What Common Drawing Mistakes Cause DA Rejections?

Getting a development application approved in NSW isn’t just about meeting planning rules.

Your drawings must also be clear, complete and consistent with supporting documents.

At Town Planning Sydney, we review and prepare every DA drawing set to avoid the errors that often lead to delays or outright rejection.

Here are the most common drawing mistakes to watch out for.

1. Missing or incorrect site boundaries

One of the most common reasons for DA approval refusal is incorrect site dimensions.

If the site boundaries don’t match the registered survey, your drawings will be flagged.

We always base your plans on a recent and accurate survey to avoid this issue.

2. No scale or inconsistent drawing scales

Councils require all drawings to be to scale, with clear labels and a scale bar.

Using inconsistent scales across different sheets can lead to confusion and trigger a request for revised plans.

We keep all plans properly scaled and consistent for fast council approval.

3. Unclear or incomplete elevations and sections

Elevation drawings must clearly show materials, wall heights, window placements and rooflines.

Missing details or poor annotations make it difficult for council officers to assess the visual impact of your proposal.

We label and dimension every elevation clearly, using NSW planning standards.

4. Shadow diagrams that don’t show seasonal impacts

Incorrect or overly simplified shadow diagrams can result in rejections, especially if the proposal impacts neighbours.

Many applicants forget to show shadowing at 9am, 12pm and 3pm during winter. We prepare accurate shadow studies to support your development application.

5. Inconsistencies between drawings and planning reports

If your Statement of Environmental Effects refers to one design and your drawings show another, your DA will likely be returned.

We ensure all reports and plans are coordinated before submission. This reduces unnecessary back-and-forth with council officers.

6. No north point or orientation mismatch

Site orientation is critical for understanding solar access, privacy and overshadowing.

Plans that are not oriented correctly or missing a north arrow are often rejected for resubmission. We triple-check drawing orientation before submission.

7. Not showing existing conditions or proposed demolition

Council planners need to understand what currently exists on-site.

Drawings must include what will be removed or retained, including trees, fences, and buildings. We overlay existing and proposed layouts to give council a full picture.

8. Poor quality or illegible PDF submissions

Even if the content is correct, poor resolution or formatting can lead to rejection.

We submit professionally prepared, high-resolution PDFs that are print-ready and easy to read. Avoiding these mistakes can save you months of delays and unnecessary redesign costs.

With Town Planning Sydney, you get drawings prepared by experts in town planning and NSW planning, so your DA gets through council smoothly.