Do I still need Consent from the Owners Corporation if I already have Council Approval?

In a strata scheme building, the owners corporation is the legal owner of the common property. When lot owners propose to carry out works that require statutory approval (such as development consent/complying development certificate), it is highly likely that they will also require consent from the owners corporation if those works impact on common property. In a recent case of the Owners Strata Plan 70989 v Afghan Community Support Association of NSW Inc, the respondent…

06

Sep 2021

By-Laws, Common Property, Renovations

Renovations By-Laws – How Much Detail is Needed?

Determining the level of detail to include in a renovations by-law can be a daunting experience. The following must be included: Adequately describe the works and the common property area For the motion and by-law to be valid it must provide specific details of the works to be undertaken and specify the area of common property. This may be achieved by the inclusion of detailed scope of works, quotes, specifications and plans. The level of…

23

Jul 2020

Renovations

Sustainable infrastructure: Is your Strata Scheme Ready for Electric Cars?

Electric cars are sparking the interest of strata residents, many of whom are keen to find a way to charge electric vehicles within their scheme. With a variety of residential electric car chargers now accessible to the market, lot owners and owners corporations are considering how to streamline approval processes, manage energy consumption, and future-proof car parking spaces. The latest proposed amendments to the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (the “Act”) regarding sustainable infrastructure encourages…

16

Jun 2020

Renovations, Sustainability

Growing Community: Edible Gardens in Strata

With social distancing measures in place, many people have turned their hand to growing their own food as a way to beat the boredom and connect with nature while sheltering at home. From herb gardens to permaculture plots, gardening in strata can offer a range of opportunities to improve the liveability of urban spaces. With owners and occupiers getting their hands dirty, it is timely for owners corporations to consider how their scheme’s by-laws and…

05

Jun 2020

Common Property, Renovations, Sustainability

Isolation Renovations: Strata Approvals for Home Improvements

The prospect of continuing to work from home following COVID-19 has inspired many to reconsider the design and functionality of their living spaces. If the spike in purchases of home office equipment and DIY supplies are any indication, Australians have been using their lockdown time to get some work done around the house. Whether you are planning a home office refresh, an update to your kitchen or changes to your courtyard, understanding when you need…

03

Jun 2020

Renovations

Do you need Council approval for your renovations?

If you are renovating your strata unit, you may require approval from your local council. Whether you will require council approval or not will depend on: the kind of renovations you plan on doing; and the requirements of the local council in your area. Approval requirements will vary from council to council. It is always a good idea to check what approvals you will need for each renovation project. What will happen if I don’t…

28

Feb 2020

Approval, Council, Renovations

What to do if you are installing Timber Floors

When undertaking renovations it is a common thing for Owners to install timber flooring. The difficultly is determining what type of approval you need to be authorised to perform this renovation. What kind of renovations is this classified as? The type of renovation the installation of timber flooring is classified as will have a significant impact on which approvals you need prior to starting works. Owners often assume that the installation of timber floorings requires...

15

Jan 2020

Renovations, Timber Flooring