Change of Use

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Change Use

ENSURE YOUR BUSINESS CAN USE YOUR NEW SPACE

There’s a lot that’s involved with moving your business into new premises. One of the most important applications you may need is approval for a Change of Use.

Change of Use approval is required if:
You’re moving into a building that has been vacant for some time
You’re taking occupation of a building that was previously used for different purposes

If undertaken incorrectly, the process to achieve Change of Use approval can be lengthy, time-consuming, and bring up more roadblocks than expected. So it’s important that you get expert support to ensure the process runs smoothly, seamlessly, and efficiently.

At CIVAC, we help you receive Change of Use approval for your new business premises. We simplify the process and manage the procedure for you, from start to finish. Our experienced Project Managers understand all the requirements and legislation that govern the process, and liaise with your Council and/or the Private Certifier during the entire process on your behalf.

We ensure you tick all the boxes in your application, and supply all the necessary documentation, to enable the timely issuing of your Change of Use.

Here’s how we work with you.

SPEAK TO US TODAY

HOW OUR PROCESS WORKS

WHEN DO I NEED CHANGE OF USE APPROVAL?

HOW DO I OBTAIN CHANGE OF USE APPROVAL?

WE MANAGE THE PROCESS FOR YOU

WE LODGE YOUR CHANGE OF USE ON YOUR BEHALF

HOW OUR PROCESS WORKS

1 WHEN DO I NEED CHANGE OF USE APPROVAL?2 HOW DO I OBTAIN CHANGE OF USE APPROVAL?3 WE MANAGE THE PROCESS FOR YOU 4 WE LODGE YOUR CHANGE OF USE ON YOUR BEHALF

HOW OUR PROCESS WORKS

WHEN DO I NEED CHANGE OF USE APPROVAL?

You may not always need Change of Use approval for your business. For example, if you’re taking over an office building from a previous office client, or if you’re installing a new cafe where a previous cafe used to do business.

However, some situations that require a Change of Use application include:

Replacing an existing warehouse with a factory
Changing an office to a retail store
Changing a retail store, such as a cafe, to a hairdresser
Changing a two-story residential house to a childcare centre
Any addition of a skin-penetrating procedure, such as tattooing, as these must follow strict health requirements

This approval ensures you’ve put the right measures in place to accommodate for different patronage capacities, design and fit-out needs, signage, neighborhood zoning, and safety practices.

HOW WE HELP MAKE YOUR PROJECT A SUCCESS

HOW DO I OBTAIN CHANGE OF USE APPROVAL?

There are two ways you can go about lodging a Change of Use application, which will depend on the type of approval required. Your business’ Change of Use application can be approved either through a Development Application to your local Council, or by acquiring a Complying Development Certificate from a Private Certifier.

Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
A CDC is an alternative approval process to a Development Approval, and is typically available for smaller building projects, or non-structural renovations and fit-outs to an existing building. Rather than going through multiple steps, a CDC combines both planning and construction approval into one single approval. This assessment is then fast-tracked by your Accredited Private Certifier, and you can take occupation or begin construction sooner.

Development Approval
If your business doesn’t meet the criteria to apply for a CDC, you may need to lodge a Development Application instead. A DA is typically required for large-scale projects like entire new retail builds, demolition and rebuild projects, or substantial structural changes to existing premises.

At CIVAC, our goal is to ensure your business continues running smoothly and seamlessly. So the first step is to organise a time to meet with us to begin the process.

HOW OUR PROCESS WORKS

WE MANAGE THE PROCESS FOR YOU

The process for Change of Use approval can require a lot of groundwork to be done. Depending on the nature of your business, there will be a range of supporting documentation needed in order to support its lodgement.

But that’s where we come in. Your CIVAC Project Manager will liaise with our Town Planning team, and help you prepare and gather the necessary supporting documentation to be lodged with your application. These can include:

Details of current use of the premises
Current floor plan
Proposed plans
Number of car spaces
Opening hours
NSW Health permits
Food Premises Permits
Electrical Plans

HOW OUR PROCESS WORKS

WE LODGE YOUR CHANGE OF USE ON YOUR BEHALF

Once we’ve gathered the necessary plans, reports, and permits, your Project Manager is ready to lodge your Change of Use to the necessary approval body.

At this point, you won’t have to do a thing. We take care of the entire process for you. Your Project Manager will keep you informed at every step, and continue to track and monitor your application until it reaches its conclusion.

CIVAC will be on call to answer any questions or queries regarding your Change of Use on your behalf. We’ll get any information from you that we need, and respond either to Council or the Private Certifier so you don’t have to.

It’s all about taking the work off your plate, and so you can continue managing your business—we’ll take care of the rest.

Once this process is complete, you’ll be issued with either your Development Approval or Complying Development Certificate, and it’s time to take control of your premises.

FAQ'S

Got questions about Change of Use approval? We’ve got answers.

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