A boundary survey is one of the most important steps in confirming the legal limits of your property. Whether you’re planning to build, sell, or settle a dispute, a boundary survey ensures everyone agrees on where your land begins and ends. But many property owners wonder: Do I need council approval to get a boundary survey?
Is Council Approval Required for a Boundary Survey?
The short answer is no. You don’t need council approval simply to commission a boundary survey. A boundary survey is a professional service carried out by a registered surveyor to establish or confirm property boundaries.
However, while you don’t need council permission to order the survey, some projects may later require you to submit the survey results to council as part of an application or compliance process.
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When Might Council Require a Boundary Survey?
Even though council approval isn’t necessary to get a boundary survey, there are situations where a certified survey is required to support other approvals.
As Part of a Development Application
If you’re lodging a development application (DA) for new construction or significant alterations, council may request a boundary survey to confirm that your proposed works comply with zoning, setback, and boundary requirements. A Boundary Surveyor Newcastle can provide the certified plans needed to support your application and avoid delays.
For Building Approvals
When building near a boundary or adding extensions, council or a private certifier may ask for a boundary survey to ensure your structure isn’t encroaching on neighbouring properties. This is particularly important for fences, sheds, garages, or additions built close to property lines.
During a Subdivision
If you plan to subdivide your property, a boundary survey is an essential requirement. Council and the NSW Land Registry will both need accurate, certified plans from a registered surveyor to legally register the subdivision and issue new titles.
Why Is a Boundary Survey Important Even Without Council Approval?
Even if you aren’t required to submit a survey to council, having an up-to-date boundary survey offers significant benefits:
- Avoids disputes with neighbours over fences or structures.
- Confirms your legal rights before building or selling.
- Reduces the risk of having to alter or remove structures built across a boundary.
Without a survey, you’re relying on assumptions that may be incorrect—and that can lead to costly issues later.
How to Arrange a Boundary Survey
To arrange a boundary survey, you’ll need to hire a registered surveyor—a professional licensed under NSW law to certify legal surveys. Always check their registration with the NSW Board of Surveying and Spatial Information (BOSSI). It’s a good idea to engage a surveyor early in your project timeline to avoid delays or compliance issues.
Risks of Skipping a Boundary Survey
Failing to get a boundary survey could lead to serious problems:
- Building across a boundary line without realising.
- Neighbour disputes requiring legal intervention.
- Council or certifier refusing to approve your building plans without a certified survey.
A survey provides legal clarity and peace of mind—before any costly mistakes are made.
Key Takeaways
While you don’t need council approval just to get a boundary survey, many building and development projects will require a certified survey to support their approval. Hiring a registered surveyor early ensures your project complies with legal boundaries, reduces risk, and keeps your plans moving forward smoothly.
If you’re planning any construction, sale, or subdivision, it’s worth speaking to a qualified professional to guide you through the process and ensure all requirements are met.
