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
NSW
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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,…
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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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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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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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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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