Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
24/07/2026 5:15 AM AWST
24/07/2026 5:15 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Conduct initial assessments of minor planning applications
Conduct initial assessments of minor planning applications
Unit of competency
National Code
LGAPLEM411A
LGAPLEM411A
State Code
D2865
D2865
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/01/2010
Field of Education
080313 - Public And Health Care Administration
Original Release Date
20/01/2010
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This unit covers conducting initial assessments of minor planning applications. The work is undertaken under the supervision and delegation of more senior officers, including council planners.What constitutes a 'minor' application will be determined by individual councils with reference to their own planning schemes and relevant legislative frameworks. The initial assessment is conducted in order to identify compliance with building controls, council requirements and environmental impact. This unit, together with LGAPLEM410A and LGAPLEM412A, expand upon and replace LGAPLEM401B and LGAPLEM402B.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Conduct pre-application meeting with prospective applicants
- 1.1 Arrangements are made for the meeting.
- 1.2 Prospective applicants for minor applications are informed of the timing, purpose and format of the meeting.
- 1.3 Pre-application meeting is conducted in accordance with legal and organisational requirements.
- 1.4 Information is collected and documented in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.5 Applicants' rights and responsibilities are explained and observed in accordance with organisational policy.
2 Undertake initial assessment of the application's compliance with building controls and council requirements
- 2.1 Adjoining property owners and affected parties are notified of application, and protection of adjoining properties is assessed.
- 2.2 Documentation is assessed for compliance with statutory regulations.
- 2.3 Specialist technical advice is obtained where required to protect owner and council interests.
- 2.4 Additional information or revised drawings are sought where necessary.
- 2.5 Technical reports and referral authority requirements are examined and assessed to determine impact on performance and compatibility requirements.
3 Refer applications to relevant authorities for comment and approval
- 3.1 Relevant copies of application and documentation are forwarded to relevant external authorities within prescribed time frames.
- 3.2 Decisions by relevant authorities are accurately recorded and required return date is noted.
4 Outcomes of initial assessment are referred for final decision
- 4.1 Planning approval documentation is prepared as appropriate within council and statutory requirements.
- 4.2 Conditions of approval are clearly stated on documents to avoid misinterpretation.
- 4.3 All actions are recorded accurately according to council procedures.
- 4.4 Recommendation is prepared for the delegated officer who is responsible for giving or withholding final approval of the application.
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Arrangements may include:
format
structure and procedures
venue and equipment
type of interview and evidentiary purposes
record keeping
personnel involved
Categorisation of minor applications will be determined by council policy but may include:
subdivisions of buildings or land
temporary or permanent structures - typically domestic buildings
signage
changes of use
Pre-application meeting may address:
rights of applicant
representation of applicant
format and presentation of application for development
decision-making process of council
record-keeping requirements of council
codes of conduct that must be followed by council officers involved in the planning process
problem-solving and dispute resolution processes
Applicants' rights and responsibilities may include:
right of appeal
confidentiality
Documentation may include:
application forms
plans
specifications
technical reports
structural computations
referral authority reports
endorsed authority plans
certificates of title
soil reports
home warranty insurance certificates
working drawings
property information certificates
flooding certificates
resident submissions
Statutory regulations may include:
state building legislation
national building codes
relevant Australian standards
local laws
planning schemes
council policies
principles of neighbourhood design
Relevant external authorities may include:
building surveyor
environmental health officer
drainage authorities
water authorities
utilities
Planning approval documentation may include:
permits
building rules consent
licences
Arrangements may include:
format
structure and procedures
venue and equipment
type of interview and evidentiary purposes
record keeping
personnel involved
Categorisation of minor applications will be determined by council policy but may include:
subdivisions of buildings or land
temporary or permanent structures - typically domestic buildings
signage
changes of use
Pre-application meeting may address:
rights of applicant
representation of applicant
format and presentation of application for development
decision-making process of council
record-keeping requirements of council
codes of conduct that must be followed by council officers involved in the planning process
problem-solving and dispute resolution processes
Applicants' rights and responsibilities may include:
right of appeal
confidentiality
Documentation may include:
application forms
plans
specifications
technical reports
structural computations
referral authority reports
endorsed authority plans
certificates of title
soil reports
home warranty insurance certificates
working drawings
property information certificates
flooding certificates
resident submissions
Statutory regulations may include:
state building legislation
national building codes
relevant Australian standards
local laws
planning schemes
council policies
principles of neighbourhood design
Relevant external authorities may include:
building surveyor
environmental health officer
drainage authorities
water authorities
utilities
Planning approval documentation may include:
permits
building rules consent
licences
Overview of assessment requirements
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the elements to the required performance level detailed in the performance criteria. The unit's skill and knowledge requirements must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the council's building scheme, the legislative framework and processes for approving planning application underpin the performance of the unit and must be demonstrated.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
The demonstrated ability to:
conduct pre-application meetings with potential or prospective applicants in accordance with legal and legislative requirements
undertake an initial assessment to determine compliance with building controls and council requirements
refer applications to relevant authorities for comment and approval
notify applicants of the decision
prepare a submission that supports and protects council position and interests
represent or assist council at the appeals hearing as required
Context of assessment
Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken within the context of the local government framework. Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria applicable to the workplace environment, within the scope of the range statement.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies
written and oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documentation
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor
Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated management environments.
Resource implications
Access to building sites is essential as well as to a workplace or a simulated case study that provides relevant resources, including copies of:
essential documentation, such as the Building Code of Australia (Volumes I and II)
relevant Australian standards
local laws
planning schemes
examples of council policies
architect plans and drawings
technical reports
relevant certificates and authorities
real or mock resident submissions
reports from other services
agencies and specialists
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the elements to the required performance level detailed in the performance criteria. The unit's skill and knowledge requirements must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the council's building scheme, the legislative framework and processes for approving planning application underpin the performance of the unit and must be demonstrated.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
The demonstrated ability to:
conduct pre-application meetings with potential or prospective applicants in accordance with legal and legislative requirements
undertake an initial assessment to determine compliance with building controls and council requirements
refer applications to relevant authorities for comment and approval
notify applicants of the decision
prepare a submission that supports and protects council position and interests
represent or assist council at the appeals hearing as required
Context of assessment
Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken within the context of the local government framework. Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria applicable to the workplace environment, within the scope of the range statement.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies
written and oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documentation
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor
Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated management environments.
Resource implications
Access to building sites is essential as well as to a workplace or a simulated case study that provides relevant resources, including copies of:
essential documentation, such as the Building Code of Australia (Volumes I and II)
relevant Australian standards
local laws
planning schemes
examples of council policies
architect plans and drawings
technical reports
relevant certificates and authorities
real or mock resident submissions
reports from other services
agencies and specialists
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J264 | LGA50712 | Diploma of Local Government | Qualification |
| D349 | LGA40708 | Certificate IV in Local Government (Planning) | Qualification |