The application process
The Guide for applications to clear native vegetation gives detailed information on the application and assessment process.
For clearance applications submitted with a development application
Where clearance applications are submitted along with a development application, the following general process applies:
1. Submit your development application on PlanSA.
2. Submit your clearance application to the Native Vegetation Branch through the online portal.
- The development application and native vegetation clearance application processes can run concurrently, however Development Approval must be granted before native vegetation clearance approval can be granted.
- It may take up to 12 weeks to receive a response to the clearance application.
- If you have any difficulties or questions, contact the Native Vegetation Branch.
3. Level 3-4 clearance applications will be referred to the Native Vegetation Council for comment or conditions at the planning stage.
- If your clearance area is within the State Significant Vegetation Overlay then in addition to Level 3 and 4, Level 2 applications will also require Native Vegetation Council referral.
- Native Vegetation Council referral comments/conditions are not necessarily the conditions of consent provided in the clearance decision notification.
4. Level 4 clearance applications will be considered at the Native Vegetation Assessment Panel's (NVAP) monthly meetings. NVAP is a delegated committee of the Native Vegetation Council.
- The Assessment Officer delegated your clearance application will be in contact with you to schedule the NVAP meeting.
5. After you have been granted Development Approval (Planning and Building Consent and sometimes Land Division Consent), notify the Native Vegetation Branch and supply the final stamped design plans.
- Notify the Native Vegetation Branch if there have been any changes to the design plans received in the native vegetation clearance application and the final stamped design plans as there may be more/less vegetation impacted than initially planned.
- The Native Vegetation Branch will provide a decision notification regarding the outcome along with conditions of consent, if clearance is approved.
- Sign and return the clearance decision notification to the Native Vegetation Branch.
- Pay the invoice if elected to pay into the Native Vegetation Fund to achieve the SEB offset.
- Once all conditions of the clearance decision notification are met, then clearance of native vegetation may occur.
Contact the Native Vegetation Branch if you need advice or assistance at any stage during the application process.
