How Can I Make my DA Drawings More Likely to be Approved?

Getting your development application approved the first time depends on more than just good design.

Your DA drawings must clearly meet all NSW planning rules, council policies and documentation standards.

At Town Planning Sydney, we’ve helped hundreds of clients streamline their DAs with precise, well-prepared plans.

Here’s how to improve your chances of DA approval.

1. Match your drawings with planning controls

Every council has rules on height, setbacks, floor space ratio and open space. Your drawings must show exactly how the design complies with those controls.

We include reference tables that match site features to each planning requirement.

2. Include all required drawing types

A complete DA drawing set typically includes a site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections and shadow diagrams.

Some councils also ask for landscape plans, BASIX, stormwater details or driveway gradients.

We tailor your drawing package based on your council’s specific DA checklist.

3. Label all features clearly and consistently

Missing labels or mismatched annotations are common reasons for council delays.

We label rooms, levels, materials, setbacks, RLs and fence types directly on each sheet.

This helps planners confirm compliance without needing extra clarification.

4. Include both existing and proposed conditions

Your plans should show the site as it is now, and how it will look after the proposed works.

This includes demolition lines, retaining walls, trees and neighbouring buildings. We prepare existing-condition overlays that highlight the changes clearly.

5. Use accurate, to-scale dimensions

All drawings must be to scale and include dimensions that match your written documentation.

Councils may reject or return a DA if the scale is missing, inconsistent or wrong. We double-check dimensions against the survey and title before final submission.

6. Avoid overcomplication and clutter

Drawings that are too busy or full of unnecessary technical information can be hard for planners to read.

We keep linework, labels and notes clean and legible so your development application stays clear.

In Georges River, our simplified plan layout helped fast-track approval for a dual occupancy.

7. Align your drawings with supporting documents

Your Statement of Environmental Effects, BASIX Certificate and reports must all match the DA drawings.

We coordinate all documents in-house to prevent inconsistencies that could delay your council approval.

8. Get professional planning advice early

Even well-drawn plans can fail if they don’t align with zoning, DCP or LEP rules.

Our planning consultants review every proposal before drafting begins, so we avoid non-compliant designs. This saves time and reduces the risk of rework or refusal.

With Town Planning Sydney, you get more than just drawings, you get experienced, approval-ready plans backed by reliable planning advice tailored to your local council.