Planning and Design Code Establishes Seven Zones for Adelaide CBD Development

The Planning and Design Code under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 now governs zoning and development rules in Adelaide CBD. This code replaced previous council Development Plans in March 2021. It applies to all properties within the City of Adelaide and determines what types of development can proceed in each area.

Seven distinct zones cover the City of Adelaide. These are the Central Business Area Zone, Mixed Use Zone, Main Street Zone, Institutional Zone, Residential Zone, North Adelaide Historic (Conservation) Zone and Park Lands Zone. Each zone carries its own policies that shape building size, land use and design standards.

Development that requires approval

Development in Adelaide CBD covers construction, alteration, demolition, change of land use, sign installation, damage to regulated trees and land division. All of these actions require development approval unless they qualify for an exemption. Assessments examine compliance with code policies on building size, orientation, heritage impacts, overshadowing, parking, noise and amenity. They also check requirements under the Building Code of Australia for fire safety and structural adequacy.

These rules directly affect residents who own property or plan changes to their premises. A homeowner in the Residential Zone must meet the code policies on parking and amenity before adding a structure. A business operator in the Main Street Zone faces the same review for any sign or change of use. The policies limit what can be built and how it must be designed, which shapes the services and environment available in each neighbourhood.

How residents can check rules for their property

Current zoning for any specific property in Adelaide CBD can be verified through the South Australian Property and Planning Atlas by selecting the Planning and Design Code layer. Residents use this tool to identify the zone that applies to their address and review the relevant policies before lodging an application. The City of Adelaide provides information on the development application process through its planning channels.

The code continues to guide assessments for development proposals across the seven zones. Residents seeking to undertake any covered activity should confirm the applicable requirements through the atlas before proceeding.