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Do I need Council approval?

Common minor works such as fences, air conditioners, swimming pools etc. often do not require Council approval if they meet certain guidelines. See if your work is exempt or complying development.

Development that requires Council approval

Most significant developments require you to submit a development application (DA) to gain consent (approval). For all development that is not exempt or complying, the rules are contained in the documents below. Start with the Woollahra Local Environment Plan (LEP) and then determine which development control plans (DCPs) and codes apply. In some cases a state environmental planning policy (SEPP) or a regional environmental plan (REP) will also apply.

Woollahra development rules (SEPPs, REP, LEP and DCPs)

• LEP
• DCPs
• Codes
• Contributions & levies
• SEPPs & REP

LEP

Woollahra LEP 1995 document

The LEP sets out the land use zones and broad development controls including specifications for height, floor space ratio, special sites and areas, heritage conservation areas and heritage items. The LEP is legally binding and applies to the whole municipality.

Be sure to determine which Development Control Plans (DCPs) and codes are relevant to your development, as these should be used in addition to the LEP.

Download LEP (PDF 918 kb)

View LEP online in HTML format

Woollahra LEP 1995 land use (zoning) map

The land use map indicates the zone in which a property lies. Zones include residential, business, special use for schools, roads, hospitals, etc. and open space and parks zoning.

Part 2 of the LEP describes the development rules that will affect what you can and cannot do within each zone.

View Map (PDF 2.5 mb)

* Important note - This Woollahra Local Environmental Plan 1995 Land Use Map is a digital representation of the original gazetted LEP map located at Woollahra Council Chambers.

A planning certificate under section 149 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 should be obtained to confirm the planning details applying to a property.

Woollahra LEP 1995 height map

The height map displays the height requirements for each lot in Woollahra. The maximum height is 9.5m with some exceptions as shown on the map.

View Map (PDF 2.2 mb)

* Important note - This Woollahra Local Environmental Plan 1995 Height Map is a digital representation of the original gazetted LEP map located at Woollahra Council Chambers.

A planning certificate under section 149 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 should be obtained to confirm the planning details applying to a property.

Woollahra LEP 1995 density map

The density map defines how much of the land you can develop on for a given property. This is defined by floor space ratio (FSR)—the ratio of the gross floor area of the building to the land—and the minimum allotment size required for development on that land.

View Map (PDF 2.2 mb)

* Important note - This Woollahra Local Environmental Plan 1995 Density Map is a digital representation of the original gazetted LEP map located at Woollahra Council Chambers.

A planning certificate under section 149 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 should be obtained to confirm the planning details applying to a property.

Woollahra LEP 1995 heritage conservation map

The heritage conservation map indicates which land is in a heritage conservation area, and land on which heritage items are located. Development on this land is subject to additional requirements.

View Map (PDF 2.0 mb)

* Important note - This Woollahra Local Environmental Plan 1995 Heritage Map is a digital representation of the original gazetted LEP map located at Woollahra Council Chambers.

A planning certificate under section 149 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 should be obtained to confirm the planning details applying to a property.

Woollahra LEP 1995 foreshore building lines map

The foreshore building lines indicate the distance you can build from the mean high water mark. This is typically either 12m or 30m depending upon location.

We regret that the foreshore building lines map is not available online at this time. A copy may be viewed at our Customer Service Centre (see contact information).

Woollahra LEP 1995 acid sulphate soils map

There are some areas within Woollahra where the soil has been contaminated and is very acidic. Where this is the case, special permission is required to do any development below ground level in these areas.

View Map (PDF 2.0 mb)

* Important note - This Woollahra Local Environmental Plan 1995 Acid Sulfate Soils Map is a digital representation of the original gazetted LEP map located at Woollahra Council Chambers.

A planning certificate under section 149 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 should be obtained to confirm the planning details applying to a property.

DCPs (area specific)Back to top ↑

Woollahra Residential DCP 2003

This DCP supplements the provisions of Woollahra LEP, and covers such topics as neighbourhood character and environmental impact.

It is applicable to all residential AND business zones with the exception of land covered by the Double Bay Centre DCP, the Rose Bay Centre DCP; or land within the Paddington, Woollahra and Watsons Bay Heritage Conservation Areas.

Download DCP (PDF 5.0 mb)

Download DCP in sections (smaller file sizes) | Supporting documents

Double Bay Centre DCP

Our vision for Double Bay is a vibrant centre that offers a unique living, working and shopping experience within a pedestrian friendly and attractive urban environment.

