How to Respond to a Council RFI (Request for Information)

Getting a Request for Information (RFI) after lodging a development application is a normal part of the NSW planning process.

It doesn’t mean your DA is in trouble, but it does mean council needs more information before progressing with their assessment.

Here’s how to respond properly and keep your DA approval on track.

Read the RFI Carefully and Break It Down

Start by reviewing the RFI in detail and listing out each request or issue.

Common concerns include design non-compliances, missing reports, neighbour objections or unresolved issues from council departments like stormwater, traffic or heritage.

If anything is unclear, a planning consultant can provide professional planning advice to clarify the intent.

As a town planning company experienced in NSW planning, we often help clients decode technical RFIs and respond with confidence.

Act Quickly to Avoid Delays

You’ll usually be given 21 to 28 days to respond.

Missing this deadline can result in your development application being refused or returned.

Don’t let time slip away.

If additional time is needed to gather information, a planning consultant can request an extension and keep the dialogue open with council.

Get the Right Experts on Board Early

Many RFIs need input from other professionals.

If council requests a revised flood plan, you may need a hydraulic engineer.

If overshadowing is an issue, a new shadow diagram may be needed.

Town Planning Sydney integrates drafting and design services in-house to respond quickly and accurately to RFIs.

This saves time and reduces errors.

Address Every Point Clearly and Thoroughly

Council approval depends on how well you respond.

Each item in the RFI must be answered completely.

A vague reply like “noted” or “already submitted” won’t satisfy council unless it’s backed up with the relevant drawings, letters or reports.

Structure your response so each council concern is matched with your solution, and include attachments to support your answers.

Don’t Overcorrect or Change the DA Scope

Avoid redesigning the project unless absolutely necessary.

Major changes can trigger re-notification or even require a new DA.

Keep your response focused on minor amendments that directly resolve council’s concerns.

If a larger redesign is unavoidable, get planning advice first to avoid setbacks.

Know the Most Common Reasons for RFIs

We’ve seen certain issues come up time and again in NSW planning:

• Insufficient streetscape context

• Privacy and overlooking impacts

• Poorly located waste storage

• Lack of justification for planning variations

  
  

By anticipating these issues early, you can prepare a stronger DA package from the start.

Our team regularly helps applicants avoid RFIs entirely by lodging well-prepared development applications.

Submit Properly and Follow Up

Once your response is ready, submit it through the NSW Planning Portal or as instructed by council.

Keep proof of submission and ask council to confirm that assessment has resumed.

An experienced planning consultant can handle this process for you, ensuring nothing gets missed and council stays engaged.

An RFI is not a setback, but a normal part of the development application journey.

With expert planning advice and support from a leading town planning company, your project can move forward without unnecessary delays.