SA has moved most development assessment onto the PlanSA e-planning system, with private certifiers issuing building consent. Builder licensing thresholds have been revised recently — check before you sign.
The licensing body for South Australia is Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
Building work must be done by a licensed building work contractor under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995. Licensing thresholds and classes were revised — confirm the current threshold with CBS before engaging a contractor.
Approval pathway — the order matters, because a permit issued before the use is approved is wasted money.
Access compliance under the Planning and Design Code and NCC; accessible toilets and path of travel are assessed at consent stage.
Notify/register with your local council under the Food Act 2001 before opening; council inspects the premises.
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) — liquor licensing sits inside CBS, the same body that licenses builders.
Signage needs development approval unless exempt under the Planning and Design Code; heritage areas are strictly assessed.
MFS/CFS requirements plus a fire safety schedule; essential services must be maintained and certified.
Plumbing work by a licensed plumber; trade waste consent from SA Water for grease traps.
Buildings built before 1990 commonly contain asbestos; workplaces require a register, and removal is licensed.
| Project tier | Indicative range | What it buys |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | $1,300 – $1,600/m² | Paint, flooring, lighting swap, minor joinery |
| Standard fit-out | Mid-range of $1,300 – $3,300 /m² | New shopfront, counters, joinery, services adjustments |
| Premium / flagship | Top of $1,300 – $3,300 /m² | Custom joinery, feature ceilings, full services upgrade |
Benchmarks include fit-out works only — not base building works, rent, stock or professional fees. Run the calculator for a range on your size and tier.
Adelaide, Glenelg, Port Adelaide, Mount Gambier.
Size, tier and state multipliers in 60 seconds — no email required.