Updating the definitions of “ancillary accommodation” and “student accommodation” in the Planning and Design Code

We want your feedback on the proposed changes to the definitions of “ancillary accommodation” and “student accommodation” in the Planning and Design Code.

What's being decided?

To help provide a more diverse range of housing options for South Australians, we are proposing to change the existing Planning and Design Code definitions for “ancillary accommodation” and “student accommodation”.

The changes are a response to the state’s current housing crisis and will allow more flexibility to provide smaller housing choices for the South Australian community.

Background

The Planning and Design Code contains the planning rules and policies that guide what can be developed in South Australia. Sometimes the Code is amended to better serve the community.

The proposed amendments to the definitions for “ancillary accommodation” and “student accommodation” will allow these forms of housing to be self-contained. This means they can have their own bathroom/kitchen/laundry.

Other aspects of the definitions will remain unchanged, which means that ancillary accommodation must still be subordinate to a main dwelling with floor area limitations. Student accommodation must still incorporate common facilities for shared use by students.

The proposed changes will facilitate the development of self-contained accommodation, potentially resulting in higher availability of suitable housing for South Australians.

Note: The draft Code Amendment will come into effect on an interim basis on the same day as it is released for public consultation, known as ‘early commencement’. For more information on early commencement, see our FAQs.

Get involved

Find out more:

• read the Draft Code Amendment
• take a look at our FAQs

Have your say by:

• taking our survey
• emailing planSAsubmissions@sa.gov.au
• posting your submission to:
  Submission: Ancillary and student accommodation definition Code Amendment
  State Planning Commission
  Department for Trade and Investment
  GPO Box 1815, ADELAIDE SA 5001

You can access hard copies of the draft Code Amendment during standard business hours at Level 9, 83 Pirie Street, ADELAIDE SA 5000.

What are the next steps?

We will consider all feedback and prepare an Engagement Report for the Minister’s decision. The report will be published on this and the PlanSA website, along with the outcome of the Code Amendment and any further updates.

Your views will help us to update the land use definitions to reflect current housing needs in South Australia.