What Are the Accessibility and Fire Safety Requirements in NSW?

When planning a new build or a change of use in New South Wales, accessibility and fire safety aren’t just checklist items, they’re core requirements under NSW planning law and building regulations.

Getting council approval often hinges on demonstrating compliance in both areas, especially for public buildings and commercial developments.

Why Accessibility Matters in Town Planning

In most cases, if your project involves access for the public, such as a shop, medical practice or community centre, then the development application must show how it complies with the Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards 2010.

This means things like step-free entries, minimum doorway widths, accessible toilets and compliant signage.

A town planner NSW based can help you understand how these rules apply to your project.

For instance, we recently helped a small cafe owner convert a heritage-listed terrace in Marrickville.

It involved balancing accessible access with heritage preservation through a heritage impact statement NSW town planning report, supported by expert design and planning advice.

Understanding Fire Safety Compliance

Fire safety requirements are governed by the National Construction Code (NCC) and reinforced through building regulations NSW.

They vary based on building class and use.For example, a residential duplex needs compliant smoke alarms, while a mixed-use building with commercial space below and apartments above may need fire-rated walls, sprinklers and separate egress paths.

Your DA approval often requires a statement of environmental effects for NSW DA to address fire safety upfront.

Planning consultants can also flag where a building code consultant or fire engineer may need to be involved, especially in complex or high-risk developments.

Retrofitting Existing Buildings

When converting an older structure, such as turning a garage into a shop or warehouse into a yoga studio, retrofitting for fire safety and accessibility is often where costs and confusion arise.

We’ve advised many clients in this space, including a client in Newcastle converting a small factory into an art gallery.

They needed a Clause 4.6 variation request NSW to work around height limits, and our planning team ensured that egress, exit signage and ramp access were fully compliant.

DA or CDC: What’s the Right Pathway?

If your build qualifies for a complying development certificate (CDC), some fire safety and access requirements are handled through building certification.However, many projects, particularly those involving heritage overlays, dual occupancy, or subdivision, still require a full development application.

Whether you’re seeking town planning services for residential development NSW or planning advice for dual occupancy NSW, it's essential to factor in these requirements early.

A town planner near me specialising in NSW DCPs can save time and money by identifying risks before plans are submitted.

As NSW town planning consultants, we make sure every development application meets these critical standards—because council approval depends on getting it right.