It may be worthwhile checking what is Exempt from development application with the council. The following is Fairfield councils exemptions and if the construction does not it the controls listed a DA is required.
MINOR INTERNAL
ALTERATIONS TO
DOMESTIC SINGLE
DWELLINGS (excluding
heritage items).
Non-structural work including;
replacement of doors, wall, ceiling or floor linings;
replacement of deteriorated frame members with equivalent or improved quality materials; and
renovations of bathrooms, kitchens, inclusion of built-in fixtures such as vanities cupboards and
wardrobes.
Applies only to alterations or renovations to previously completed buildings.
Work not to include changes to the configuration of rooms whether by removal of existing walls,
partitions or by other means.
Construction does not alter the building to create a separate occupancy (eg. Attached granny Flat)
Work not to reduce window area required for light and ventilation needs or, reduced doorways for
egress purposes or involve enclosure of open areas.
The alteration should not reduce the structural strength and stability of the building. For example,
external walls are often strengthened and stabilised by internal walls that resist loads such as wind
forces. The removal of internal walls without considering overall strength and stability may result in
the failure of external walls.
You are advised to consult a structural engineer, architect or building surveyor before commencing
alterations to ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia.
Any work involving asbestos cement should comply with the NSW Workcover Authority's "Guide
for working with Asbestos".
Any work involving lead paint removal must not cause lead contamination of air or ground.
The Environment Protection Authority, Workcover Authority and/or Council may be contacted for
further advice relating to safe handling of asbestos and lead paint
all alterations or works should be carried out in a way that ensures waste is disposed of in a manner
consistent with the EPA's Construction and Demolition Waste Action Plan 1998 (phone EPA pollution
line on 131555 for copies)
http://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/upload/mrxyg58456/Chapter2_Exempt_n_Complying_Development.pdf
Seems that the council really doesn't want to be bothered with the sort of level of detail that the QBSA thinks they should be concerned with.
I was discussing this with a BSA type who asked what I did. "Reno'ing amongst other things" was my answer. Him, "well I hope you are getting DA's". Checked with council and not necessary. No mention of your own PPOR etc. Only comes to the fore when you are an owner builder.
Seems like the BSA types want to get every little thing that is possible to be done to a property to be controlled and councils are actually a little bit realistic and realise the workload that they would be taking on if they followed the BSA to the word.????
Cheers
PS I really think that it was the term 'Owner builder' is what set this guy off. If you had simply said 'we are redecorating' which happens to include installing, a new kitchen and bathroom, then the guy would have toddled of none the wiser. But because you used the 'renovating and owner builder' as I did in my discussion it has an immediate and different meaning to them and brings the work immediately under their umbrella.
Have you spoken to the QBSA since and what is their response?