Planning schemes are designed to regulate use, development and protect vegetation where appropriate to meet agreed community objectives. A planning scheme is a law that regulates the way land can be used and developed. As with any other law or regulation, planning schemes are only effective if their requirements are enforced.
The Responsible Authority (which in the case of the Knox Planning Scheme is Knox City Council), is required by law to enforce a planning scheme.
Enforcement will occur when there is a clear breach of the Planning and Environment Act, the planning scheme, permit condition or Section 173 Agreement and the breach warrants enforcement, especially if it causes detriment to the community or compromises development standards. The main emphasis of enforcement is to obtain compliance rather than on prosecuting offenders. However, punishment for some types of offences may be necessary as a deterrent.
Depending on the nature and seriousness of the problem, the Responsible Authority can do one or more of the following: