Council co-operates on compliance to get shacks shipshape

LISMORE City Council will not unleash a blitzkrieg of compliance officers to bust unapproved dwellings after a lengthy discussion on the issue on Tuesday night.

LISMORE City Council will not unleash a blitzkrieg of compliance officers to bust unapproved dwellings after a lengthy discussion on the issue on Tuesday night.

A notice of motion was put forward in May by Cr Neil Marks who wanted to know the ramifications of declaring a moratorium on illegal dwellings and asking people to come forward and get legit.

Council's manager of development and compliance Peter Jeuken said once council became aware of a non-compliant building they had a range of legal responsibilities and the staff time required to enforce compliance would be a significant drain on resources.

But rather than turning a blind eye, he has suggested council draw up a set of guidelines to encourage people to get their shacks shipshape.

"Where people want to address unlawful works, council will work with them to identify what may be required to bring those works up to the necessary standards," he said.

"Where people self-report or initiate action with council, we will not seek to fine or penalise when they are co-operating with council."