What it is
Departures or relaxations ask the municipality to allow a building to exceed scheme parameters such as building lines, coverage or height, without changing the zoning. Depending on the municipality this may be dealt with administratively or through a formal application.
When you may need it
- A planned extension encroaches into the side or rear building line
- An existing structure was built over a line and needs to be regularised
What our work includes
- Check of applicable parameters and title conditions
- Neighbour consent coordination where required
- Application and liaison with building control
The broad process
- 1.Assessment
- 2.Neighbour consents
- 3.Application
- 4.Decision
Documents commonly required
- Copy of the title deed (later stage, not at enquiry)
- Surveyor-General diagram or general plan
- Zoning certificate or current land-use information
- Power of attorney and owner consent where applicable
You don’t need these to make an initial enquiry.
What affects cost and duration
- Professional planning fees for preparation and motivation
- Municipal application fees set by the relevant municipality
- Advertising and notice costs where public participation is required
- Specialist reports (for example traffic, engineering services or environmental)
We provide a project-specific quotation that separates professional fees from municipal charges, advertising and specialist costs. Timeframes vary with scope, completeness, objections, specialist work and municipal processing.
Limitations
Neighbour objections or servitudes may limit what can be approved.