Planning panels in 2026: local panels take over from regional panels in NSW
NSW is phasing out Sydney district and regional planning panels. How local planning panels now decide regionally significant DAs and reviews in 2026.
7 min read
Read
Planning insights
Practical planning guides for NSW
Plain-English explainers on Statements of Environmental Effects, DA and CDC pathways, duplex and granny flat rules, due diligence and the controls of specific councils across Sydney and regional NSW.
- All
- DA Process & Council
- Dual Occupancy & Duplex
- Due Diligence & Feasibility
- Granny Flats & Secondary Dwellings
- Local Areas
- Planning Rules & Reforms
- Regional NSW
- Statements of Environmental Effects
- Subdivision & Land
- Townhouses & Multi-Dwelling
Buying on a main road in NSW? Classified road access for duplexes and townhouses
A NSW duplex or townhouse site on a classified road faces extra rules: access from a side street, Transport for NSW approval, noise and…
7 min read
Read
Is my lot eligible for complying development in NSW? The checks to run first
Before relying on a CDC in NSW, check the lot rules and land exclusions: zone, 200 sqm and 6 m minimums, heritage, flood, bushfire,…
7 min read
Read
Torrens, strata or community title for townhouses in NSW?
Torrens, strata or community title for a NSW townhouse or duplex project? How each works, what councils look at and how title affects value,…
7 min read
Read
BASIX for renovations in NSW: the $50,000 rule and pools over 40,000 litres
When a NSW renovation or pool needs a BASIX certificate: the $50,000 alterations threshold, pools over 40,000 litres, the 2023 standards and common mistakes.
6 min read
Read
Unapproved building work in NSW: how a building information certificate works
Buying or selling a NSW home with unapproved works? How a building information certificate works, who can apply, what council checks and the risks.
10 min read
Read
Housing Code setbacks in NSW: front, side and rear under clause 3.10
NSW Housing Code setbacks for complying development: front setbacks by lot area or neighbour average, side setbacks by lot width and rear setbacks by…
6 min read
Read
Rezoning land in NSW: how a planning proposal works under the 2026 guideline
How a landowner rezones land in NSW: scoping report, planning proposal request, Gateway, exhibition and the 2026 LEP Making Guideline timeframes.
8 min read
Read
Stormwater easement through a neighbour’s land in NSW: agreement or section 88K
Your NSW duplex or townhouse site falls away from the street and needs a drainage easement over a neighbour's land. Negotiation, consent conditions and…
8 min read
Read
Local planning panels NSW 2026: referrals, regional DAs and reviews
How NSW local planning panels work after the 2026 reforms: referral triggers, regionally significant DAs in Sydney and panel reviews of staff decisions.
10 min read
Read
How long does a DA take in NSW? 2026-27 timeframes and DCA referrals
How long a DA takes in NSW in 2026-27: 40 and 60 day deemed refusal clocks, DCA referrals since 1 July 2026, and realistic…
9 min read
Read
Section 4.15 in 2026: how councils assess significant likely impacts
How NSW councils now assess a DA under section 4.15: significant likely impacts, conditions for minor impacts, Reg 65A and the 15 December 2026…
10 min read
Read
Next step
Tell us about your site. We will tell you what it can carry.
Send the address and your plans or concept. A URBA planner will confirm the pathway and send a fixed-fee proposal, usually within one business day.