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.
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Planning insights
DA Process & Council
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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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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…
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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…
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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.
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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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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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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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New house on a flood control lot in Fairfield: floor levels and no CDC
Fairfield LEP 2013 clauses 5.21 and 5.22 and the City Wide DCP flood rules for a new house on a flood control lot: floor…
13 min read
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Tree removal with a new house DA in Hornsby: LEP, DCP, arborist rules
How Hornsby Shire Council assesses tree removal with a new house DA: Hornsby LEP 2013, Hornsby DCP 2024 tree controls, arborist reports and AS…
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NCC 2022 and the DA: what the planner needs from the builder
NCC 2022 and the DA in NSW for builders: what the town planner needs at DA stage, what the certifier checks at CC stage,…
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