FAQs

By-laws are local laws created by Council that apply to areas under its care and control.

They are established to ensure that Council can respond to issues within the local area and assist Council in protecting the convenience, comfort and safety of the local community.

By-laws complement Council’s responsibilities and powers under both state and federal legislation. The process for a Council to establish a By-law is set out in the Local Government Act 1999.

The City of Unley By-laws allow Council to respond to various issues within the local area.

Council takes a practical approach to the enforcement of By-laws in accordance with the City of Unley’s Compliance Policy.

Council recognises that education is vital to ensuring that the community have the knowledge to achieve compliance and considers prevention of a breach preferable to taking action after a breach has occurred.

By-laws must be reviewed every seven years in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999.

A review is undertaken to ensure that the By-laws are relevant, effective, meet the current needs and expectations of the community, and are up to date with current legislative requirements.

Council has prepared a short summary of the main changes to each By-law. View the summary of changes.

Members of the community can provide feedback on the proposed By-laws by:

• completing the survey online
• emailing feedback to pobox1@unley.sa.gov.au;
• posting written submissions to the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 1, Unley SA 5061; or
• heading to the Unley Civic Centre (181 Unley Road, Unley), the local library or community centre to complete a hard copy of the survey.

All feedback must be received by 5pm Monday 23 May 2022.

All feedback received during the consultation period will be considered and a report will be presented to Council. Council will vote to adopt the By-laws during a meeting of the Council where at least two thirds of the Elected Members are present and where an absolute majority supports their adoption.

Once adopted by Council, the proposed By-laws will be published in the South Australian Government Gazette and referred to the Legislative Review Committee for consideration. If there are no objections or comments from Parliament, the By-laws will take effect four months after they are Gazetted (no later than 1 January 2023).