I am planning on constructing an additional storey to my existing house. My house is in a quiet neighbourhood and the roads are a bit narrow. I think the work will take 3 months to complete and for the first month there will be truck traffic into the property for the purpose of base construction. When and how should I notify my neighbours?
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Answer by Neha Sharma, Hillsdale 2036 NSW
- If your proposal meets the specific development and planning criteria and standards of your local council it will be considered as complying development.
- This means you will not require development consent. However you will still be required to get building approval from your local council or a private certifier. This generally takes 3-4 weeks.
- The main purpose of neighbourhood consultation for complying development projects is to reduce disturbance and notify neighbours of what changes and disturbances may occur for the next couple of months.
- You must notify any neighbours who live within 20 metres of your property at least 7 days before the work starts. If the property is in an existing neighbourhood such as yours the council or the private certifier will advise the neighbours at least 14 days before the application is approved.
- You may do this by:
- speaking with your neighbours;
- letterbox dropping of pamphlets outlining your proposed plan; or
- hosting a meeting to discuss the proposal and address any concerns.
- You should also discuss with your neighbours:
- the estimated time frame for the development;
- the noise levels;
- if there will be any disturbance with the use of roads; and
- any rubbish issues.