The NSW Government’s planning reform program continues to evolve, with one significant change already in effect. While recent reforms relating to Low-Rise Housing, Complying Development Variations and Improving Development Assessment remain at various stages of consultation, the Development Coordination Authority (DCA) has now commenced operating and is changing how government agency input is managed during …
The NSW Government has released an Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) proposing a new statewide approach to conditions of consent issued with development approvals. While conditions of consent are an important part of every development approval, they can currently vary significantly between councils. This often means conditions need to be individually drafted, reviewed and negotiated …
The NSW Government is continuing its broader planning reform program with a proposed new approach to complying development that aims to introduce greater flexibility for straightforward residential projects. Unlike the recently exhibited Low-Rise Housing and Targeted Assessment Discussion Paper, which sought feedback on potential future planning reforms, this proposal has progressed to the next stage …
The NSW Government is continuing its work to reform the planning system through the proposed Low-Rise Housing and Targeted Assessment framework. While the public exhibition of the discussion paper has now concluded, the proposal remains under consideration, with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) reviewing submissions before determining the next stage of the …
The Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms – Phase 2 launches in NSW, with key changes taking effect from 28 February 2025. The reforms expand planning provisions for dual occupancies, terraces, multi-dwelling housing, and residential flat buildings in designated areas. New non-discretionary standards streamline approvals, overriding local planning controls.
With the recent amendment to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021, NSW Government is committed to reaching the National Housing Accord target of 377,000 homes by mid-2029. In order to achieve this, the Minns Government is holding local and state governments accountable through a range of performance measures. The Housing SEPP amendment has brought …
In alignment with the National Housing Accord and following on from the proposal for low- and mid-rise reforms that went on exhibition from 15 December 2023 to 23 February 2024, NSW Government has introduced new amendments to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021. The aim of these reforms is to increase supply of low-rise …
Today, the Department of Planning and Environment placed on exhibition a document to help accelerate housing delivery in NSW. This document suggests some changes to the low rise housing diversity code that impacts dual occupancies, manor houses and terraces but also brings in multi dwelling housing, residential flat buildings and shop top housing; all of …
Continue reading “Introducing the Mid Rise Housing Diversity Code”
NSW Government’s Construct NSW strategy aims to restore consumer confidence by focusing on reform in 6 key areas of the building and construction industry. These include regulation, ratings, education, contracts, digital tools, and data and research. Led by the Office of the Building Commissioner (OBC), the changes will affect all building classes and stakeholders, including …
Continue reading “NSW Government ambitious plan to transform building industry”
In the wake of recent natural disasters and COVID-19, the NSW Government is committing to a plan that will see the revival of regional NSW.
A new approach to rezonings in NSW is here. Read more from es.au.
In working towards a net zero target by 2050, NSW Government has proposed an increase to BASIX standards for new residential buildings.
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Following a recent Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Inquiry (Operation Dasha), the NSW planning department is exhibiting an Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) that seeks to gather public feedback on new measures to improve the planning system.
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The Home Building Act 1989 regulates the residential building industry and certain specialist work in New South Wales. It addresses any residential works carried out by contractors and tradespersons, including construction of a new home and renovations or alterations to an existing home or structure.
A new Housing Diversity State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing Diversity SEPP) is likely to have an adverse effect on private developers.
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For new developments that require local infrastructure and services, Council may collect a developer/local infrastructure contribution to help fund the provision.
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In a bid to boost community confidence, the NSW Government has introduced a new legislation that aims to tackle ongoing issues with the building of residential apartments.
While many recent changes to legislation in the construction and land development industries have sought to improve the economic effects of COVID-19, a significant amendment to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (NSW) (EPA Reg) has seen the barrier to ‘physical commencement’ heightened.
Developers and landowners can breathe a sigh of relief as NSW Parliament introduces new amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) (EPA Act) that aim to alleviate time pressures in the construction industry.
Since being introduced in 2004, the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) requirements have set the ground rules for thermal comfort performance and water and energy usage within residential dwellings.
The NSW Government is seeking feedback on a new simplified Housing Code which sets out clear and simple planning rules for works that can be carried out under complying development.
NSW Fair Trading released a new guide to assist home owners and contractors if building work is in dispute.
The NSW Government has announced that the BASIX energy targets will be increased across the State in July 2017.
The General Housing Code is replaced with a new simplified Housing Code which sets out clear planning rules for complying development including one and two storey homes, renovations and extensions.
Experienced planning professionals will lead the panels, which will assess DAs that are sensitive in nature, or where there is a conflict of interest for council or developers.
In light of recent tragedies including Grenfell Tower in London and Lacrosse Building in Melbourne, the NSW Government will soon implement new laws for buildings with combustible cladding.
The NSW Government is making improvements to reinforce the building and certification system and up until 30th October 2018, you can have your say.
The National Construction Code (NCC) is an all-encompassing set of on-site construction requirements put together by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).
The Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code has been deferred to allow for an independent review.
The Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 is a legislation that provides the framework for the use of land in New South Wales.
The introduction of the new Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code in July 2018 aimed to provide more liveable and affordable housing arrangements for growing families and empty nesters within existing neighbourhoods and streetscapes. It has currently been implemented across 82 council areas in NSW and there are plans for the remaining 45 to adopt …
Continue reading “The Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code (MDHC) has been deferred again”
Canterbury LEP 2012 has just been amended (Amendment No 16). Clause 4.1C has been added to the LEP requiring minimum lot sizes and lot widths for Boarding Houses in its Residential Zones.
