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Specifications Required

Guide to lodging a building permit that meets your local council’s DCP

Requirements for lodging a building permit or development application vary by local council and project type, but aligning with the Development Control Plan (DCP) is key to success. Below, we outline essential specifications to streamline your process, optimised in Building Design, Drafting Services.

1. Lodgement Specifications

Always refer to your local council’s DCP for specific development application requirements. Here’s what’s typically needed:

  • File Format: Save each document as a separate PDF; group architectural plans into one PDF for submission and assessment.
  • Transparency: Confirm on the checklist that all submitted info, including council correspondence, may appear on the council’s website—signatures included.
  • Digital Standards:
    • Name files clearly (e.g., "999 Abc St - Site Plan - A01 - Rev A").
    • Highlight new work in colour, use landscape layout, and stick to a 1:100 scale on A3.
    • Submit unlocked, electronically converted PDFs.
  • Naming Rules:
    • Documents: Address - Report Name - Date (e.g., "999 Abc St - Environmental Statement - 03/08/2019").
    • Plans: Address - Plan Name - Size - Number - Revision (e.g., "999 Abc St - Landscape Plan - A01 - Rev A").
    • Keep names under 250 characters.

Note: Larger projects may use different scales with prior approval from Council Development Services.

2. Coloured Plans, Elevations, and Sections

Use these colours for proposed or amended works in building design plans:

  • Brick: Red | Rooftiles: Orange | Concrete: Dark Green | Tile: Purple | Fibre Cement/Render: Light Green | Glass: Light Blue | Sandstone: Light Brown | Timber: Yellow | Steel: Dark Blue.

Only colour changes to ensure clarity in drafting services outputs.

3. Must-Have Documents

a) A4 Notification Plan

  • Single A4 page showing height and external elevations relative to boundaries.
  • Scale: 1:100 on A4/A3; larger plans need council approval.
  • Include: Applicant name, address, lot/DP details, north point, and draftsman/architect info.

b) Site Plan

  • Bird’s-eye view of existing/proposed development with setbacks, neighbouring structures, drainage, and access details at 1:100 scale.

c) Floor Plan (Existing & Proposed)

  • Layout of rooms with changes marked (dotted for existing, coloured for new) at 1:100 scale on A3.

d) Elevation Plan

  • Side views of all elevations with cladding, windows, and drainage at 1:100 scale.

e) Section Plan

  • Cross-section showing heights, roof pitch, and site works at 1:100 scale.

f) Shadow Diagrams

  • Show shadows at equinoxes/midwinter (9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm) if overshadowing increases; certified and scaled at 1:100.

g) Subdivision Plan

  • Detail lots, roads, and services if subdivision is affected.

h) Landscaping Plan

  • Outline plantings, tree removal, and erosion controls with changes highlighted.

i) BASIX Certificate

  • Mandatory for new homes, alterations over $50,000, or pools over 40,000L; mark commitments on plans.

j) Statement of Modification & Environmental Effects

  • Assess impacts (e.g., traffic, heritage) per DCP and LEP guidelines.

k) Heritage Impact Statement

  • Required for heritage sites; prepared by a qualified consultant per NSW Heritage standards.

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