Development guidelines & policies

Additional information and guidance to the controls contained within local environmental plans and development control plans.

People sit around a low water feature in a city square with a large building in the background.

Development guidelines & policies
Access policy
We aim to provide an environment that is accessible for everyone, including people with disability.
Published 1 June 2004
Development guidelines & policies
Alternative natural ventilation of apartments in noisy environments
The performance pathway guideline is expected to be applied only where there is a genuine physical or environmental constraint on the design of an apartment's natural ventilation.
Published 17 September 2018
Policies
Central Sydney on-street parking policy
Establishes criteria and service objectives for allocating kerbside parking and loading.
Published 22 November 2017
Development guidelines & policies
Code of practice: construction hours and noise in the city centre
Measures to reduce noise and impose time restrictions on noisy demolition, excavation and construction activities.
Published 1 December 1992
Development guidelines & policies
Construction site noise
To balance industry needs with the needs of our residents and businesses, we require landowners, including developers and site workers, to follow limits on noise and working hours.
Published 12 January 2023
Development guidelines & policies
Creative graphic design guide for hoardings and scaffolding
This guide outlines how you design, print and install graphics for hoardings and scaffolding in the City of Sydney area.
Published 7 February 2024
Development guidelines & policies
Development application exception for solar panels in heritage conservation areas – Guideline
You may not need a DA to install solar panels in heritage conservation areas if the works are in line with this document.
Published 12 January 2023
Policies
Display of goods on the footway – local approvals policy
Aims to support and promote retailers using the footway while ensuring comfort and safe use by pedestrians.
Published 22 December 2022
Development guidelines & policies
Guidelines for hoardings and scaffoldingPublished 21 November 2016
Development guidelines & policies
Guidelines for waste management in new developments
The efficient storage, separation, collection and handling of waste will maximise resource recovery and provide safe and healthy spaces for people.
Published 30 August 2018
Policies
Inclusive and accessible public domain policy
Provides a framework to apply relevant Australian access standards consistently.
Published 1 October 2019
Development guidelines & policies
Landscape code
Practical advice and guidelines for landscape elements that must be addressed in development applications.
Published 21 November 2016
Policies
Managing asbestos policy
Outlines our commitment and responsibilities to safely manage asbestos.
Published 11 February 2021
Development guidelines & policies
Minimising overshadowing of neighbouring apartments
Explains how the apartment design guide solar access objectives, design criteria and guidance are applied when assessing overshadowing of neighbouring apartments.
Published 12 December 2019
Policies
Outdoor dining policy
How we determine requests by business to use public footpaths and spaces for outdoor dining.
Published 22 February 2021
Development guidelines & policies
Planning agreement guidelines
Planning agreements (also commonly referred to as VPAs) are voluntary agreements entered into by the City of Sydney and a developer to deliver public benefits.
Published 30 July 2016
Development guidelines & policies
The Central Sydney Archaeological Zoning Plan
This report documents the survey and assessment of the archaeological potential of the City of Sydney.
Published 1 November 1997
Development guidelines & policies
Travel planning guidelines: Preparing and implementing site-specific development measures
Supporting a sustainable transport network is key to safeguarding the future of our city.
Published 12 January 2023

Repealed policies

These policies were repealed by the Sydney Development Control Plan 2012.

For a limited time the repealed policies are available to download below for informational purposes only.

Awnings policy (repealed)PDF · 676.17 KB · Last modified 9 August 2020

Exterior lighting strategy (repealed)PDF · 847.39 KB · Last modified 9 August 2020

Laneway management policy (repealed)PDF · 878.45 KB · Last modified 9 August 2020

Pavement design and construction guidelines (repealed)PDF · 908.4 KB · Last modified 9 August 2020

Paving design policy (repealed)PDF · 3.58 MB · Last modified 9 August 2020

Street numbers/premises display policy (repealed)PDF · 163.56 KB · Last modified 9 August 2020

Temporary shelter guidelines (repealed)PDF · 777.43 KB · Last modified 9 August 2020

Terrace alterations and additions guidelines (repealed)PDF · 1.11 MB · Last modified 9 August 2020

Trading hours for new and existing premises (repealed)PDF · 194.75 KB · Last modified 9 August 2020

Warehouse/courtyard complex management policy (repealed)PDF · 3.6 MB · Last modified 9 August 2020

Public domain design codes

Our design codes set the public domain guidelines. The Sydney Signage Code and Sydney Parks Code are currently being updated. The Sydney streets technical specifications is the companion document, providing design and construction standards and details.

Community participation plan

Our community participation plan outlines our requirements under planning legislation. It’s designed to make it clearer and easier for you to understand how to participate in planning decisions.