The guidelines for development across the State are set by the Planning and Design Code. This Code, created by the State Government, replaced individual Council Development Plans in March 2021.
The State Government (through the Minister for Planning) controls the Planning and Design Code. However, amendments to the Code can be proposed by:
The Minister and State Planning Commission
Government agencies
Local councils
Private landowners or entities with a direct interest in land
Amendments to the Code may be needed to address new development trends, adjust zoning or policies to meet new state strategies, or solve specific planning issues.
These changes, called "Code Amendments", focus mainly on how a Zone, Sub-zone, or Overlay is applied to certain areas. However, the State limits how much policies can be changed within the Code.
The Council is currently working on several Code Amendments, which are summarized under the following headings.
You can find out more about the Planning and Design Code here.
What process does a Code Amendment take?
The Planning, Development, and Infrastructure Act 2016 and its Regulations set out the steps for a Code Amendment. The main steps are:
Proposal to Initiate
The entity proposing the Amendment prepares a short report for the Minister’s approval. This report explains why the Amendment is needed, how it aligns with strategic plans, what studies will be done, estimated timelines, and the planned community engagement.
Investigations and Draft Code Amendment
Based on investigations, the entity drafts a Code Amendment Report. This report identifies policy issues, examines various options, and recommends the proposed policy changes.
Stakeholder and Community Engagement
Every Code Amendment must include an Engagement Plan. This plan outlines the engagement goals, identifies key stakeholders, and explains how feedback will be gathered from both stakeholders and the community. Consultation is carried out according to the Engagement Plan.
Engagement Summary
After consultation, all feedback is reviewed and summarized. Common themes are identified, and responses to these issues are developed, which may include additional research or further engagement. An Engagement Summary Report is created, outlining the engagement activities, main issues raised, responses to those issues, and an evaluation of the engagement’s effectiveness according to the Engagement Charter.
Minister Approval
The Engagement Summary Report and revised Amendment are sent to the Minister for Planning who will then:
Approve the Amendment,
Make changes to the Amendment, or
Refuse the Amendment.
Environment, Resources and Development Committee (ERDC) Review
Once the Minister approves it, the Amendment is published and takes effect. However, it also goes to the ERD Committee in Parliament, which may gather further evidence from stakeholders and the proponent and make recommendations back to the Minister.
How long does a Code Amendment take?
The time needed for a Code Amendment depends on the type and complexity of the proposed changes. Some Amendments, especially those that are more detailed or complex, need more time for research and stakeholder engagement. Simpler Amendments, such as those focusing on a single issue or a specific location, can be completed and consulted on more quickly.
How can I get involved in a Code Amendment?
All Code Amendments must follow the Community Engagement Charter’s standards. Each Amendment includes community and stakeholder engagement, but the Charter allows for a customized approach based on the Amendment’s needs.
This means that the engagement process, activities, and timelines may vary depending on the Amendment.
For Council Code Amendments, you can participate via the Making Marion platform. There, you can find information about each Amendment, download maps and information sheets, and complete an online survey.
To view all Code Amendment locations across the State, visit the Code Amendment Viewer.
Current Code Amendments
Current Code Amendments, and the different stages that they are in the process, can be viewed on the Plan SA Code Amendment Viewer. This viewer is useful in understanding what state and private Code Amendments are underway for your location of interest.
Below is a summary of the current Code Amendments being prepared by Council.
The Southern Suburbs Residential Policy Code Amendment is a proposal by Council to change the zoning policy guiding new housing in the suburbs of Darlington, Seacombe Heights, Seaview Downs, Seacliff Park, Marino, Hallett Cove, Sheidow Park, Trott Park and O'Halloran Hill within the City of Marion.
The purpose of this Code Amendment is to provide an appropriate set of site area and frontage criteria for new dwellings across the southern residential areas of council to:
provide opportunities for appropriate infill development to occur where appropriate
adjust development opportunities for locations based on slope so that they correlate to the challenges imposed by steeply sloping land.
As a result of the community feedback on this Code Amendment, which was mostly unsupportive of the changes to minimum site areas and frontage widths proposed, council resolved to retain the existing minimum site areas and frontage widths for all areas covered by the Code Amendment. Therefore, the Code Amendment will only be limited to rezoning those parts of the affected area covered by the Suburban Neighbourhood Zone to the Hills Neighbourhood Zone.
Step in the Process: Approved by Minister (May 2025)
Visit Making Marion for more information, including downloading all relevant documents.
Morphettville / Glengowrie Horse Related Activities Code Amendment
The draft Code Amendment is proposing to alter zoning policy over the area of the former Residential Racecourse Zone which supported horse stabling in association with houses. The zone has transitioned into the Suburban Neighbourhood Zone as part of the state government's introduction of the state-wide Planning and Design Code that replaced Council Development Plans. As a result, large minimum allotment sizes are designated effectively preventing any further development.
The Code Amendment seeks to provide opportunities for redevelopment of land to encourage owners of stables to sell and relocate to more appropriate locations that mitigate ongoing risks with the movement of horses on public streets in this location.
The intent is to support primarily street facing infill development on the majority of sites, noting that some sites are quite large and could accommodate group and residential flat buildings.
Step in the Process: Approved by Minister (May 2025)
The Centre Zone Adjustment Code Amendment is a proposal by Council to change the zoning policy covering existing Local and Suburban Activity Zone centres across 11 sites in the Council area.
The purpose of this Code Amendment is to adjust zone boundaries to:
align with the current extent of centres
correct existing anomalies in zoning boundaries
provide greater flexibility for the future adoption of sites where centres have evolved or are evolving.
The Code Amendment is needed to ensure that zoning reflects land uses on the ground and envisaged. This provides greater certainty for load owners and avoids unnecessary assessment pathways.
Step in the Process: Approved by Minister (February 2025)
The Urban Corridor - Marion Road Code Amendment has been initiated to explore policy support for multi-storey mixed use development that supports alternative housing types and reduces pressure on infill development in local streets. The extent of area includes sites fronting Marion Road between the tram crossing and Sturt Road.