This DCP provides detailed controls for the future development of the Double Bay Centre, which serves the daily needs of a sizeable catchment of the harbourside eastern suburbs.

Download DCP (PDF 8.9 mb)

Download DCP in sections (smaller file sizes) | Supporting documents

Edgecliff Commercial Centre DCP

The Edgecliff Commercial Centre DCP provides detailed provisions for height, siting, aesthetic appearance, landscaping and conservation of buildings and works.

Download DCP (PDF 500 kb)

Paddington DCP 1999

Paddington is a unique urban area which possesses historical, aesthetic, technical and social significance at a National and State level.

This DCP deals with both heritage conservation and contemporary design in the public and private domains of Paddington.

Note: The Paddington Heritage Conservation Area DCP commenced on 26 May 2008 and replaces the Paddington DCP 1999. Applications that have been lodged before 26 May 2008, but are not determined, will be considered under the Paddington DCP 1999.

Download DCP (PDF 4.0 mb)

Download DCP in sections (smaller file sizes)

Paddington Heritage Conservation Area DCP 2008

Paddington is a unique urban area which possesses historical, aesthetic, technical and social significance at a National and State level.

This DCP provides guidelines and detailed controls which seek to protect the character of Paddington and encourage contemporary design which responds appropriately to that character. The plan covers public and private lands and applies to residential buildings, commercial buildings, shops and other types of non-residential buildings.

Note: This DCP applies to all DAs, applications to modify development consents and applications to review determinations lodged with Council from 26 May 2008. Applications that have been lodged before 26 May, but are not determined, will be considered under the Paddington DCP 1999.

Download DCP (PDF 3.1 mb)

Download DCP in sections (smaller file sizes)

Rose Bay Centre DCP

Rose Bay is a unique local centre, which enjoys a privileged position adjacent Sydney Harbour at the foot of the South Head peninsula. The consistent scale of buildings, and distinctive landscape quality evoke an appealing urban village character.

This Plan is applicable to all development and redevelopment work on private land in the Rose Bay Centre. The accompanying Rose Bay Public Domain Improvements Plan is relevant to works in the public domain, and includes details of street tree planting, footpaths, street furniture, and vehicular and pedestrian crossings.

Download DCP (PDF 3.0 mb)

Download DCP in sections (smaller file sizes) | Supporting documents

Watsons Bay Heritage Conservation Area DCP

Watsons Bay is an area of outstanding natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. The dramatic coastlines, spectacular views and a varied landscape make it an impressive gateway to Sydney Harbour.

This plan provides principles for development in the public domain and guidance for those areas administered by government agencies such as the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, the Waterways Authority and HMAS Watson.

Download DCP (PDF 7.7 mb)

Download DCP in sections (smaller file sizes)

Woollahra Heritage Conservation Area DCP

The Woollahra Heritage Conservation Area (HCA) is a place of outstanding local heritage significance. The special character of the HCA derives from its unique historic background and the expression of this background in its interrelationship of buildings, their settings, landscaping and open spaces, topography and land uses.

This DCP provides detailed controls for development within the HCA.

Download DCP (PDF 4.0 mb)

Download DCP in sections (smaller file sizes)

Access, Advertising, Parking, Telecommunications DCPs

Access DCP
This DCP provides guidelines for development that address accessibility for people with disabilities, parents with prams and older people with declining sensory capacity or mobility. Applies to the whole municipality.

Download DCP (PDF 70 kb)

Advertising and Notification DCP
This DCP establishes a communication process for Council, applicants and the community in regard to development applications and applications to modify development consents, and sets down the advertising and notification requirements for applications for certain identified types of development.

Download DCP (PDF 117.2 kb)

Off-Street Car Parking and Servicing Facilities DCP
This DCP aims to ensure adequate provision of parking and servicing needs for occupants and users including visitors, employees and deliveries. Applies to the whole municipality.

Download DCP (PDF 1.0 mb)

Woollahra Telecommunications and Radiocommunications DCP
This DCP addresses the siting, design and installation of telecommunications and radiocommunications facilities. Applies to the whole municipality.

Download DCP (PDF 150 kb)

Child Care Centres, School and College DCPs

Child Care Centre DCP
Our Children's Services Strategy developed in August 2005 identified a shortfall in local child care places. This DCP was created as a result, and addresses the construction, use and operation of a child care centre. Applies to the whole municipality.

Download DCP (PDF 90 kb)

School and College DCP
This DCP addresses development of private and public schools and colleges, including extensions to an existing school or college, or the establishment of a new school or college. Applies to the whole municipality.

