Candace Mitchell, Author at The Oil Stone

I am a qualified Town Planning Consultant and began working at Development Certification Pty Ltd whilst completing my studies in 2010. I have a Bachelor degree in Planning from James Cook University. I strongly believe the building and development industry is a collaborative body of professionals who, by working together and facilitating good development practices, can make our country the most liveable in the world. My role is to help consolidate Town Planning and Building Certification within Development Certification to ensure our clients are provided with the industry knowledge required for successful development.

Subdividing Land

14 Apr 2015Latest News0 comments

“I’m thinking of subdividing land. I have spare land at the back of my property and looking at the option of subdividing to make some money, can I do that?” is a question many land owners ask, and a question Town Planners deal with everyday. The answer to subdividing land is generally yes, but not without quite a few hurdles to jump over first.

DA and BA – Development Approval and Building Approval

12 Feb 2015BUILDING CERTIFICATION, Latest News, TOWN PLANNING0 comments

“Well firstly you need to go get your DA and then you can focus on getting your BA”. Have you ever heard your planner or building certifier using this terminology and wondered “huh?” Well you are most likely not alone. All industries have little sayings and acronyms which can be extremely confusing if you are not ‘up with the lingo’.

Heritage Listed Development

08 Dec 2014BUILDING CERTIFICATION, TOWN PLANNING0 comments

We all have an appreciation for our country’s history and the buildings that represent it, but mention the words “Heritage Listed” to us builders, developers and building certifiers and watch us run for the hills. But heritage development doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. This brief summary will help simplify the process.

Referral Agencies

05 Dec 2014BUILDING CERTIFICATION, TOWN PLANNING0 comments

When a referral agency becomes involved in your assessment process for your development application, it can result in unexpected costs, unplanned re-designs, and delays for your application approval. All of which can significantly affect your proposed development. To prevent such frustrations talk to your town planner or building certifier and determine if a referral is required before you submit your application. Here is The Oil Stone’s brief explanation on Referral Agencies.

Development Infrastructure Charges

01 Dec 2014TOWN PLANNING0 comments

Council Planning Approvals and building certifiers Building Approvals normally have lots of conditions and different requirements that you need to pay attention too. There is, however, one item you should pay particular attention to when determining the budget of a development – the Infrastructure Charges Notice.

building boundary setback for residential development

Building boundary setbacks. Don’t cross the line.

06 Nov 2014BUILDING CERTIFICATION, TOWN PLANNING0 comments

Whether you are a building certifer or not, it is common knowledge that there are certain Boundary Setback Requirements which you must abide by when conducting any type of construction. However determining the exact requirements for your block of land can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Here is where to start.