Electronic Housing Code Pilot Project - Fast-Tracked Online Approvals for New Homes
Residents and builders in the Port Macquarie-Hastings will be among the first in NSW to be able to gain fast-tracked online approval for new homes, and home alterations, using the Electronic Housing Code.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is among the first 10 councils across NSW which have gone live with the online system.
The Electronic Housing Code (EHC) was developed by the NSW Government in partnership with the NSW Local Government and Shires Associations. The initiative received $5.92 million in Commonwealth Government funding through the Housing Affordability Fund.
Matt Rogers, Director Development & Environmental Services said, "The community is looking for faster and smarter ways to interact with Council and the move to on-line approvals is an important initiative in this respect. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council already has a successful track record in implementing the streamlined complying development approvals process and the use of the EHC will make it easier for the community to access this service."
The Electronic Housing Code system enables organisations and the community to:
- Investigate the development options available to them on their individual lot under the NSW Housing Code;
- Prepare a complying development application electronically, using a standardised application process;
- Electronically lodge and monitor the progress of their application (with a benchmark approval time period of 10 days if the code's requirements are met); and
- Generate and print an exempt development report for future reference (explaining what things can be done in future on the land without the need for planning approval).
The first ten council areas where the EHC is operational are Bankstown, Blacktown, Lake Macquarie, Port Macquarie, Rockdale, Shellharbour, Sutherland, Tamworth, The Hills and Tweed. Liverpool City Council will be operational in 2012.
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Brad Hazzard thanked the ten councils that had participated in the EHC's development.
"Builders, homeowners and renovators can now have their plans approved at the touch of a button," Mr Hazzard said.
"This is a major step forward in speeding up the planning process - your dream home can now be approved within days."
Following a $4.33 million NSW Government grant, there are plans to expand the EHC to include up to an additional 24 councils over the next two years.
To access the EHC, please go to www.electronichousingcode.com.au
