Do I Need a Roof Plan for my Residential DA?

Yes.

A roof plan is a standard requirement for most residential development applications in New South Wales.

It shows council how your roof design fits with planning controls and the surrounding streetscape.

At Town Planning Sydney, we prepare accurate roof plans as part of our complete DA approval drawing packages.

Here’s why they matter and what they should include:

1. A roof plan shows the full outline of the roof

It’s a view of your building from above, showing the shape, size and arrangement of roof surfaces.

We draw every ridge, valley, hip and edge line clearly so council can interpret the design.

2. It confirms compliance with height controls

While height limits are usually checked on elevation drawings, the roof plan supports this by showing roof pitch and any raised elements like skylights.

We also mark RLs (Reduced Levels) where required to demonstrate compliance with NSW planning rules.

3. Councils use roof plans to assess streetscape impact

Roof form affects how a building blends with neighbouring properties.

Flat, pitched, hipped and skillion roofs can all impact the look of the street.

We design roof plans that balance your design goals with local character requirements.

4. They show the location of roof fixtures

Elements like solar panels, skylights, chimneys and roof ventilators should be shown.

Some councils have specific placement rules to maintain aesthetic consistency or reduce glare.

We annotate each fixture so council can assess compliance.

5. They help with stormwater and drainage assessment

Roof plans show the fall direction of roof surfaces, which is essential for designing compliant stormwater systems.

We also indicate downpipe positions and discharge points where required.

6. They assist in shadow diagram preparation

Shadow diagrams are usually based on the roof outline.

If the roof plan is missing or inaccurate, your overshadowing analysis may be incorrect.

We ensure our roof plans align perfectly with the shadow studies submitted in your development application.

7. Roof plans must match your other DA drawings

Inconsistencies between the roof plan, floor plans and elevations can cause council approval delays.

We check every sheet in your DA package to ensure they all match.

8. A planning consultant ensures the roof design meets policy

Roof design is more than just an architectural choice, it’s a planning consideration.

Our planning consultants provide planning advice to ensure your roof plan complies with LEP and DCP controls while still delivering your preferred design outcome.

Including a roof plan in your residential development application is essential for a smooth approval process.

With Town Planning Sydney, you get accurate, policy-compliant plans prepared for both design quality and NSW planning compliance.