Can I do minor maintenance or repairs without contacting the Heritage Council?
What parts of my house can and can't I paint?
Are there restrictions on the paint colours I use?
How do I best choose a colour scheme?
Is there a list of recommended colour schemes?
Can I remove an internal wall, fireplace or stair?
Do I need approval if I am replacing an existing fence with similar materials and form?
Do I need approval to work on a roof?
Do I need approval to install an outdoor antenna?
If destroyed by fire, do I have to rebuild?
Do I need approval to build a garden shed or glass house?
Do I need to approval for electrical work?
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Can I do minor maintenance or repairs without contacting the Heritage Council?Yes. You can do minor maintenance and repairs without needing to contact the Heritage Council if the work will not affect the heritage fabric or significance of the place. Works of this nature may include:
If a surface has previously been painted, you may paint over it with the same type of paint finish as previously applied. You do not need to lodge a works application for this, or apply for a certificate of exclusion. If you are proposing to paint a surface that has not previously been painted, you should seek the approval of the Heritage Council. It will generally not allow painting of previously unpainted surfaces, especially sandstone or brickwork. If unsure, please contact Heritage Tasmania for information regarding appropriate paint systems for your particular needs.
The Heritage Council will not restrict the choice of colours for a place, provided that they are reasonably sympathetic to the heritage significance of the place. However, they do encourage that the colours you choose are in keeping with the character of the house and/or the streetscape.
Colours are always reversible, but it is always best to adopt a scheme that suits the period and style of the house. In many instances the residue of previous colour schemes can survive beneath the existing paintwork. They can be revealed by gently sanding or scraping the surface in areas where the paint would not have been subject to harsh weathering. You might find the original colour scheme interesting and worth reproducing. Old photos of your house or a similar one nearby can give some indication of tonal treatments. Further information on investigating colour schemes and painting work can be provided on request by Heritage Tasmania or click here for a copy of What house is that?. Please note you will be entering Heritage Victoria's website from this link.
No. However, a number of Australian publications are available to assist you in finding an appropriate colour scheme. Most paint manufacturers now provide a range of "heritage colours", although the colours need to be carefully matched with the appropriate period and style. We suggest you try the following book which might be kept at your local library: Ian Evans, Clive Lucas and Ian Stapleton, 1984, Colour Schemes for old Australian Houses, Flannel Flower Press, NSW or for a general overview click here for a copy of What house is that?. Please note you will be entering Heritage Victoria's website from this link.
The internal layout of the house and features such as stairs and fireplaces help to contribute to a place's heritage value, so their removal or alteration is usually discouraged. Before putting forward such a proposal, it can be useful to think about whether you actually need to change the house's existing layout, and what the practical consequences might be.
An exemption may be issued for this type of work. You should contact Heritage Tasmania to discuss your plans. In rare instances an existing fence may be original and of a very early date, and it may be more appropriate to repair the fence instead of replacing it. In cases where an existing fence is newer than the house and inconsistent with the character of the place or its neighbouring properties, replacement with a new fence of an appropriate design may be granted a certificate of exclusion. For more information on fences click here.
The Heritage Council's Practice Note #1 provides detailed information relating to a range of roofing works, click here.
No, you do not need approval provided the antenna is installed in a way that does not impact on the significance of the place, including heritage fabric as well as views, vistas and setting. It's best to avoid having them installed in a prominent location, such as the front of a place.
The extent of reconstruction expected would depend on the level of damage. If only part of the house was destroyed (eg the roof) there would usually be an expectation that it would be rebuilt with a similar appearance. If the whole house were destroyed, neither the Heritage Council nor the local planning authority would expect it to be rebuilt in its original form.
This depends on the size of the structure, the location of the structure on the property, and the aspects of significance of your place. In some cases, it may be possible to obtain a certificate of exclusion. It is recommended that you contact Heritage Tasmania to discuss your proposal and determine whether an exemption is possible or a works application is required.
Some electrical works, such as rewiring or installing a heat pump, may not require a works application, but some may. It is likely that installing wiring and other new elements that impact on the heritage fabric of the place would require a works application. It is recommended that you contact Heritage Tasmania to discuss your proposed electrical/ heat pump works and determine whether an exclusion is possible or a works application is required.
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