What Is Heritage Listing?
Heritage listing protects buildings with historical, architectural, or cultural significance. Listing can be:
- State heritage: On state heritage register
- Local heritage: Listed in local council LEP
- Conservation area: In a heritage precinct
What Requires Approval
On heritage properties, you typically need approval for:
- Exterior changes (including paint colors)
- Window and door alterations
- Roof changes
- Garden and landscape work
- Fencing
- Additions (even at rear)
- Demolition of any part
The Approval Process
- Check level of heritage listing
- Consult council heritage advisor (often free)
- Prepare heritage impact statement
- Submit DA with heritage assessment
- Heritage committee review
- Approval (often with conditions)
General Principles
- Retain original fabric where possible
- Repairs over replacement
- New work should be distinguishable
- Changes should be reversible
- Use traditional materials and methods
Finding Specialist Tradies
Heritage work often requires:
- Specialist heritage builders
- Traditional plasterers
- Sash window specialists
- Heritage painters
- Conservation architects