Responding to Council’s RFI (Request for Information) in NSW Planning

Receiving a Request for Information (RFI) from council is a routine part of the development application (DA) process in NSW.

It doesn’t mean your proposal is at risk, it simply means the council needs further detail before making a decision.

As a town planning company based in NSW, we regularly assist homeowners, developers and business owners in responding to RFIs across a range of residential and commercial developments.

Whether it’s a new home, dual occupancy, or commercial change of use, preparing a thorough and timely response is essential for progressing your DA approval.

In our experience, RFIs commonly request changes to architectural drawings, clarification of how a project complies with local planning controls, or supporting documents such as a statement of environmental effects, a heritage impact statement, or reports addressing flood and bushfire risks.

In more complex proposals, the council may request a justification under Clause 4.6 where the project doesn’t fully comply with development standards.

For residential projects in NSW, including secondary dwellings or duplexes, we’re often required to address issues such as building setbacks, overshadowing, or height limits.

With our in-house drafting and design team, we make plan revisions efficiently and ensure alignment with the relevant Development Control Plan (DCP).

On commercial projects, such as beauty clinics, cafes or office fit-outs, councils may request additional information about operating hours, parking arrangements or accessibility requirements.

As planning consultants experienced in commercial change of use applications, we anticipate these requirements and provide proactive planning advice to keep your development on track.

It’s important to treat every RFI seriously.

Councils typically provide 21 to 28 days to respond.

If your response is delayed or incomplete, the application may be refused or lapse.

That’s why our team prioritises clear, compliant responses backed by strong documentation and sound planning reasoning.

We offer comprehensive town planning services for residential development across NSW, including expert help with Clause 4.6 variation requests, council submissions for secondary dwellings, and planning advice for dual occupancy applications.

Our team of town planners, drafting experts and consultants collaborates to deliver well-coordinated, council-ready responses to RFIs and all stages of the development process.

If you’re unsure how to get a DA approved in NSW, or you’ve received an RFI from your local council, working with a town planner near you who specialises in the NSW planning system can give you the confidence and clarity to move forward.