, foundation skills and range of conditions of this unit.
The person must also negotiate and finalise planning approval for three different projects, consisting of:
one Class 1 residential building of three storeys
one residential extension of at least 50 square metres
one of the following non-residential projects which must be of a maximum area of 2000 square metres:
incorporating Classes 2, 5, 6 and 7a
incorporating Classes 3 and 9c
incorporating Classes 7b and 8.
In doing the above, the person must:
prepare complete and compliant sets of planning approval drawings and documentation according to project and planning authority timeframes
arrange notifications and cooperative participation in planning approval processes, as required
incorporate negotiated and approved adjustments to drawings and documentation, as required
confirm planning approval application requirements and associated costs, including processing of final drawings and documentation, and notify clients.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:
structural engineering principles sufficient to interpret and apply the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC)
building designers’ duty of care to ensure quality and safety of designs
types of contextual and site constraints to be specified in planning approval applications
design development and approval processes
implications of changes to designs, including compliance issues, cost and client satisfaction with outcomes
legislation, codes and standards, including drawing standards, that apply to the small-scale building design projects specified in the performance evidence
organisational scope of business, service levels and fees relating to planning approval processes
principles of design, including sustainable design.
Assessment Conditions
The following must be present and available to learners during assessment activities:
equipment:
computer with internet access and business software currently in use in building design practices
materials:
documentation for the three projects specified in the performance evidence
contingencies:
changes to designs required during planning approval process
specifications:
access to current building control legislation, regulations, codes and standards; and state, territory or local authority planning policies
relationship with client:
liaison with client is required.
Timeframe:
according to project timeframes and local authority requirements.
Assessor requirements
As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.
Foundation Skills
This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Skill | Performance feature |
Learning skills to: | draw on past experience to ensure compliance and completeness of planning approval application. |
Numeracy skills to: | work out optimum compliant and cost-effective design solutions present and discuss information relating to dimensions associated with design, including measurements and calculations. |
Oral communication skills to: | interact with clients and participants in planning approval processes present and explain planning approval applications to individuals and groups as required negotiate adjustments to planning approval application and their implications with clients. |
Reading skills to: | interpret complex information, including legislation, regulations, codes and standards, and local authority planning schemes. |
Initiative and enterprise skills to: | present solutions that seek to resolve objections to planning applications. |
Planning and organising skills to: | manage documents manage time, including planning and prioritising work. |
Range Statement
This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. | |
Documentation requirements for planning approval applications must include: | arborists’ reports architectural drawings: area calculations car park layouts demolition plans design response plans elevations existing condition plans floor plans refuse circulation diagrams shadow diagrams site context plans site plans copy of titles council forms and fees finishes schedule for external colours land survey plans prepared by a land surveyor landscape plans prepared by a landscape designer or architect town planning reports, including: building sustainability design response justifications for non-compliance matters site context. |
Regulatory authorities | local council planning department federal, state or territory government departments for: energy environment heritage infrastructure services regulatory authorities in country of project location. |
Sectors
Building design