What Council Rules Should I Know Before Extending My Home?

Extending your home can improve space, comfort and property value.

But before you pick up a hammer, it’s important to understand the NSW planning rules that apply.

Many extensions need council approval through a development application, while others may qualify for Complying Development.

At Town Planning Sydney, we help homeowners design and document home extensions that meet all council requirements.

Here’s what to look out for before you start.

1. Know your zoning and local planning controls

Zoning determines what type of development is permitted on your land.

We start every project by checking the Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan for your council area.

This reveals what’s allowed and under what conditions. Our planning consultants recently helped a client in Ryde redesign a rear extension to comply with open space and landscaping rules.

2. Understand setback requirements

Setbacks are the minimum distances between your building and property boundaries. They protect privacy, access and streetscape character.

Each council sets its own setback rules depending on zone and lot size. We adjust our designs to meet setback controls from the start, saving time during assessment.

In Georges River, we resolved a side boundary issue by adjusting the wall location by 500mm.

3. Consider height limits and floor space ratio

Most councils limit building height and how much floor area you can add.

If your extension breaches these limits, your development application may be refused or require variation justification.

In Penrith, we supported a first-floor extension by preparing a detailed Statement of Environmental Effects explaining the design’s minimal impact on neighbours.

Council accepted the variation and granted DA approval.

4. Check for heritage or conservation restrictions

If your property is in a heritage conservation area, extra rules apply. These control changes to the facade, materials and roofline.

We worked with a client in Ashfield whose extension needed heritage-compatible design features.

Our drawings and planning advice ensured the proposal aligned with local character statements.

5. Don’t forget about overshadowing and privacy impacts

Extensions must not significantly reduce sunlight to neighbouring yards or windows.

Privacy screens may also be required for upper-floor additions. Our team prepares shadow diagrams and privacy responses as part of your development application.

In Blacktown, a rear extension was approved after we provided compliant daylight access diagrams.

6. Know the difference between DA and CDC

Some extensions can be approved faster under Complying Development if they meet strict standards.

We assess every project to see whether CDC is an option or if a full DA approval is needed. This saves our clients weeks in processing time.

In Parramatta, we helped a family lodge a CDC application for a ground floor extension, avoiding the longer DA route.

7. Use expert planning and drafting to avoid redesigns

Poor documentation or non-compliant plans can trigger costly changes or rejection.

We prepare council-ready plans and reports that meet NSW planning standards the first time. Our in-house team provides accurate drawings backed by planning consultant input.

Whether you’re adding a room or a second storey, Town Planning Sydney delivers trusted planning advice and plans that get approved faster.