Types Of Schemes (Strata Titles Act 1985)

TYPES OF SCHEMES

Two types of schemes are permitted under the Strata Titles Act 1985, strata schemes and survey-strata schemes. The comments in this book apply to both strata schemes and survey-strata schemes, unless indicated otherwise.

Strata Schemes

This is the original form of "strata scheme", or "strata plan", commonly known as a "building strata". At least one building must be shown on these strata plans and the boundaries of the strata lots, including the height of the lots (stratum) are defined by reference to the building.

Prior to 30 June 1985, lots could only be within a building. After that date, part of the lot could also be the land outside the building and may also include the building structure.

The lot boundaries are shown on the floor plan of the strata plan and the wording on the floor plan must be read in conjunction with the sketch to ascertain the lot boundaries. (See also paragraph 16 "What You Own Individually And What Is Common Property").

Survey-Strata Schemes

The Strata Titles Amendment Act 1995 created a new form of strata scheme known as a "survey-strata scheme".

No buildings are shown on a survey-strata plan, even though there may in fact be buildings on the survey-strata lots. The boundaries of survey-strata lots are surveyed by a licensed land surveyor and shown on the survey-strata plan. The lots on a survey-strata plan look much the same as lots that are shown on surveys (deposited plans, plans and diagrams) for non-strata freehold titles.

Survey-strata lots may, or may not be limited in height. The height of a lot may be limited for a number of reasons, eg. to protect a neighbour's view.

If there is a height limitation, it will be shown on the survey-strata plan and referenced to the Australian Height Datum (AHD).

Survey-strata schemes may have common property. If there is any common property in a survey-strata scheme, it is separately numbered as a lot and prefixed with the letters "CP". The other features and obligations which apply to strata schemes also apply to survey-strata schemes, e.g. by-laws, common property, strata company, and structural alterations. (sec 7A STA).

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