What Are the Parking Requirements for Commercial Use in NSW?

Parking is one of the most common issues that triggers delays in the development application process for commercial projects.

Whether you’re changing the use of a tenancy, fitting out a new premises, or lodging a DA, councils will assess how many off-street parking spaces your business requires.

These rules are set out in the NSW planning framework and detailed in each council’s Development Control Plan (DCP).

Parking requirements depend on the type of commercial use, the size of the tenancy, and the location of the site. For example, a retail store might need one space per 20 square metres of floor area, while a gym might require one space per four patrons.

Office use is often calculated based on gross floor area. A town planner near me specialising in NSW DCP can interpret these rules and tell you exactly how many spaces are needed for your project.

As part of a development application, you’ll need to submit a site plan showing existing and proposed parking. You may also need a traffic or parking impact assessment prepared by a consultant.

Our town planning services for commercial change of use NSW include coordinating these reports and ensuring they meet council expectations.

In one recent case in the Hills District, we helped a client convert a showroom into a training centre. The original layout had only four spaces, but council required eight.

We redesigned the site circulation and obtained DA approval without reducing internal space.

If you can’t meet the full parking requirement, you may need to lodge a Clause 4.6 variation request NSW with supporting justification. This can apply where there is good access to public transport, nearby street parking, or limited ability to construct new spaces.

A planning consultant will prepare the variation request and supporting statement of environmental effects for NSW DA, demonstrating that the proposed parking is suitable for the context.

Some councils allow a cash-in-lieu contribution, where you pay a fee instead of providing on-site parking. This is more common in town centres or heritage areas.

In those cases, you may also need a heritage impact statement NSW town planning to address visual and functional changes. Our clients often ask how to get a DA approved in NSW without losing floor space or violating parking codes.

Early planning advice is the key to striking the right balance between compliance and commercial feasibility.

Whether you’re seeking a planning permit NSW for a new business, preparing a council submission for secondary dwelling NSW, or looking to change tenancy use, understanding parking is essential.

A town planner NSW based will help you navigate this issue before you submit anything, avoiding RFIs, redesigns and delays.