Information Drawing Sheets

Site plan (scale 1:200)

Site Plans are the foundation of every DA, CDC and CC submission. They establish the relationship between the proposed development and its physical and regulatory context. At giantA, our Site Plans are prepared at Scale 1:200 (or 1:500 for large rural sites) and include:

• Lot dimensions and north orientation
• Locations of existing and proposed buildings, fences, pools, and retaining walls
• Existing and proposed ground levels, including AHD for flood-prone sites
• Tree positions, canopy spreads and species identification ( arborist report cross-reference)
• Driveways, utility connections (water, sewer, electricity, NBN) and stormwater infrastructure
• Landscape area calculations and adjoining property footprints
• Easements, setbacks, build-to lines and covenant restrictions

These plans are critical for verifying compliance with zoning, floor space ratios, setbacks and development controls under the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP).

Floor plan (scale 1:100)

Floor Plans illustrate the internal organisation of the building and are prepared at Scale 1:100 (or 1:50 for complex detailing). Each plan includes:

• Room layouts with dimensions, wall thicknesses and construction types
• Door and window placements with sizes, sill heights and swing directions
• Compliance features — smoke detectors, fire egress paths, accessibility provisions (AS 1428)
• Floor area calculations (GFA, NFA) for FSR compliance
• Ceiling heights, bulkhead locations and structural grid references
• Joinery, fixtures and fittings locations (kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes)

These plans provide the accurate representation of interior spaces required for council review, certifier assessment and construction execution.

Elevation and Section Plans (Scale 1:100)

Elevation plans show external building facades, heights, material finishes, window and door schedules, roof pitches, gutter lines and drainage directions. Section plans cut through the building to reveal construction details, floor-to-ceiling heights, spatial relationships, structural elements, and footing or foundation details where required.

Both are prepared at Scale 1:100 and are essential for:

• Height compliance (max building height, storey limits)
• Material and colour schedule compliance
• Visual impact assessment and streetscape analysis
• Construction sequencing and structural coordination

We can also provide 3D architectural models and rendered perspectives to assist in visualisation, marketing and community consultation.

Supporting Information Drawing Sheets

Beyond the core architectural drawings, many DA and CDC applications require additional specialised plans:

Notification Plans

Simplified plans for informing neighbouring properties of proposed works. They show setbacks, building envelopes and key dimensions in a clear, accessible format.

Shadow Diagrams

Required for multi-storey developments, showing overshadowing impacts at 9am, 12pm and 3pm on the winter solstice (21 June). These diagrams are critical for assessing impacts on adjoining properties, public open space and sensitive uses such as childcare centres and aged care facilities.

Landscaping Plans

Designed to meet Chapter C6 and Appendix 3 environmental guidelines. Include planting schedules, hardscape details, irrigation layouts, tree retention plans and biodiversity offsets where applicable.

Erosion and Sediment Control Plans

Detailing soil and runoff management measures, sediment basins, drainage controls, stockpile locations and rehabilitation schedules — required for sites with slopes > 3% or within 40m of a waterway.

Drainage and Stormwater Plans

Including on-site detention (OSD) designs, pit locations, pipe sizes, overland flow paths, easement approvals and connection details to council infrastructure — essential for flood-prone and high-runoff sites.

Sustainability and Energy Compliance Documentation

Sustainability is integral to our documentation process. Our services include:

• BASIX Compliance Certificates — Meeting NSW mandatory targets for energy, water and thermal comfort. Required for all new dwellings, alterations over $50,000, and swimming pools over 40,000 litres.
• NatHERS Assessments — Achieving 7-star energy ratings or higher for improved efficiency and compliance with the NCC 2022 thermal performance requirements.
• Energy Audits and Reports — Identifying opportunities for reduced energy consumption, improved thermal performance and lower operational costs.
• Building Design Sustainability Statements — Integrating passive design principles (orientation, cross-ventilation, thermal mass, shading) into the drawing package to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

By meeting BASIX requirements and energy rating Australia standards, your project gains both compliance and long-term market value.

Drawing package costs & timelines

All work is on an hourly rate, paid in advance. We issue a fixed-fee quote after scope confirmation. Items not listed in the original scope — such as extra sections, revised drawings after council comments, or specialist consultant coordination — are treated as variations and charged separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Information Drawing Sheets and why are they required?

Information Drawing Sheets are the complete set of architectural drawings and documents required by NSW councils and private certifiers to assess a Development Application (DA), Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Construction Certificate (CC). They provide the technical evidence that a proposed building complies with the National Construction Code (NCC), local environmental plans (LEPs), development control plans (DCPs) and relevant Australian Standards. Without accurate, complete Information Drawing Sheets, an application cannot be lodged or assessed.

What scale must architectural drawings be for council submission in NSW?

NSW councils and certifiers require drawings at standard scales: Site Plans at 1:200 (or 1:500 for large sites); Floor Plans, Elevations and Sections at 1:100 (or 1:50 for detail); and detailed construction drawings at 1:20 or 1:10. Shadow diagrams and landscaping plans typically use 1:200 or 1:500. All drawings must include a north point, scale bar, legend, drawing number and revision date.

What is the difference between a DA drawing package and a CDC drawing package?

A DA (Development Application) package is assessed by council and requires comprehensive documentation including site analysis, shadow diagrams, landscaping plans, heritage reports and sometimes traffic studies. It is required for developments that do not comply with exempt or complying development standards. A CDC (Complying Development Certificate) package is assessed by a private certifier under State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) and is typically faster. It requires standardised drawings proving compliance with predetermined standards but does not need shadow diagrams or detailed site analysis unless specified in the SEPP.

How long does it take to prepare Information Drawing Sheets?

For a standard single dwelling: 2–3 weeks. Dual occupancy or manor house: 3–5 weeks. Multi-residential or commercial: 4–8 weeks. Heritage or complex sites: 6–12 weeks. Timeline depends on: whether an accurate measured survey exists; the complexity of the site; the number of specialist consultants involved (structural, hydraulic, acoustic); and council pre-lodgement requirements. We confirm turnaround in the fixed-fee proposal.

Do I need shadow diagrams for my Development Application?

Shadow diagrams are required for most multi-storey developments and any development where overshadowing of neighbouring properties is a concern. Councils typically require shadow diagrams showing the proposed building's shadow at 9am, 12pm and 3pm on the winter solstice (21 June). They are not usually required for single-storey dwellings on flat sites with standard setbacks, but are mandatory for apartments (Class 2), commercial buildings over two storeys, and developments near sensitive uses such as childcare centres or public open space.

What is included in a BASIX certificate and how does it relate to the drawing package?

A BASIX certificate confirms that a residential development meets NSW mandatory targets for energy, water and thermal comfort. It is required for all new dwellings, alterations and additions over $50,000, and swimming pools over 40,000 litres. The BASIX certificate is generated from the architectural drawings — floor areas, window sizes, orientations and construction materials — so the drawing package must be accurate for the BASIX assessment to be valid. At giantA, we integrate BASIX compliance into the drawing package, ensuring that the documentation and sustainability certificate align.