Building Rules Consent (BRC) is SA’s largest building certification business and we are always working to improve the way builders can navigate the rules and complex processes SA councils put in place.
We are pleased to inform you that as part of BRC’s efforts to improve how pool builders do business, we have had a major win on the approach taken by Charles Sturt council on swimming pool heat pump equipment.
You may be aware some councils have been determining that pool ‘heat pumps’ require a Planning Consent. BRC has successfully persuaded a key SA council, and their legal representatives, to recognise that heat pumps, in their own right, do not constitute development under current planning regulations. Consequently, they should not require planning consent or development approval.
While separate approval may not be necessary, it remains essential for heat pumps to be accurately shown on development plans for the swimming pool. This ensures compliance with safety standards, particularly regarding Non-Climbable Zones for pool fencing, which are critical for maintain the safety of swimming pools.
BRC believes this outcome will streamline the approval process for heat pump installations and can help to clarify the regulatory requirements across all SA councils.
As a SPASA Regional Partners and trusted Private Certifier in SA, BRC are dedicated to facilitating efficient building approvals and will continue to advocate for faster approval processes. Our team remains committed to fighting for your interests and ensuring a smoothest and fastest approval process in SA.
If you’d like to know more about this decision or would like to connect with our team for any of your approval needs, feel free to contact Peter on peter@brcprivatecertifiers.com or 0422 406 348.