What Does a Town Planner Do? (And When You Need One)

What Does a Town Planner Do?

A town planner (or planning consultant) is a professional who understands planning schemes, zoning, and the development approval process. They're the interpreter between you and the council's complex planning rules.

What They Do

• Zoning analysis — tell you exactly what you can build on your property
• Feasibility assessment — determine if your project is viable
• Development applications — prepare and submit DAs to council
• Planning reports — write the technical reports that support your application
• Negotiate with council — advocate for your project during assessment
• Appeal representation — represent you in Planning Court if needed

When You Need One

• Before buying a property for development potential
• Before designing any development project
• Before selling your property (to assess development value)
• When a DA is required for your project
• When your DA has been refused
• When your neighbours' development concerns you

When You DON'T Need One

• Standard home renovations within existing approvals
• Minor works that are accepted development
• Simple building approval (handled by private certifier)

Cost

Town planner fees typically range from:
- Zoning advice: $500–$2,000
- DA preparation (small): $5,000–$15,000
- DA preparation (medium): $15,000–$40,000
- DA preparation (large): $40,000–$100,000+
- Appeal: $50,000–$200,000+

ACRES Connection

ACRES works with a network of experienced town planners across SEQ. Our complimentary assessments include initial zoning analysis, and we can refer you to the right planner for your project.

Start with a free ACRES assessment.