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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 Local Environment Plan (LEP) and then determine which Development Control Plans (DCPs) apply. In some cases State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPPs) and Regional Environmental Plan (REPs) will also apply.

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

• LEP
• DCPs
• SEPPs & REP

LEP

Woollahra LEP 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 DCP’s (Development Control Plans) are relevant to your development, as these should be used in addition to the LEP.

Download LEP (PDF 500 kb)

View LEP online in HTML format

Woollahra LEP 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 can’t do within each zone.

View Map (PDF 3.0 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 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 2.5 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 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 2.5 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 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 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 seen at Council customer service.

Woollahra LEP 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.

Draft Amendments

The drafts below propose amendments to the LEP currently in force. The proposed changes have no standing until the draft is adopted and the current LEP replaced. Drafts are put on public exhibition before being introduced - we encourage you to provide your comments.

Draft Amendment No.60
Developed in conjunction with the Draft Neighbourhood Centre DCP, this amendment proposes some rezoning, amendments to height and FSR in some areas, and changes to definitions and permissible uses in some areas. More information

Download Amendment No.60 (PDF 3.0 mb)

Draft Amendment No.61
This amendment proposes to clarify the definition of 'community facility' and make consequential changes to the permissible uses in Zone No. 6 (Open Space Zone). More information

Download Amendment No.61 (PDF 20 kb)

DCP's (area specific)Back to top ↑

Woollahra Residential DCP

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

Amendment No.2 (PDF 80 kb)
Amendment No.2 was approved on 23 June 2008 and commenced on 4 July 2008. This document has not been integrated with the primary document at this stage. The amendment contains alterations to the definition for communal open space, and addresses the criteria for roof terraces, mechanical car parking devices and air conditioning units.

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 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)

White City DCP

This DCP includes urban design, planning and heritage controls for the White City site which comprises of No.30 Alma Street, Paddington; Nos. 71-83 New South Head Road, Edgecliff; and land below the Eastern Suburbs railway viaduct.

Download DCP (PDF 1.6 mb)

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, parking, telecommunications, foreshore access, advertising

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)

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)

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)

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)

DCPs applying to specific properties

9 Cooper Park Road, Bellevue Hill DCP
This DCP applies to land formerly the Bellevue Hill Bowling Club. Objectives include restricting the number of dwellings to 27; excluding the land from the Section 94 Contributions Plan and specifing landscaping requirements.

Download DCP (PDF 60 kb)

13 Albert Street, Edgecliff DCP
This DCP encourages compatible development on this site, known as "Monte Oliveto", that reflects its location, and strengthens the integrity of the West Woollahra Heritage Conservation Area.

Download DCP (PDF 242 kb)

118 Wallis Street, Woollahra DCP
This DCP applies to land formerly known as "Brougham Hostel", and aims to ensure the conservation of Brougham, its mature garden setting, and protection of significant trees on the site.

Download DCP (PDF 100 kb)

Kilmory (6 Wentworth Street, Point Piper) DCP
Kilmory is the last of that suburb’s grand estates and has exceptional local heritage significance. This DCP addresses conservation and encourages a high standard of architectural and landscape design in new development.

Download DCP (PDF 1.3 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.

Draft Neighbourhood Centre DCP
This DCP addresses the character of neighbourhood retail centres and elements of built form, uses, street character, building articulation, heritage, energy and water efficiency, off-street car parking, vehicular access, landscaped open space and signage and advertising. More information

Download Draft DCP (PDF 2.4 mb)

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)

SEPPs & REPBack to top ↑

Sydney REP (Sydney Harbour Catchment)

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) indicates land to which this plan applies.

Download SREP in PDF format from Dept of Planning; or view document in HTML from the NSW Government.

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 Dept 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 what this requires when submitting a DA.

View SEPP No 65 (HTML) from the NSW Government.

SEPP (Building Sustainability Index: BASIX)

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, 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 criteria, you will be provided a BASIX Certificate which you need to submit with your Development Application. More information.

Go to the BASIX website

Other State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs)

The below SEPP documents may or may not apply to your development. The documents can be viewed in HTML format on the NSW Government legislation website (legislation.nsw.gov.au) - links are provided below.

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 (HTML)

SEPP No 10 - Retention of Low-Cost Rental Accommodation
Provides development rules that provide a mechanism for the retention of low cost rental accommodation such as hostels and boarding houses. View SEPP No 10 (HTML)

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 (HTML)

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 (HTML)

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 (HTML)

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 (Seniors Housing for Seniors or People with a Disability) 2004 (HTML)

SEPP - State Environmental Planning Policy

REP - Regional Environmental Plan

LEP - Local Environment Plan

DCP - Development Control Plan

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