Section 4.55 modifications in 2026: 14-day approvals and reviews
Section 4.55 modifications in NSW after the 2026 reforms: the new no impact 4.55(1) pathway, 14-day deemed approval, 6-month reviews and DCA referrals.
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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
Landscaped area under the NSW Housing Code: clause 3.13 explained
NSW Housing Code clause 3.13: minimum landscaped area from 10% to 45% of lot area, the 1.5 m width rule, front yard landscaping and…
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The costs after DA approval in NSW: levies, bonds, Section 73 and more
DA approved in NSW? Budget for the long service levy, council bonds, contributions, Sydney Water Section 73 and driveway approvals before building starts.
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Aboriginal heritage checks for NSW DAs: AHIMS and the due diligence code
When a NSW DA needs an Aboriginal heritage check: the AHIMS search, the 5-step due diligence code, the 200m-from-waters test and when an AHIP…
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Contaminated land in Western Sydney DAs: former farms, market gardens and fill
Why NSW councils ask for contamination reports on former farms, market gardens and filled land in Western Sydney, and how Chapter 4 of the…
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Bushfire, water and heritage referrals after July 2026: the DCA explained
Since 1 July 2026, NSW State agency referrals for DAs go through the Development Coordination Authority. Timeframes, fees and what it means for subdivisions.
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How much can I build on my lot in NSW? Free CDC calculator
Find out how much you can build on your NSW lot under complying development: free calculator for floor area, landscaped area, setbacks and height…
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Housing Code clause 3.9: maximum gross floor area for your lot in NSW
The NSW Housing Code clause 3.9 table: maximum gross floor area of all buildings by lot area, from 78% on 200 sqm lots to…
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Exempt development in NSW: decks, sheds, carports and fences without approval
What you can build in NSW without council approval: the exempt development standards for decks, pergolas, sheds, carports and fences, and the traps.
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Building over or near sewer and stormwater pipes in NSW: what’s allowed
Sewer main or stormwater pipe across your Sydney block? Sydney Water's build-over rules, council drainage easements, pier footings and building plan approval.
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Salinity and acid sulfate soils in NSW DAs: Western Sydney and the coast
Why NSW councils ask for salinity reports in Western Sydney and acid sulfate soil assessments near the coast and rivers, and how the LEP…
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Modifying a DA in NSW after March 2026: the new section 4.55(1) pathway
Since 21 March 2026, NSW section 4.55(1) covers modifications with no environmental impact, decided within 14 days. What qualifies, what doesn't, and the traps.
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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.