Local Government Lawyers
Hones Lawyers are specialists in all aspects of Local Government law.
SUCCESS RATE
95%
CASES WON OR MATTERS SETTLED
1000+
CLIENTS
4000+
North Sydney Local Government Lawyers
The local government lawyers at Hones have comprehensive experience with local Councils and Local Government law. We understand that Local Government law and practice requires in-depth knowledge of the workings both inside and outside local councils. Our expertise in this area has seen us advise local Councils on matters which are relevant to the functions of a Council under a range of legislation.
Our vast experience in this area sees us as the go-to firm for local government legal advice on probity issues, access to information, enforcement, governance and compliance issues, tenders, procedural advice and protocol. We have a range of consultant architects, planners, designers and experts who provide our clients with additional advice where required.
Our local government lawyers have acted in house for a number of Local Government authorities – as both lawyers and town planners, and we have 2 Law Society accredited specialists in Local Government & Planning Law amongst our ranks.
As a panel firm for 5 local councils, we have the depth of experience and proven track record to ensure we can address all aspects of Local Government law.
How we can help
Issues with Council Development Control Plans and Orders
Road access disputes
Complaints regarding noise levels from neighbouring properties
Advice regarding residential and commercial development applications
Subdivision applications
Contact Hones Lawyers
If you are looking for Local Government Lawyer in Sydney, we can help. For more information regarding our services, or to make an appointment, speak to one of our experienced local government lawyers on 02 8318 0788.
Local Government Lawyers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is local government law?
Local councils must always act lawfully and within the scope of their powers. Although they have the power to enforce compliance with local council controls, they cannot ever lawfully act beyond their power.
What is a Development Control Plan?
A Development Control Plan (DCP) is a suite of controls that guide, and form a focal point, for the assessment of development applications. A DCP contains controls for such things as tree removal, parking, view loss/retention, height, built upon area, landscaping be it concerning residential, commercial or industrial developments (to name just a few).
When do I need to lodge a DA?
If you are building or renovating, you will need to find out whether you need approval from your local council for the proposed work. The exact requirements of whether a development application is necessary are determined by individual councils. Things taken into account include the Local Environment Plan, Development Control Plans and zoning regulations. Furthermore there are a number of types of development (usually small scale things, such as cubby houses and minor works) that do not require development approval (known as “exempt” development).
What is an occupation certificate?
An Occupation Certificate confirms that the principal certifying authority (either Council or a private certifier) is satisfied that works relating to a development consent have been completed in accordance with the development consent, in particular in accordance with the approved plans and that all relevant conditions have been addressed. Obtaining an Occupation Certificate is necessary step before occupying premises.
What is a subdivision certificate?
A Subdivision Certificate confirms that the local council is satisfied that works relating to a subdivision have been completed in accordance with the relevant development consent. Obtaining a Subdivision Certificate is necessary step before lodging a plan of subdivision with NSW Land Registry Services.
What does a local government lawyer do?
Local government lawyers are solicitors and barristers who are experts in local government law. They can advise you about local government issues and represent you in court proceedings related to these matters. Hones Lawyers specialises in this area of the law.
Customer Testimonials
We’ve helped thousands of clients throughout NSW with their legal matters.
Over the past four years, my wife and I have experienced the burden of an easement that was placed over our property by the previous owner of an adjacent property. The current neighbour holding the dominant tenement rights considered that he had exclusive use of the section of our property covered by the easement. He seemed to have little or no social conscious, and caused us much unnecessary distress by his intrusion, and practice of "storing" his unwanted possessions in our place. Something had to be done about it particularly as I was fearful of leaving my wife at the mercy of his bullying and intimidating behaviour should I pre-decease her, given our age difference. I asked a barrister friend if she could recommend a solicitor(s) who specialise in easements. I was given a list of solicitors at the top of which was Hones Lawyers. I decided to seek the help of Jason Hones and his team, and it has turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made in my 87 years lifetime. Jason, together with his associate Peter Clarke handled our matter for the best part of two years during which they were at all times respectful to us, and attended in a most competent and professional way to every one of our concerns and steps along the way. Hones Lawyers represented us in communications with our neighbours' solicitors, and did everything in their power to achieve a mutually agreeable outcome. Their efforts were continually hampered by obfuscation from the other side until it finally became obvious that our only course of action was to take the matter to court. Under the expert guidance of Jason and Peter, our matter was heard in the Supreme Court of NSW and we are extremely grateful to have been successful in achieving judgement in our favour, and the purported easement has been declared invalid. As mentioned earlier, we are impressed with the respect we received at all times from Hones Lawyers, as well as their conscious effort to communicate with us without confusing us with "legal speak". Their selection of senior and junior counsel was spot on and achieved an excellent legal team to represent our interests. Jason personally came with us to make the introduction to counsel and sat with us through the preparation negotiations. Throughout the whole process Peter Clarke proved to be a very intelligent and extremely competent young man, a valuable representative for his organisation, and was always polite and available for our every requirement. In conclusion, we have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Hones Lawyers to anyone who wants competent legal representation carried out properly and efficiently. Max (and Janet) Petrie Max Petrie13 August 2024 Peter has recently represented me in a matter & I have found him to be incredibly knowledgeable, extremely articulate and very responsive. He also has an impressive network of professionals around him and he has a “get it done” attitude. I would have no hesitation in recommending him and Hones & I would definitely retain his services again. Matt McEwan30 May 2024 I have been working with Jane Mercer over the past few weeks finalising everything for settlement on my new place. Jane has been one of the most helpful and plesant people I have dealt with throughout my property purchasing journey. She is friendly, responsive, helpful, took a lot of time to explain things to me I was not clear on and got my settlement done in 15 days! I would highly recommend using Hones Lawyers and especially Jane who was an absolute pleasure to work with. Would happily engage with Jane any time I need help. Thank you Jane! miranda rutherford20 May 2024 I highly recommend this law firm. I recently engaged them to handle the conveyancing of my house and was very impressed with their knowledge and attention to detail. Wilana23 November 2021 Hones Lawyers, This company team can be trust, understand well your thought, professional battle a case on your behalf, and respond your question quickly. Special "Gavin" is my favorite, he is well organized, polite and so gentlemen guide us step by step for your worry since start to finish. Thanks for your help our case Gavin for finalized easement matter with plaintiff in mid this year 2020, and you and your team done great job. Minh Le30 June 2020