Do I Need to Landscape for a Small Residential DA?

Landscaping Is Usually Required, Even for Modest Residential Developments

If you're lodging a development application (DA) for a small residential project in NSW, landscaping is almost always required.

This applies to granny flats, secondary dwellings, extensions, dual occupancies and other minor alterations.

Councils require a landscape plan as part of your DA package, even if the scope of work seems small.

If your development changes hard surface ratios, impacts tree protection zones or reduces permeable area, it will trigger landscape conditions.

As a leading town planning company in NSW, we ensure our clients submit complete applications, including professionally drafted landscape plans.

Why Councils Treat Landscaping as a Critical Planning Element

Landscaping isn't just about kerb appeal.

It's a functional element in local planning frameworks, used to manage:

• Drainage and stormwater runoff

• Tree protection and vegetation retention

• Amenity and privacy for neighbours

• Integration with the local streetscape

These issues are governed by each council's development control plan (DCP) and the local environmental plan (LEP).

A planning consultant will interpret these documents to ensure your landscape plan meets all the necessary criteria.

For example, if you're building a granny flat in Parramatta and removing a native tree, you may need compensatory planting in a deep soil zone.

What Your Landscape Plan Must Show

A compliant landscape plan typically includes:

• Existing vegetation (clearly marked for removal or retention)

• Proposed new planting and soft landscaping

• Paving, driveways, retaining walls and other hardscaping

• Tree protection zones and drainage elements

This drawing must be scaled, labelled and consistent with the architectural site plan.

In our firm, planning consultants and drafters work together to produce DA documentation that meets NSW planning expectations across every element.

When You Need a Landscape Architect vs Drafting Team

For standard lots, your plan can be prepared by an experienced drafting team with DA knowledge.

You don’t need to hire a landscape architect unless:

• Your site has heritage or environmental sensitivity

• There are complex ecological impacts

• You're working in a bushfire prone or riparian zone

Recently, we helped a homeowner in Ryde prepare a DA for a secondary dwelling.

The block had tight setbacks and a protected jacaranda tree.

Council requested revised permeable paving, additional planting for privacy and a clear tree protection plan.

We handled all updates in house and gained DA approval without third party delays.

CDC Projects Still Have Landscaping Controls

Even if you're pursuing a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) under the NSW Housing Code, landscaping still matters.

Your certifier must confirm compliance with:

• Minimum landscaped areas

• Tree setback rules

• Site coverage ratios

You don’t always need a separate landscape plan, but the landscape outcome must meet the code.

We recommend early planning advice to confirm whether CDC or DA is the better path for your site.

Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Council Refusals or Delays

Many applicants underestimate landscaping requirements.

We frequently see DAs delayed due to:

• Deep soil zones being omitted

• Tree removals not addressed

• Landscape plans contradicting site plans

These mistakes trigger council requests for information, which add weeks to your DA timeline.

By integrating landscape planning from day one, your application is more likely to be approved on the first submission.

Know What Your Local Council Expects

Each NSW council interprets landscape planning differently.

In Canterbury Bankstown, we’ve seen simple carport DAs flagged due to minor hardscape changes.

Ku ring gai enforces strict vegetation retention, often requiring detailed arborist input for even small scale DAs.

Our planning consultants understand these council by council nuances and design documentation accordingly.

Build Landscape Planning into Your DA Strategy

Treating landscaping as an afterthought is a common and costly mistake.

It can lead to DA delays, compliance issues and even refusal.

Town Planning Sydney provides full scope support for residential and commercial development applications across NSW.

Our in house drafting and planning teams work together to produce accurate, council ready DA packages including landscape plans that meet all planning controls.

If you're unsure whether your project needs landscaping, or how to approach it, expert planning advice will save you time, cost and stress.