Subdivision Rules in the Central Coast: Can You Split Your Block?

If you own a large block of land on the Central Coast, you may be wondering whether you can subdivide it.

The short answer: it depends.

NSW planning rules around subdivision vary depending on zoning, minimum lot sizes, and infrastructure access.

Understanding these requirements early can save you time, money and unnecessary stress.

Here’s what you need to know before lodging a development application for subdivision in the Central Coast region.

1. Know Your Zoning and Minimum Lot Size

The first thing to check is the zoning of your land under the Central Coast Local Environmental Plan.

Each zone has a minimum lot size that must be met for subdivision to be considered.

For example, R2 Low Density Residential zones often require minimum lot sizes of 450 square metres.

If your existing block is 900 square metres or more, a two-lot subdivision could be possible, subject to council approval.

Town Planning Sydney can help you interpret zoning maps and lot size rules with clear, practical planning advice.

2. Check Easements, Slopes and Access

Just because your block is large enough doesn’t mean it’s ready to be split.

You’ll need to consider existing easements, flood or bushfire overlays and access to roads and services.

Corner blocks often have an advantage because they allow separate street access for each lot.

Steep land may require additional earthworks or design modifications, which can affect DA approval timelines and costs.

A planning consultant can assess the site early and flag potential issues before you commit to survey and design fees.

3. DA or CDC? Subdivision Must Go Through Council

Unlike some house builds or granny flats, subdivision cannot be done through the Complying Development pathway.

All subdivision proposals on the Central Coast require a development application and formal council approval.

This includes submitting detailed plans, a Statement of Environmental Effects and engineering reports where needed.

Town Planning Sydney’s team combines in-house drafting with local planning knowledge to streamline the process.

4. Consider What Comes After the Subdivision

Subdivision isn’t just about drawing a new boundary line.

You’ll also need to budget for physical works like driveways, drainage, sewer connection and electricity supply to both lots.

If you plan to build on one or both lots later, you’ll also need designs that meet building controls and NSW planning rules.

We often work with clients who are developing one lot for sale and building a duplex or detached home on the other.

Early design and planning coordination helps avoid rework and additional DA fees down the line.

5. Real-World Example: A Successful Central Coast Subdivision

Recently, we assisted a homeowner in Wamberal with a 980 square metre corner lot.

The zoning allowed a two-lot subdivision, but the land had a stormwater constraint at the rear.

We worked with a hydraulic engineer and council early in the process to propose an on-site detention solution.

Our planning consultant prepared a development application that addressed council requirements upfront.

DA approval was granted within the statutory timeframe, and our in-house team prepared drafting for both lots to fast-track future construction.

6. Get Trusted Planning Advice Early

Subdivision in the Central Coast is achievable, but only when you understand the rules.

Engaging an experienced planning consultant before you submit a development application gives you a major advantage.

At Town Planning Sydney, we help landowners make smart decisions through every stage of the process.

From site assessment to drafting and DA approval, our team is here to make NSW planning easier to navigate.