A Building Approval (a development permit) is needed if a development for “carrying out building work” is categorised as any of the following

• code assessable development
• impact assessable development

A quick indication of which category of development applies to a particular type of development can be determined by having regard to the regulation made under the Building Act 1975 (the Building Act).

However, to accurately determine which category of development applies to a particular type of development, it is necessary to have regard to:

• schedule 1 (prohibited development) of the Planning Act
• the regulation made under the Planning Act
• the regulation made under the Building Act
• any applicable State planning regulatory provisions
• planning schemes
• any applicable temporary local planning instruments
• preliminary approvals that affect a planning scheme under section 242 of the Act

Whilst a development permit is not necessary for self-assessable development, the particular type of development must comply with any applicable codes.