Planning and Development

What is a Development Application?

A Development Application commonly referred to as a DA is a formal request for permission to carry out proposed development such as the use of land, subdivision of land, the erection of a building, the carrying out of work or the demolition of a building. You must lodge a DA and have it approved by Council before you begin.

Generally, a DA consists of an application form and plans and drawings of the proposed development.

Please visit the Planning and Development section of this website before submitting a development application.

DAs are required so that Council may assess your plans and information, inspect your property and determine whether your proposal is appropriate.

Do I need to lodge a Development Application for approval?

Development approval is required to carry out most types of developments or building works. Some exemptions apply; however it is advisable you refer to the Development Application Guide. Then call or visit the Duty Officer to discuss your proposal before commencing.

DAs are required so that Council may assess your plans and information, inspect your property and determine whether your proposal is appropriate.

Application forms can be lodged on the eDA (online DA) section of this website or at Council’s Customer Service Centre.

What is exempt and complying development?

Exempt development is development that meets the specified criteria and does not require any approvals. It includes barbecues and small garden sheds.

Complying development is development that requires approval by Council.

To determine what is exempt and complying development you should refer to Schedule 13 of the Strathfield Planning Scheme Ordinance.

Is it necessary to discuss an application with a Council officer?

Before formally submitting your DA you should visit Council’s Customer Service Centre and discuss it with the Planning Duty Officer to make sure your application is adequate to submit. No prior appointment is necessary. The Planning Duty Officer is available at between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

For all major residential, industrial, commercial, and subdivision applications, you are encouraged to meet with Council’s Pre-Lodgement Panel. The Pre-Lodgement Service is available to residents wishing to build a new house or undertake major alterations and additions to their existing house.

The Pre-Lodgement Service provides prospective applicants with detailed and constructive advice from a friendly, multi-disciplinary team of Council officers and helps identify any potential problems before the lodging of the DA.

A nominal fee of $110.00 is applicable for this service.

If you need to meet with the Pre-Lodgement Panel, they are available between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Do I need to make an appointment to see the Planning Duty Officer?

No, it is not necessary to make an appointment. The Planning Duty Officer is available at Council’s Customer Service Centre between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Do I need an appointment to discuss my development application with the Pre-Lodgement Panel?

Yes, it is necessary to make an appointment. To make an appointment please contact Council’s Development Assessment Team on 9748 9981.

What information is needed to accompany an application?

All applications signed by the owner(s) of the site, are to be accompanied by the required plans and drawings of the proposed development and the appropriate fee.

How much will it cost me to submit a development application?

Fees vary according to the type of development. The required fees are set out in Council's Fees and Charges. Council’s Customer Service staff can assist you in assessing the appropriate fee.

Will my neighbours be advised of the application?

Adjoining property owners are notified of the proposal under Part L of the Consolidated Development Control Plan (CDCP) as required under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

Are residential floor plans made available to the public?

No. Public viewing of plans for any residential parts of a proposed building other than plans that show its height and external configuration is restricted under section 12(1A) of the Local Government Act 1993.

How will my application be determined?

Once lodged with Council, your application is assessed and then determined by one of the following decision making processes:

Under delegated authority (most applications are determined this way)
DAs that are not determined under delegated authority are considered by Council’s Planning Committee. These can include applications that do not comply with relevant planning regulations/policies, and/or where objections have been submitted.

How long does it take for my DA to be considered?

This depends on the type of development application and if other government agencies are involved. You can track your DA’s progress using eDA or Council’s Customer Service staff can provide you with an update of your DA upon request.

Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Council has 40 days to assess an application.

After my application is determined, how will I be advised?

You will be advised in writing of the determination of your application. If your application is approved, then you will be sent a copy of the development consent including conditions of consent and approved plans.

Should your application be refused, a refusal notice will be sent advising of the grounds of refusal.

How do I appeal against my notice of determination?

If you disagree with the determination of your development application, contact
Council immediately so any issues can be clarified and your options discussed.

Options available to you include:

A review of determination of your application
An application to modify a development consent
An appeal to the Land and Environment Court

What information will be available about my DA?

Council had adopted a policy to make available as much information about development proposals as possible during the notification period except where limited by legislation. For example, in accordance with section 12(1A) of the Local Government Act 1993 detail in residential parts of floor plans will not be exhibited.

Once the notification period had ended can the public access details of my DA on Council’s website?

Yes. If your DA is to be determined by Council’s Planning Committee it will be included in a report to the Planning Committee. Council and Committee Meeting agendas, reports and minutes are provided on Council’s website for a period of at least twelve months.

Some basic information about development applications determined is also available in the Planning and Development section of this website.

Will my letter of objection in relation to a development proposal be available for viewing?

Yes. All submissions will be available for viewing on request to anyone and may be referred to in a report to Council. Council and Committee Meeting agendas, reports and minutes are provided on Council’s website for a period of at least twelve months.

Can I lodge My Development Application through Council’s website?

Yes. Development applications can be lodged through eDA. eDA is a fully secure online development application lodgement and tracking service. eDA allows the tracking of DAs from initial application lodging through to assessment.

