The Tasmanian Planning System
Development in Tasmania is governed by planning schemes that explain how land can be used and developed.
Land use planning is about determining the future of the places around us. Planning is about making decisions on current and future land use. As well as regulating individual proposals, planning also establishes a broader more strategic approach to the long-term use, development and protection of land.
The Tasmanian Planning Scheme
The Tasmanian Planning Scheme is a single, state-wide planning scheme which will replace current planning schemes operating across Tasmania. The Tasmanian Planning Scheme is being rolled out across the state.
The Tasmanian Planning Scheme will deliver consistency in the planning controls that are applied across the State and provide the necessary flexibility to address local issues.
Tasmania has 29 councils and each council is required to adopt the Tasmanian Planning Scheme. This will ensure there are consistent planning rules across Tasmania. Until the Tasmanian Planning Scheme is adopted by a council, there will be an Interim Planning Scheme in place. The planning scheme in effect at a property location will affect the rules that apply to a proposed development project.
The map highlights the councils that have the Tasmanian Planning Scheme in effect. The Guided Enquiry Service is available for these councils.
State Planning Provisions
The Tasmanian Planning Scheme is made up of the State Planning Provisions and Local Provisions Schedules.
The State Planning Provisions came into effect on 2 March 2017 as part of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme. The State Planning Provisions are made up of 23 generic zones and 16 codes. Each zone indicates what land use and development is appropriate for that zone.
The State Planning Provisions provide a standard set of planning rules for the 23 zones. These rules include consistent and contemporary planning definitions, exemptions, use classes, and administrative provisions such as development application requirements.
There are 16 codes which provide clear pathways and controls for dealing with land use issues. Examples of codes are bushfire prone area, landslip hazard, local heritage, parking requirements and the protection of road, railway and electricity infrastructure. The land use issues can occur across Tasmania and may apply across a range of zones.
State Planning Provisions have no practical effect until a Local Provisions Schedule is in effect in a council area.
Local Provisions Schedule
A Local Provisions Schedule (LPS) forms part of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme for each council in Tasmania.
The Local Provisions Schedules indicate how the State Planning Provisions (zones and codes) will apply in each local municipal area. They contain the zone maps and overlay maps or description of places where the codes apply.
They will also contain local area objectives and any planning controls for unique places specific to the local area. These unique areas can be in the form of particular purpose zones, specific area plans, and site-specific qualifications.
Councils will choose from the 23 zones provided in the State Planning Provisions to express their community’s land use strategies through their LPS.
Each Council is responsible for preparing their LPS in consultation with local stakeholders and community members. Once prepared, Local Provisions Schedules must be put into effect by the Tasmanian Planning Commission. This involves a statutory process where the LPS is publicly exhibited and assessed. Implementation of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme will be staggered as the LPSs are approved for each municipality.
You can learn more about the Tasmanian Planning Scheme and Local Provisions Schedules from the Tasmanian Planning Reform website.
Interim Planning Scheme
Interim Planning Schemes were introduced across Tasmania during 2013-2015 and provide a planning scheme for councils to use while they work towards adoption of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme.
As each council adopts the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, their Interim Planning Scheme becomes obsolete.
You can use the Enquiry service to find out if your local council is using the Tasmanian Planning Scheme or an Interim Planning Scheme.
Until a council has the Tasmanian Planning Scheme in operation, the comprehensive Guided Enquiry service will not be available for properties located in that council area, however you can generate a Property Report.
The Property Report will include maps and details of the planning zone, codes and other information that affect the selected location, including whether it is listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register, Crown land or Council land. Councils also may manage particular local information, such as local heritage places, flood maps and storm water information, which may affect development on the property. You should contact the relevant council for advice as to how these and other features may affect your proposed project.
You can contact the relevant council using the Request Advice service in the portal for more information and advice about your proposed development.
You can find updates on the roll out of the Tasmania Planning Scheme on the Tasmanian Planning Commission website.
Start an enquiry to find out if a property is located in a council area which has the Tasmanian Planning Scheme in operation or an Interim Planning Scheme.