Need DA Approval in Blacktown? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you're building or renovating in the Blacktown area, you’ll likely need DA approval before work can begin.

Blacktown City Council has detailed planning controls that affect everything from setbacks and site coverage to privacy and drainage.

At Town Planning Sydney, we help clients prepare and lodge successful development applications across the Blacktown LGA.

Here’s what you need to know before you start.

1. Check your zoning and site restrictions early

Blacktown Council uses the Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan to regulate land use.

Your zone will determine whether your project is allowed, and what conditions apply.

Our planning consultants start every project by confirming zoning, lot size, and overlays like flooding or bushfire risk.

In Rooty Hill, we helped a client modify their design to meet minimum landscaped area controls.

2. Design to meet Blacktown-specific development standards

Setbacks, height limits, private open space and facade treatments must align with council requirements.

Our team prepares designs and plans that are tailored for Blacktown Council’s planning framework.

For a granny flat in Doonside, we prepared DA-ready drawings that met the rear setback and privacy screen requirements.

The application was approved in one round with no design changes.

3. Include all required documents with your development application

Council will only assess your application once all documents are submitted.

This includes site plans, floor plans, elevations, shadow diagrams and a Statement of Environmental Effects.

We recently managed a dual occupancy application in Plumpton, preparing all documentation in-house.

Because the submission was complete and compliant, the council approval came through in under 10 weeks.

4. Expect feedback from council during the assessment

Most applications receive comments or minor requests from council planners. We manage this communication and respond quickly on your behalf.

In Quakers Hill, Blacktown Council requested a revised driveway gradient plan for a two-storey dwelling.

Our drafter issued the update within 48 hours, keeping the project on schedule.

5. Use a local planning consultant to avoid delays

Working with a team that knows the Blacktown LGA helps avoid unnecessary back and forth.

We understand how the planning department interprets its rules and what common sticking points to avoid.

In Seven Hills, we prepared a Statement of Environmental Effects that addressed streetscape impact, privacy and stormwater upfront.

The application passed with no further requests.

6. We combine planning and drafting in one service

Our in-house drafting and town planning team works together to prepare designs that are compliant and buildable.

This means fewer errors, faster updates and better results for our clients.

We’ve helped dozens of homeowners and developers across Blacktown secure DA approval with minimal stress.

If you're preparing a development application in Blacktown, working with experienced professionals who know the system makes all the difference.

Town Planning Sydney is here to help you get it done right.