Lodge an application
To obtain approval to undertake a development, you will need to lodge an application
After lodging an application, the relevant decision-maker will assess the application against the planning and building rules that apply to reach a decision about whether consent and/or approval is granted or refused.
Developments that don't require approval do not require an application to be lodged, and can proceed without assessment.
Lodging an application in a council area
If your proposed development is in a council area, you will need to lodge an application under the Development Act 1993.
Learn more about lodging applications under the Development Act
Find out if you need approval your development
Determine what documents you need to include as part of your application
Lodge your application
Type of application How to lodge Most land use applications
The vast majority of land use applications are lodged with a local council, who is the relevant decision-maker.
Lodge with your local council
Submit your application to the relevant council for the area in which your proposed development in located.
Land use applications where the state planning authority is the decision-maker
Certain land use applications are assessed by the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) instead of a local council.
These applications are outlined in Schedule 10 of the Development Regulations 2008.
Lodge with the SCAP
- By post to The Secretary, State Commission Assessment Panel, GPO Box 1815, ADELAIDE SA 5001
- In person to the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, Level 5, 50 Flinders Street, ADELAIDE
- By email to scapadmin@sa.gov.au
Land division applications
All land division applications must be lodged with the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP), regardless of who the decision-maker is for the development.
Lodge with the SCAP
- By post to The Secretary, State Commission Assessment Panel, GPO Box 1815, ADELAIDE SA 5001
- In person to the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, Level 5, 50 Flinders Street, ADELAIDE
- By email to scapadmin@sa.gov.au
Lodge online using a licensed surveyor
You can engage a licensed surveyor to lodge an application on your behalf online into the EDALA system.
Track your application
Type of application How to track Most land use applications
The vast majority of land use applications should be lodged with a local council, who is the relevant decision-maker.
Local council public register
Every local council maintains its own register of development applications, whether online or in hard copy at council offices.
Land use applications where the state planning authority is the decision-maker
Certain land use applications are assessed by the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) instead of a local council.
These applications are outlined in Schedule 10 of the Development Regulations 2008.
SA Planning Portal public register
All applications lodged with the SCAP are recorded in the Development Application Public Register on the SA Planning Portal.
Land division applications
All land division applications must be lodged with the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP), regardless of who the decision-maker is for the development.
SA Planning Portal public register
All land division applications are recorded in the Development Application Public Register on the SA Planning Portal.
This includes applications assessed by a local council or the SCAP.
Lodging an application not in a council area
From 1 July 2019, if your proposed development is not in a council area, you will need to lodge an application under the new Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, which replaces the Development Act 1993 in these areas.
Learn more about implementation of the PDI Act 2016 in outback areas
1 July 2019: The SA Legislation website is currently experiencing delays in publishing new legislation that was gazetted on 27 June 2019. To see copies of approved legislation, please refer to the Government Gazette of this day.
Find out if you need approval your development
Determine what you need to include as part of your application
The documents you need to include with your application depends on the type of development you are proposing.
All applications must be accompanied by a copy of any plan, drawing, specification or report related to the development. Certain applications require baseline documentation to be submitted.
Download the Applicant's guide to lodging a PDI Act application in the outback (PDF, 4299 KB)
Application Type Documentation Required All applications Development application form
All applications require a signed development application form, which outlines what the proposed development is, where it will be located and its estimated cost. It also includes contact details for the persons involved.
- Development application form (PDF, 693 KB)
- Crown development application form (PDF, 593 KB) (for government applications only)
Most applications Electricity declaration form
All applications must also be accompanied by an Electricity Declaration to ensure the proposed development is located a safe distance from the power lines.
Most applications
Site plan
All applications must include a copy of a site plan which shows the location of the proposed development and its surrounds. A site plan may include:
- dimensions and boundaries of the site
- proposed boundary setbacks of the development
- existing buildings, trees, retaining walls and other structures
- on-site sewerage or waste disposal system
- driveway levels and car parking spaces
- existing and proposed ground/floor levels
Lodge your application
All applications for development in the outback must be lodged with the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP).
Lodging online in EDALA
Land division applications can be lodged in the online online EDALA system by engaging a licensed surveyor.
Find a surveyor to lodge a land division application on your behalf
Lodging online via email
All applications can be lodged by emailing application documentation (including a signed Development Application Form) as attachments to scapadmin@sa.gov.au
There is a 17 MB file size limit for email attachments so you may need to send more than one email
Lodging in person
All applications can be lodged in person by presenting hard or digital copies of application documentation to the SCAP offices at Level 5, 50 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Lodging by post
All applications can be lodged wih the SCAP by posting hard or digital copies of application documentation to the SCAP via to GPO Box 1815, Adelaide SA 5001
Pay application fees
After you have lodged your application with the SCAP, you will receive an invoice of payable fees. Application fees are set out in the Planning, Development and Infrastructure (Fees, Charges and Contributions) Regulations 2019.
Assessment of your application will not commence until the relevant fees have been paid to SCAP
Track your application
Once you have paid the relevant fees, your application will be formally lodged into the assessment process. This means your application will be published on the SA Planning Portal.
Track the assessment progress of your application in the Development Application Public Register.
Further information on Development Applications
Telephone: 1800 752 664 (Select Option 3)
Email: scapadmin@sa.gov.au
Further information on Land Divisions
Tel: (08) 1800 752 664 (Select Option 5)
