Aerials, antennae and communication dishes
Installing an aerial, antenna or communication dish may not need approval (known as exempt development) if the proposal meets all the development standards identified in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (the State Policy).
Building or installing fire alarms is not covered under the State Policy, as defined under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.
The Policy identifies specific development standards relating to:
- a mast, aerial or antenna that is attached to a mast
- ground-mounted aerials and antennae
- attaching an aerial, antennae or communication dish to a building.
Example
Examples of aerials, antennae and communication dishes that can be installed as exempt development
The number of aerials, antennae and communication dishes allowed on a lot as exempt development must not exceed:
- a total of three aerials, antennae and communication dishes
- more than one ground mounted mast or antenna on a lot.
If there is more than one house on the lot, for example a dual occupancy, one aerial, antenna or dish is permitted for each house.
For a full list of development standards that apply to aerials, antennae and communication dishes under exempt development, please refer to these provisions of the State Policy.
Other considerations
- If you propose to remove or prune any existing trees or vegetation, you should contact your council first to make sure you don’t need approval for this.
- All works must be structurally adequate, installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
- Any structures that would be located on public land, or on or over a public road (including temporary structures), must have separate approval from the relevant council, or Roads and Maritime Services under the Roads Act 1993 and the Local Government Act 1993.
- It is important to check what land-based policies apply to your lot to ensure exempt or complying development is permitted. Exempt development cannot be carried out on the following land:
- a critical habitat of an endangered species, population or ecological community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or the Fisheries Management Act 1994;
- a wilderness area under the Wilderness Act 1987.