Design Considerations

Planning & Approvals

How planning rules shape a house, and how approvals work in the ACT and NSW.

  1. Approval pathways explainedThe routes to approval in the ACT and NSW, side by side.Coming soon
  2. The ACT Territory Plan and zonesResidential zones and how to read what applies to your block.Coming soon
  3. ACT approvalsExempt development, development applications and building approval.Coming soon
  4. ACT leases and lease variationsCrown leases, purpose clauses and when a variation is needed.Coming soon
  5. Dual occupancies and more homes on a blockAdding a second home in the ACT and NSW.Coming soon
  6. New estates and design guidelinesEstate rules, envelopes and design approval in new suburbs.Coming soon
  7. NSW: LEPs, DCPs, DAs and CDCsZoning, council controls and choosing a pathway.Coming soon
  8. NSW certificates and modificationsConstruction and occupation certificates, and changing an approval.Coming soon
  9. Envelopes, setbacks and heightThe controls that set the shape of a house.Coming soon
  10. Solar access and overshadowingHow the planning rules protect winter sun.Coming soon
  11. Neighbours, privacy and notificationOverlooking, notification and avoiding disputes.Coming soon
  12. HeritageWhat changes, and what's allowed, on heritage places.Coming soon
  13. TreesRegulated trees and designing around them.Coming soon
  14. Bushfire-prone landBushfire attack levels and what they mean for design.Coming soon
  15. Flood, stormwater and drainageOverland flow, floor levels and drainage easements.Coming soon
  16. Contamination and asbestosSite history and hazardous materials in older homes.Coming soon
  17. Easements, covenants and titleRestrictions on the title that limit design.Coming soon
  18. Driveways, verges and servicesDriveway approvals and service connections.Coming soon
  19. Rural and large blocksEnvelopes, water, wastewater, access and bushfire.Coming soon
  20. Approval and authority costsFees, levies, charges and connections.Coming soon
  21. How long approvals takeRealistic timeframes and what slows them down.Coming soon
  22. The Building Code, simplyWhat the NCC is and who checks compliance.Coming soon