Pre-Application Consultation
What is a Pre Application Consultation (PAC)?
From the 1 July 2009, Hurstville City Council will be offering a formal Pre Application Consultation (PAC) service for a prescribed fee. The prescribed fee for this service is detailed in Council's 
Schedule of Fees and Charges 09/10 (584.83kB).
A Pre-Application Consultation is a formal process initiated by a person intending to submit a development application ("the applicant"). It is an opportunity for intending applicants to seek input from council staff in relation to what issues should be considered before submitting a development application.
Applicants seeking advice on the economic feasibility of a development and/or advice on specific design solutions should engage the services of a private town planning consultant and/or architect. The role of the PAC is to assist in the interpretation and application of planning controls only.
Please note: A PAC is not recommended for alterations and additions to a dwelling, the construction of a new single dwelling house (excluding sensitive foreshore sites) or for other minor developments that fully comply with Council controls. Enquiries in relation to these matters can be directed to the Duty Officer available each business day from 8.30am to 4.30pm on 9330 6222.
PACs are a service offered to potential applicants to ensure an awareness of the relevant standards, codes and policies which a proposed development will be assessed against. A PAC will provide comprehensive early advice which will assist applicants to decide whether or not to lodge a development application.
Delays in the assessment of development applications often arise as a result of inadequate information being submitted, a lack of knowledge about Council’s planning controls and insufficient knowledge of local issues. A PAC can help identify lodgement requirements, relevant planing controls and related local issues prior to the lodgement of a development application.
Once a development application is lodged, applicants will only be provided with one chance to either supply missing information or re-design a proposal to comply with the relevant planning controls A PAC therefore represents a valuable information-sharing opportunity to identify any issues that may arise to avoid delays, unnecessary financial loss and refusal of an application.
What can applicants expect from a Pre Application Consultation?
- Knowledge about what information, plans, drawings and technical reports wlill be required to be submitted with a development application
- An understanding of the relevant development standards, controls and policies that may apply to a development
- An understanding of what issues are likely to cause delay, what issues require further consideration and what issues may be sensitive to the local community
- A meeting date to be arranged with 7 days of a PAC application being lodgedwith Council; and
- A copy of the minutes of the PAC Meeting including details on the proposal, planning documents/controls considered during the meeting, summary of any issues triggered by the proposal and a summary of any required actions to be undertaken by the applicant.
Please note: Attending a PAC and/or resolution of issues raised by Council officers at a PAC does not gurantee approval of any future development application. The views of the community, councillors, and state government agencies are not able to be taken into account in the PAC process.
How do I arrange a Pre-Application Consultation?
Speak to a Duty Town Planner available from 12:45pm to 5.00pm weekdays on (02) 9330 6222 to determine if a PAC is appropriate. Generally, single dwelling developments (excluding sensitive foreshore sites) and developments that comply with all relevant development controls will not require a PAC.
If a PAC is required, complete the application form Pre-Development Application Consultation (102.36kB) and submit this Form with the applicable fee and supporting documentation at Council's Customer Service Centre. Once lodged, the PAC application will be allocated to a development assessment officer, generally a Town Planner who will call you within 7 days of the lodgement date to arrange a meeting date.
What do I supply at a Pre Application Consultation?
The quality and extent of planning advice provided by Council staff is dependant on the quality of information provided by the applicant at the Pre-Application Consultation Meeting. The following information is required to be submitted as a minimum:
- 3 x copies of the Site Plan including information on existing natural features (trees, rock, outcrops, watercourses) and built features (buildings, easements, utility services) and adjoining development. Also include information such as boundary dimensions, the slope of the land and a north point.
- 3 x copies of Concept Architectural Plans for the development. The plans do not need to be at “DA” standard but must be to scale and indicate building heights, basic floor plans and setbacks
- 3 x copies a Statement outlining the development statistics (eg. Number of units, commercial/retail floor space, parking provision) and outlining compliance with Councils controls