Specifications Required

Successfully lodging a development application requires careful compliance with your local council’s Development Control Plan (DCP). At giantA Pty Ltd, our focus on Architectural Services, supported by expert Drafting Services and comprehensive Energy Assessments (BASIX & NatHERS Certificates), ensures your submission meets both regulatory standards and project goals.

Below is a detailed guide outlining the specifications commonly required to assist in the preparation and lodgement process.

1. Lodgement Specifications

Although each council may vary slightly in their requirements, these best practices are widely accepted across NSW and support a smooth application process:

• File Format:
  Submit all documentation as separate PDFs. Combine all architectural plans into a single PDF to simplify assessment.
• Transparency:
  Ensure you complete the submission checklist. Be aware that all information, including correspondence and signatures, may be published on the council’s website.
• Digital Submission Standards:
  • Clearly name all files (e.g., 999 Abc St - Site Plan - A01 - Rev A).
  • Highlight proposed work in colour for visual clarity.
  • Use landscape orientation and scale plans at 1:100 on A3.
  • PDFs must be unlocked and digitally converted (not scanned).
• File Naming Convention:
  • Reports: Property Address - Report Type - Date
    (e.g., 999 Abc St - Environmental Statement - 03/08/2019).
  • Plans: Address - Plan Type - Size - Drawing Number - Revision
    (e.g., 999 Abc St - Elevation Plan - A01 - Rev A).
  • Keep file names under 250 characters.

Note: For larger-scale architectural projects, alternative scales may be permitted with prior approval from your council’s Development Services team.

2. Colour-Coded Plans, Elevations, and Sections

To enhance clarity in your architectural drawings, use the following standardised colours when highlighting proposed or modified works:

Only highlight the new or modified works to avoid confusion.

3. Mandatory Documents

For all residential and commercial architectural design applications, the following documents are typically required:

a) A4 Notification Plan

• A compact site plan illustrating building height and external views in relation to boundaries.
• Include: site address, applicant name, lot/DP, north point, and designer/architect details.
• Scale: 1:100 on A4 or A3.

b) Site Plan

• Overhead view of the existing and proposed development, setbacks, neighbouring structures, stormwater drainage, and site access.

c) Floor Plans (Existing & Proposed)

• Clearly mark proposed changes in colour and existing layout with dashed lines.
• Scale: 1:100 on A3.

d) Elevation Plans

• External side views, detailing materials, windows, and downpipes.

e) Section Plans

• Cross-sectional view showing site cut/fill, ceiling heights, and roof pitches.

f) Shadow Diagrams

• Required for developments increasing overshadowing. Show shadows at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm during mid-winter and equinox.

g) Subdivision Plan (if applicable)

• Indicate proposed lot boundaries, services, and access points.

h) Landscaping Plan

• Show existing vegetation, proposed planting, tree removals, and erosion controls. Highlight changes in colour.

i) BASIX Certificate

• Mandatory for all new homes, alterations exceeding $50,000, and pools over 40,000L. Ensure all BASIX commitments are clearly marked on the plans.

j) Statement of Environmental Effects & Modification Statement

• Address impacts including traffic, privacy, noise, and heritage. Align with your local DCP and LEP.

k) Heritage Impact Statement

• Required for heritage-listed properties. Must be prepared by a qualified heritage consultant and comply with NSW Heritage standards.

Streamline Your Approval Process with Professional Expertise

Navigating the DCP and DA requirements can be complex. At giantA Pty Ltd, our registered building designers, skilled architectural drafters, and sustainability consultants work collaboratively to deliver planning-compliant, council-ready documentation.

Whether you're planning a new residential build, a commercial development, or alterations to an existing property, we offer:

• End-to-end Architectural Services tailored to your vision and site constraints,
• Precision-focused Drafting Services for seamless plan production,
• Certified Energy Assessments to ensure compliance with BASIX & NatHERS requirements.

Contact us today to discuss your project and improve your chances of fast and smooth development approval.