What is a DA and BA?

If you are looking at building a home, but are getting hit with all of the foreign building terminology the process can get quite confusing.

When it comes to applications and consents in the planning phase of your build, you need to understand what you require and when you require it. If you work with a certified building company, they will help take care of this process with you - but it still helps to be in know about what it takes to gain approval for these decisions.

To make the process clearer let’s delve into what is a DA and BA, whether you need them, and the steps to obtain these approvals. 

What is a DA?

A DA stands for development approval, or alternatively, development application. 

A development application is designed to ensure your wanted structure won’t impact others around you in an unlawful or negative way.

Some of the things that are assessed are: 

• Height restrictions
• Historical and heritage sites
• Interference with traffic
• Impact on sunlight
• Impact on wildlife
• Has multiple dwellings
• Is changing from a commercial to a residential building and vice versa 

What is a BA?

BA stands for building approval or building application. Whether you're looking to build a brand-new home, do a knock-down rebuild, or put up a new extension to your home, you will have to submit a building application to gain approval to start construction. 

Building approval determines whether your structure’s plans meet building codes and regulations, ensuring that the structure you are about to put up is safe.

Examples of this are:

• Construction will be sound and safe
• Conforms to the minimum energy and water efficiency standards.
• Appropriate grade of fire safety
• Has adequate sewerage drainage
• Protection from pests

Do you need both a DA and BA?

You do not need both a DA and a BA in all building cases. A DA is not needed for smaller building jobs in the state of Queensland, such as erecting a small tool shed or a fence no more than two metres high. However, when building large structures like a home, or to meet pool building regulations in QLD, you will be required to get a DA and a BA. Also, note that a DA must be submitted and approved before you can get your building approval.

Steps to getting a development approval

Obtaining your building development approval you first have to submit your development application - the process will include:

1. The Idea
Determine what you want your build to be and include. Consult council duty planners and your builder regarding the correct information needed for your application.

2. Organising your DA
You will need to source certain information for your DA. This varies depending on the type of building work you’re looking to carry out, the council will advise you of what information is required. This can include plans such as:

• Site analysis
• Architectural Plans
• Site survey
• Landscape or drainage plans.

3. Lodging the application
After paying the council application fees (which vary depending on the project), you can submit your completed development application to the council for approval.

4. Assessment
A council officer will assess your DA. Be prepared, as they could potentially decide to request additional information.

5. Accepted or rejected approval
If the council approves your development application, you will be granted approval to go ahead with your build. If your application is rejected, you can lodge an appeal to land environment court or request the council to review their decision. Generally, working with a builder will ensure it’s smooth sailing from the get-go and can increase your chances of getting approval.

6. After approval
There may be a potential need to satisfy conditions of consent depending on what your build is. This can be undertaken by the council, or an appointed building certifier. 

Steps to getting a building approval

The steps to submitting your building application and gaining approval to commence your build are as follows: 

1. The idea
Very similar to the process of getting your DA, the first step for your BA is you will need to have sourced your builder and designed your build.

2. Research
Look into the council’s local planning schemes to understand any specific zoning or conditions that could affect the build.

3. Apply for your DA
If you require a DA, now is the time to get one, as you cannot begin your building application until your development application is approved.

4. Start your application
Prepare your building application and gather all necessary documents, including information such as land reports and building plans.

5. Employ a certifier
Get a building certifier, you can get a building certifier through a private licenced company or the council. Note your building certifier cannot design or carry out any of the building work.

6. Application submission
Submit your building application to a building certifier to get approval.

7. Application granted
The certifier will assess the application using the building code of Australia and the QDC and if everything checks out issue approval.