When is a Traffic and Parking Report required for a DA?

Any development that increases vehicle movements or reduces parking

A Traffic and Parking Report is commonly required when a development application will impact traffic flow, street access or on-site parking.

This includes residential flat buildings, mixed-use developments, commercial premises, or even large alterations to existing buildings.

If the proposal increases the number of car spaces, changes access points or reduces existing parking, most councils across NSW will request a traffic impact assessment as part of the DA approval process.

A planning consultant can assess whether your project triggers this requirement.

Developments near major roads or intersections

If your site is located on or near a classified road, such as a state highway or busy intersection, the NSW planning system often requires a Traffic and Parking Report.

This is especially true if the proposal includes new driveways, loading bays or any changes to how vehicles enter or leave the site.

Council approval may also be dependent on consultation with Transport for NSW, particularly for developments with high vehicle volumes or potential traffic conflicts.

As an experienced town planning company in NSW, we help clients prepare compliant traffic assessments to satisfy both local councils and state agencies.

Multi-dwelling housing and high-density development

For townhouses, duplexes and apartment blocks, Traffic and Parking Reports are almost always required.

Councils want to ensure the surrounding road network can handle the increase in residents, vehicles and visitors.

They also assess the availability of on-street parking, waste vehicle access and pedestrian safety.

A well-prepared report can address these concerns early and reduce the risk of DA refusal.

Commercial, retail or industrial uses

If your development application involves a change of use, such as converting a warehouse into a gym or a shop into a café, a Traffic and Parking Report is typically needed.

These uses may generate more customer traffic, require delivery vehicle access or demand more parking than the previous use.

A planning consultant will provide planning advice on whether your change of use needs a full report, a letter of exemption or a traffic management plan.

Sites with constrained access or existing traffic issues

In areas with known congestion, limited street parking or constrained site access, councils are more likely to request a detailed assessment.

Even small developments can face refusal if traffic impacts aren't properly addressed in the development application.

At Town Planning Sydney, we work closely with traffic engineers to prepare clear and tailored reports that align with council expectations.

Early advice can save time and cost

Early planning advice from a qualified planning consultant can help determine if your DA will require a Traffic and Parking Report.

This advice can also identify alternative design options to reduce traffic impacts and improve your chance of DA approval.

In one recent example, we helped a client revise the entry point of a small childcare centre to avoid an intersection conflict flagged in pre-lodgement discussions.

The change removed the need for a full traffic study and led to faster council approval.

Understanding when a Traffic and Parking Report is needed is essential to avoid costly delays or council objections.

By getting the right planning advice early, you can keep your development application on track and compliant with NSW planning requirements.