Anyone with an internet connection can submit and then access their eDA at any time and can also complete supporting documentation required for complying development and construction certificates.

Customers can also log in from anywhere at any time to see how their application is progressing. At key milestone points, customers also receive email messages informing them of their application’s progress.

Access to the tracking service is via eda.strathfield.nsw.gov.au.

Can I still lodge my development application at Council’s Customer Service Centre?

Yes, as long as all requirements are met.

What is a Local Environmental Plan (LEP)?

The purpose of a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) is to define what purpose land may be used for. The LEP is the primary planning instrument for a local government area.

Council has drafted the Strathfield Local Plan 2003 to replace the Strathfield Planning Scheme Ordinance, which was first adopted in 1969. The draft Strathfield Local Plan 2003 has been placed on public exhibition and is currently awaiting gazettal. The Strathfield Planing Scheme Ordinance and Draft Strathfield Local Plan 2003 are available from the Planning and Development section of this website.

What is a Development Control Plan (DCP)?

Council has prepared a number of development control plans (DCPs) that set out in detail policies and codes relating to the development of land in the Strathfield Municipality.

Some development control plans relate specifically to individual sites. Others address requirements for development in particular zones eg residential, commercial or industrial. Council’s DCPs are available from the Planning and Development section of this website.

Council is required to review all development control plans and update these to comply with state regulations.

What is eDA?

The electronic development application tool known as eDA, is a fully secure online development application lodgement and tracking service. eDA allows the tracking of DAs from initial application lodging through to assessment.

Anyone with an internet connection can submit and then access their eDA at any time and can also complete supporting documentation required for complying development and construction certificates.

What is a BASIX Certificate?

Introduced by the NSW Government, BASIX, the Building Sustainability Index, ensures homes are designed to use less water and be responsible for fewer greenhouse gas emissions by setting energy and water reduction targets for houses and units.

If you are making alterations or additions to your home, you must include a BASIX Certificate with your Development Application. You can obtain a BASIX Certificate online, by following the guide at the BASIX website.

It is compulsory to submit a BASIX Certificate when lodging a development application to construct a new dwelling, dual occupancy (whether attached or detached), new villas, town houses and residential flat buildings.

If you do not include your Certificate when you lodge your application, Council cannot accept or start to assess your proposal. For further information on BASIX please visit www.basix.nsw.gov.au, contact the BASIX helpline on 1300 650 908 or contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9748 9999.

Do I have to make developer contributions?

Council has adopted a "Section 94” contributions plans that outlines the circumstances when developers are required to make monetary contributions or provide community facilities. The contributions are directed towards the provision or upgrading of public infrastructure that is required as a result of the additional demands created by the development. In some cases Council will require the developer provide facilities eg car parking spaces.

What hours can building work take place?

All building and demolition work is to be carried out only between the hours of 7am and 5pm Monday to Saturday inclusive during Eastern Standard Time, and 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday inclusive during daylight saving time. No work is to be carried out on Sundays and public holidays.

What can I do with my block of land?

This varies widely depending on how planning regulations affect your particular block with regards to location, zoning etc. Contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9748 9999 or speak to the Planning Duty Officer at Council’s Customer Service Centre who is available between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

How do I find out the zoning for my property?

Information about the zoning of properties is available at Council’s Customer Service Centre. There is a Planning Officer on duty between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday to assist you if needed. The zoning information is intended as a guide only and confirmation can be obtained by applying for a section 149 certificate.

Can I get property ownership information over the phone?

Under the Privacy and Personal Information and Protection Act, Council may only provide ownership information to parties who have established their identity and have demonstrated a legitimate need for such information. It is not possible to establish identity over the phone.

What is Council’s policy on building inspections?

Once building approval has been obtained, Council requires inspections by Council's Development Assessment Officer be carried out as the work progresses and upon completion. A final inspection is required before occupation of the premises.

Do we have any heritage items in the municipality?

The Strathfield Municipality has many items and places that have heritage significance to the community.

These items and areas are listed in a schedule to the Strathfield Planning Scheme Ordinance and draft Local Environmental Plan No 105. Development consent is generally required to carry out work on any of these items. For further information please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9748 9999.

How can I find out who owns the property next door so I can arrange a dividing fence?

Contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 9748 9999. Privacy Act requirements limit the amount of information Council staff are able to provide.

Does my neighbour have to contribute to the cost of a dividing fence?

The Dividing Fences Act 1991 (NSW) addresses how the cost of a dividing fence is shared between adjoining land owners, where an owner wants to erect a dividing fence or wants work done on an existing dividing fence. It sets out the minimum requirements, owners may agree to arrangements exceeding these requirements.

For more information refer to the Dividing Fences Laws Fact Sheet or visit the Department of Lands website.

Who can assist with a neighbourhood dispute in relation to a fence?

Council has no authority over neighbourly disputes and this is a matter between residents. The Local Court provides advice on dealing with fencing problems or going to Court. If you cannot resolve a dispute amicably, contact the Community Justice Centre or your solicitor.