Download DCP (PDF 70 kb)

Neighbourhood Centres DCP

This DCP applies to eleven neighbourhood commercial centres within the municipality. It contains precinct controls for each of the commercial centres and general controls which apply across the eleven centres.

The DCP was prepared in conjunction with Woollahra LEP 1995 (Amendment No.60), which was gazetted on 28 November 2008. Amendment No.60 contains various changes to Woollahra LEP 1995, including floor space incentives for nominated corner sites, changes to floor space ratios and height controls for nominated sites and allowance for restaurants as permissible uses on land zoned Neighbourhood Business 3(c). Woollahra LEP 1995, as amended, should be read in conjunction with the Neighbourhood Centres DCP.

The DCP contains savings and transitional provisions which will apply to applications lodged but not determined by 4 February 2009 - the DCP's commencement date.

Download DCP (PDF 2.2 mb)

DCPs applying to specific properties

Part of 13 Albert Street, Edgecliff DCP
This DCP applies to part of 13 Albert Street, Edgecliff, which is known as Monte Oliveto. The DCP seeks to ensure that development on the site is compatible with the character and build form of the locality and strengths the integrity of the Woollahra Heritage Conservation Area. Innovative design for infill development is encouraged.

Download DCP (PDF 242 kb)

Babworth House DCP
Babworth House is located at 103 Darling Point Road, Darling Point. The house is one of the largest and most intact examples of an early twentieth-century grand house in Australia in the Federation Arts and Crafts style. The house and its grounds have national heritage significance. The DCP sets out planning principles, character statements and design criteria for the Babworth House site.

Download DCP (PDF 1.9 mb)

Bishopscourt DCP
This DCP applies to the building known as Bishopscourt and its gardens and landscape setting located at 11 Greenoaks Avenue, Darling Point. The plan also applies to land which previously formed part of the Bishopscourt site and is now known as 17-21 Greenoaks Avenue (Lot 100 DP 1111820). The plan seeks to provide controls to conserve Bishopscourt and its setting and ensure that new development is in harmony with the design, scale form and character of Bishopscourt and its setting.

Download DCP (PDF 277 kb)

9 Cooper Park Road, Bellevue Hill DCP
This DCP applies to the former Bellevue Hill Bowling Club site. The plan supplements the Residential DCP by providing additional site-specific requirements and controls for development.

Download DCP (PDF 60 kb)

Hawthornden DCP
Hawthornden is a heritage listed property located at 6-12 Roslyndale Avenue, Woollahra. The DCP describes the cultural significance of Hawthornden and its setting, provides a conservation policy for the site, sets out specific development controls, and identifies requirements for development applications affecting the site.

Download DCP (PDF 633 kb)

Kilmory DCP
Kilmory, located at 6 Wentworth Street Point Piper, is the last of Point Piper’s grand estates. The Arts and Crafts style house and its site have exceptional local heritage significance. The DCP sets out the existing and desired future character elements, planning and conservation principles and design criteria.

Download DCP (PDF 1.3 mb)

188 Oxford Street, Paddington and Part Lot 1 DP 215537 DCP
This DCP applies to the former Royal Hospital for Women site and land on the corner of Brodie and Oxford Streets Paddington. The DCP was prepared to provide conservation and planning controls for redevelopment of the lands for residential, commercial, retail and public open space purposes. The DCP contains built form guidelines, architectural standards, heritage standards and landscape standards.

Download DCP (PDF 1.4 mb)

118 Wallis Street, Woollahra DCP
No.118 Wallis Street, Woollahra, is a heritage listed property was initially a private residence known as Brougham and later a child welfare home called Brougham Hostel. The DCP seeks to conserve the house and its landscaped setting, including significant trees, and to provide controls for development on the site.

Download DCP (PDF 100 kb)

White City DCP

This DCP applies to the land at 30 Alma Street, Paddington, 71-83 New South Head Road, Edgecliff, and land below the Eastern Suburbs railway viaduct, which comprised the former White City Tennis Complex. The DCP contains a character statement for the site, planning principles, design criteria and heritage conservation policy statements.

Download DCP (PDF 1.6 mb)

Draft DCPs

The drafts below propose new or amended guidelines to those that are currently in force. The proposed changes have no standing until the draft is adopted. Drafts are put on public exhibition before being introduced - we encourage you to provide your comments during the submission period.

