Powerline Setback Distances - new processes from 2007

A key feature of the South Australian planning and development system is the ability to integrate a number of development assessment requirements necessitated under separate Acts of Parliament so that only a single development authorisation is given.

In January 2006 the Development Regulations were amended to incorporate the requirements of the Technical Regulator in relation to powerline setback distances required under the Electricity Act 1996. In April 2006 the Regulations specified that these provisions would commence on 1 January 2007.

As indicated at the time of the introduction of these Regulations, this integration will avoid the problems of buildings having to be altered or even demolished as they contravene the requirements of the Electricity Act.

In order to further streamline the procedures, the Regulations enable applicants (or their agent) to confirm, by way of a written declaration made when lodging a development application, that a proposed building is sufficiently setback from existing powerlines. If such a standard declaration is not signed, the application will be referred to the Technical Regulator for their direction.

A standard declaration form has been gazetted to provide a simple and uniform declaration for applicants (or their agent) to use and councils to accept: Electricity Act Declaration Form (current from 26 February 2007) [PDF 23 KB].

Please note: This form was updated on 26 February 2007 to reflect changes effective from that date, which:

  • enable the applicant’s agent to sign the declaration form on behalf of the applicant; and
  • exempt building work that only relates to internal changes to an existing building or changes to an existing external wall which do not alter the shape of the building.

It is very important that councils raise this matter with applicants or their agents when applications are lodged from 1 January 2007 in order to ensure that the number of referrals to the Technical Regulator is kept to a minimum.

In order to further assist this process, the Technical Regulator has prepared guidelines on setback requirements, and also will provide a telephone service to applicants where advice can be given prior to signing the standard declaration. 

The office of the Technical Regulator has produced a brochure Building Safely Near Powerlines [PDF 261 KB] and a Declaration Guide to assist applicants and councils. These brochures will be distributed to councils and also be available on the web site of the Technical Regulator at http://www.technicalregulator.sa.gov.au/

If you have any questions on this matter please do not hesitate to contact the Office of the Technical Regulator on 8226 5789 or visit the Technical Regulator web site.