In line with NSW Government’s plan to deliver a final Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019 by the end of the year, a draft will be open for public feedback until 16 October 2019. The Bill comes as a response to the April 2018 Building Confidence Report compiled by Professor Peter Shergold and Ms Bronwyn Weir. It …
Continue reading “Draft Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019”
Currently, builders and tradies insured under the Home Building Compensation Fund (previously known as Home Owners Warranty) are subject to a capped amount of insurance they can purchase each year, restricting the number of projects that can be taken on.
A Review of Complying Development for Inland NSW’ sets out proposed changes to the State Environment Planning (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 will apply to all residential complying development for 83 local government areas west of the Great Dividing Range.
The Department of Planning and Environment (the Department) is examining opportunities to provide
greater housing choice and better design for medium density housing across NSW.
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The Australian Building Ministers’ Forum agreed in principle to make the 2015 National Construction Code (NCC) and future editions freely available online, significantly contributing to reducing the burden of building regulation.
Swimming pool owners have until the 29th of October 2013 to register their swimming pool, or a minimum fine of $220 (maximum $2,200) may be imposed.
A review of the NSW planning system has taken place. This has resulted in a new planning system for NSW.
The proposed changes to charge for BASIX Certificates put forward in November, 2010 to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulations 2000, will come into effect 1st July, 2011.
State Government in an aim to clear up grey areas and combat misuse of SEPP (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009 have enforced the following changes
The NSW Government is continuing its broader planning reform program with a new Discussion Paper focused on improving the way Development Applications (DAs) are prepared, lodged and assessed across the state.
Following the recent consultations on Low-Rise Housing and Targeted Assessment and Variations and Changes to Complying Development, this latest proposal shifts the focus from what can be approved to how development applications are processed.
Rather than introducing new planning controls or changing what development is permitted, the discussion paper explores ways to make the Development Application process more consistent, efficient and predictable for applicants, councils and other stakeholders.
For homeowners, developers, architects and building designers, many of the ideas being considered address issues that are encountered regularly, unclear lodgment requirements, differing expectations between councils and delays caused by incomplete applications.
At this stage, however, it is important to understand that these reforms are still proposals only. The discussion paper is seeking industry and community feedback before any detailed legislative changes are prepared.
Where do these reforms currently stand?
Unlike the Variations and Changes to Complying Development reforms, which have progressed to an Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE), these proposals remain at the earlier Discussion Paper stage.
The Improving Development Assessment Discussion Paper was released by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) on 2 July 2026 and is currently on public exhibition.
Submissions remain open until 5:00 pm on 30 July 2026.
Importantly, nothing in the discussion paper changes the current Development Application process. Existing DA requirements, legislation and council processes continue to apply until any future reforms are finalised and implemented.
Why is the NSW Government proposing these changes?
DA requirements and assessment processes can vary considerably between councils. Differences in lodgement requirements, supporting documentation and drawing standards often lead to incomplete or inconsistent applications, creating delays before assessment even begins.
According to DPHI, the reforms aim to improve the quality and consistency of Development Applications, support faster assessment and decision-making, reduce unnecessary delays and provide a more predictable experience for applicants.
What is being proposed?
The discussion paper outlines several initiatives designed to improve the Development Application process.
Interactive digital tool
The Government proposes an interactive online tool that would guide applicants through the specific requirements for their project, providing tailored advice and best-practice guidance before a DA is lodged.
More consistent DA requirements
The paper proposes clearer and more consistent statewide standards for Development Application documents and architectural drawings, replacing the current fragmented council-by-council approach.
Clearer standards for specialist reports
The reforms would also establish clearer guidance on when specialist reports; such as noise, tree clearing or stormwater management reports, would generally be required, helping reduce uncertainty and unnecessary requests for additional information.
Online payment gateway
A statewide online payment gateway is proposed to simplify payment of Development Application fees and streamline the lodgement process.
Deemed lodgement and clearer terminology
The discussion paper proposes a deemed lodgement process together with clearer terminology within the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 to improve certainty around when an application formally enters assessment.
Clarified amendment provisions
The Government is also considering clearer provisions for amending Development Applications after lodgement, providing greater consistency for applicants and councils.
Christmas and New Year clock pause
Similar to reforms proposed for complying development, the Christmas and New Year shutdown period would be excluded from deemed approval and deemed non-refusal timeframes.
What could this mean for property owners and developers?
If implemented, the reforms could make the Development Application process more predictable and consistent regardless of which council is assessing the application.
Applicants may benefit from clearer guidance before lodging a DA, more consistent documentation requirements and fewer delays caused by incomplete applications or administrative processes.
For architects, building designers and planning consultants, greater consistency could reduce time spent interpreting different council requirements across multiple local government areas.
While these proposals would not fundamentally change the Development Application system, they aim to improve how it operates by making the process easier to navigate and more efficient for everyone involved.
What happens next?
The Improving Development Assessment Discussion Paper remains on public exhibition until 5:00 pm on 30 July 2026.
Following consultation, DPHI will review submissions before deciding whether to progress the proposals to the next stage of the planning reform process.
For now, these reforms remain early-stage proposals. Existing Development Application requirements, assessment processes and council lodgement procedures continue to apply until any future reforms are finalised and implemented.
