Developing on Crown land

All development on Crown land needs consent by the department in accordance with the terms of the lease, licence or dedication issued under the Crown Land Management Act 2009 or National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. An online application form  may be submitted and no payment is required.

A property officer will consider your application and determine if departmental consultation is required.  Processes to notify the native title claimant group of the proposed development may be required if native title rights exist on the land. Native title processes usually take a minimum of 8 weeks.

You will receive a response in writing advising if consent has been provided for the proposed development. While Crown Lands consent may be given, all other approvals or consents will be required. Check to see if any other departmental approvals are required.

You may also need development approval under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016. Development applications are lodged and assessed through PlanSA.

The PlanSA website includes information to help you understand the development application process. Local councils are also good sources of information.

Landowner details need to be included in a development application. For Crown land please include the following:

In January 2026 a new declaration was added to the development application process. The applicant needs to confirm that the owner of the land has consented to the development application being made. This means that the written consent from the department is required before starting the development application process.

Encroachments on Crown land

Crown land encroachments are any unauthorised structures, fixtures, plant or improvements on Crown land including but not limited to buildings, sheds, fences, pathways, steps, retaining walls or storing private property. 

Crown land belongs to the public and should not be used for exclusive private use.

If the department detects an unlawful encroachment you will be require to remove it and compliance action may be taken.

The department will also notify the local council and you may face action under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.

Coastal development

The Coast Protection Board deals with protection works on coastal Crown land. The Board will not protect private property nor provide local councils with funds for this purpose, unless there is an associated public benefit.

If you wish to undertake private coastal protection works on Crown land, you will need to gain both approval from your local council and the department. Neither approval guarantees the other, and you must obtain both before work can commence.