What is Required in DA drawings for a Commercial Fit-Out?

If you are planning a commercial fit-out in New South Wales, your development application will need a complete set of drawings that meet NSW planning and local council requirements.

Even if the work is inside an existing building, the drawings must clearly show what is proposed and how it complies with planning controls.

At Town Planning Sydney, we prepare DA drawing packages tailored to commercial projects of all sizes.

Here’s what is typically required.

1. Existing and proposed floor plans

Your floor plans should show the current internal layout and the proposed changes.

This includes walls to be removed or built, the arrangement of rooms or work areas, furniture layouts if relevant, and fixed equipment such as counters or shelving.

We clearly distinguish existing and new elements for easy review by council officers.

2. Site plan

Even if the fit-out is internal, a site plan is required to show the location of the premises within the property.

This includes access points, parking areas, loading bays and connections to surrounding streets.

We also mark any outdoor seating or signage if applicable.

3. Elevations and internal elevations

If the fit-out involves changes visible from outside, such as new shopfronts, awnings or signage, elevation drawings are required.

Internal elevations may also be needed for compliance assessment of counters, kitchen layouts or display walls.

4. Sections

Sections cut through the building show the relationship between floors, ceilings and services.

They can be important where ceiling heights, mezzanines or service runs affect compliance. We ensure all sections match the floor plans and elevations exactly.

5. Reflected ceiling plan and lighting layout

For commercial fit-outs, lighting, sprinklers, smoke detectors and air conditioning units are often shown on a reflected ceiling plan.

This helps council assess compliance with fire safety and amenity requirements.

6. Accessibility and compliance details

Plans should indicate accessible entries, paths of travel, accessible toilets and compliance with relevant Australian Standards.

Our planning consultants ensure these are integrated into your drawings from the start.

7. Fire safety and essential services

Any changes to fire exits, sprinklers, alarms or hose reels must be shown.

We work closely with building certifiers to ensure the drawings meet both council approval and building code requirements.

8. Consistency with supporting reports

Your drawings must match any supporting documents such as Statements of Environmental Effects, acoustic reports or heritage impact statements.

We coordinate all documents so that council receives a consistent and compliant package.

9. Clear annotations and scaling

All drawings must be to scale, clearly annotated and easy to read. We avoid clutter while including every detail needed for assessment.

Preparing DA drawings for a commercial fit-out is about more than just showing where walls and fixtures go.

They must demonstrate compliance with NSW planning controls, building codes and accessibility standards.

With Town Planning Sydney, you get accurate, well-presented plans backed by expert planning advice for a faster and smoother DA approval.