Draft Off-Street Car Parking Provision and Servicing Facilities DCP Amendment No.4
This DCP proposes three amendments to the off-street parking requirements for medical consulting rooms.
On public exhibition 21 August - 25 September 2009.
View draft DCP exhibition details

Download Draft DCP (PDF 493 kb)

Draft Stormwater Drainage Management DCP
This DCP addresses issues such as stormwater discharge from a site, on-site stormwater detention, easements and connection to a downstream stormwater drainage system.

Download Draft DCP (PDF 300 kb)

On-site stormwater detention (OSD) exemption area map (PDF 1.0 mb)

Draft Flood Risk Management DCP
This DCP addresses the development of land subject to inundation from intense rainfall or from high water levels in Sydney Harbour.

Download Draft DCP (PDF 150 kb)

CodesBack to top ↑

Code for advertising signs

This document provides guidelines for the erection and display of advertising signs by shopkeepers, commercial operators and the advertising industry. Applies to the whole municipality.

Download document (PDF 100 kb)

Guidelines for the Provision of Foreshore Open Space and Access

The purpose of these Development Control Guidelines is to state the means by which the Council intends to implement its foreshore objectives.

Download document (PDF 150 kb)

Private Stormwater Code

This document explains the requirements for the disposal of private stormwater for single dwelling houses and other developments. Applies to the whole municipality.

Download document (PDF 595 kb)

Contributions and leviesBack to top ↑

Woollahra Section 94, Section 94A Contributions Plans

Contributions plans allow funds to be raised from approved development applications and complying development applications. The funds are used for the intended provision, extension or augmentation of public facilities, or towards recouping the cost of facilities that have been provided, extended or augmented. Applies to the whole municipality.

Woollahra Section 94 Contributions Plan 2002

Download document (PDF 963 kb)

Woollahra Section 94A Development Contributions Plan 2005

Download document (PDF 404 kb)

Reductions in Section 94A levy

SEPPs & REPBack to top ↑

Sydney REP (Sydney Harbour Catchment) 2005

The plan aims to establish a balance between promoting a prosperous working harbour, maintaining a healthy and sustainable waterway environment and promoting recreational access to the foreshore and waterways.

The Foreshores and Waterways Area Boundary Map (PDF) from the Department of Planning indicates land to which this plan applies.

This document is available from the Dept of Planning or NSW Legislation websites.

SEPP No 65 - Design Quality of Residential Flat Development

This policy outlines ten design quality principles for the development of residential flat buildings (apartment blocks).

The Department of Planning's Residential Flat Design Code and the NSW Government's Residential Flat Design Pattern Book are resources developed to support this SEPP. More information on residential flat buildings.

The SEPP No 65 is available from the NSW Legislation website.

SEPP (Building Sustainability Index: BASIX) 2004

BASIX ensures homes are designed to use less potable water and be responsible for fewer greenhouse gas emissions by setting energy and water reduction targets for houses and units. BASIX is one of the most robust sustainable planning measures in Australia.

On the BASIX website, when you enter information about your development, the system analyses your data and determines how it scores against the energy and water targets. If your development meets the criteria, you will be provided a BASIX Certificate which you need to submit with your development application. More information on the Environment and BASIX.

The policy is available from the NSW Legislation website.

Other State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs)

The following SEPP documents may or may not apply to your development. A full list of all SEPPS can be found at the NSW Legislation website.

SEPP No 6 - Number of Storeys in a Building
Provides the definition of how to determine the number of storeys, floors or levels a building contains. View SEPP No 6

SEPP No 22 - Shops and Commercial Premises
Allows a shop or commercial premises "change of use" if the change has minor environmental effect and consent is given by the council. View SEPP No 22

SEPP No 55 - Remediation of Land
Provides for a Statewide planning approach to the remediation of contaminated land for the purpose of reducing the risk of harm to human health or any other aspect of the environment. View SEPP No 55

SEPP No 71 - Coastal Protection
Provides controls for any development within the NSW coastal zone, within the Woollahra Municipality, this applies to South Head and the following coastline. View SEPP No 71

SEPP (Housing for Seniors or People with a Disability) 2004
This Policy aims to encourage the provision of housing for seniors by setting aside local planning controls that would otherwise prevent such development, by providing design principles, and by ensuring that applicants provide support services for seniors or people with a disability on adjoining land. View SEPP (Housing for Seniors or People with a Disability) 2004

SEPP (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009
Provides incentives for new affordable rental housing, facilitates the retention of existing affordable rentals, and expands the role of not-for-profit providers. View (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009 SEPP.

LEP - Local Environment Plan

DCP - Development Control Plan

SEPP - State Environmental Planning Policy

REP - Regional Environmental Plan

Read about how the plans and policies relate to each other and the hierarchy of development rules.