When submitting a Development Application (DA) for a new house or major alterations in New South Wales (NSW), you’ll need to provide a range of detailed drawings and documents to help the local council assess the proposal. The specific requirements can vary depending on the type of development, but in general, the following drawings and documents are commonly required:
1. Site Plan
Scale: Typically 1:100 or 1:200.
Details: Shows the location of the proposed house on the site, including boundaries, setbacks from property lines, existing buildings, trees, driveways, fences, and any other structures.
Topography: If necessary, the site plan should also show the natural slope of the land or any significant changes in elevation.
Access: Location of vehicle access and pedestrian access, along with any relevant infrastructure like stormwater drains, water supply, and utilities.
2. Floor Plans
Scale: Typically 1:100.
Details: Floor plans for each level of the building, showing room dimensions, door and window locations, walls, stairs, and any other internal features. The plans should also include the floor area of each level and the total area of the building.
Room Labels: Clearly label the intended use for each room (e.g., kitchen, bedroom, living area).
Key Measurements: Include key measurements for room sizes, wall heights, and window placements.
3. Elevations
Scale: Typically 1:100 or 1:200.
Details: Elevations of the building showing what the structure will look like from each side (usually the front, rear, and both sides). This should include the height of the building, roof pitch, window and door placement, external materials, and any other key features.
Section Views: May be required to show how different levels of the building relate to each other in terms of height, and to provide more detail on architectural elements.
4. Section Drawings
Scale: Typically 1:100 or 1:50.
Details: Vertical cross-sections through the building, showing the relationship between the floor, walls, windows, and roof. These drawings help to illustrate how the building’s internal spaces align vertically.
Height: Include floor-to-ceiling heights, roof pitch, and how the building sits in relation to the site levels.
5. Roof Plan
Scale: Typically 1:100 or 1:200.
Details: A drawing that shows the layout of the roof, including the pitch, materials, and any skylights, chimneys, vents, or other roof features.
6. Landscape Plan (if applicable)
Scale: Typically 1:200 or 1:500.
Details: A plan showing how the surrounding landscape will be treated, including garden beds, trees, fences, driveways, pathways, and other external features. It may also include information on existing vegetation and proposed changes.
Drainage: Details of any stormwater management systems (e.g., rainwater tanks, drainage channels) should also be included.
7. Shadow Diagrams (if applicable)
Scale: Typically 1:100 or 1:200.
Details: Shadow diagrams show how the proposed development will cast shadows on surrounding properties and public spaces at different times of the day, especially in relation to neighboring properties. These are important for assessing solar access, privacy, and the impact on neighboring properties.
Time and Date: Often, councils require diagrams showing the effects of shadows at specific times of the day and during key months (e.g., mid-summer and mid-winter).
8. BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) Certificate
Details: A BASIX certificate is required for all new residential buildings in NSW, and it outlines the energy and water efficiency measures your design incorporates. It also includes a report demonstrating that your design meets the BASIX sustainability targets.
9. Waste Management Plan
Details: In some cases, a waste management plan is required to outline how construction waste will be managed and disposed of during and after the building process.
10. Written Statement or Design Statement (if required)
Details: A document that provides an overview of the design and how it meets the local council’s planning controls, policies, and environmental considerations. It may also describe the materials used, sustainability features, and how the design relates to the surrounding environment and community.
11. Traffic Management Plan (if applicable)
Details: If the development involves significant changes to vehicle access or traffic flow, a traffic management plan may be required to address the potential impact on traffic in the area.
12. Heritage Impact Statement (if applicable)
Details: If your site is located in a heritage conservation area or if the property is heritage-listed, you may need to prepare a Heritage Impact Statement to demonstrate how the design respects and preserves the heritage values of the site or surrounding area.
13. Survey Plan
Scale: Typically 1:200 or 1:500.
Details: A professional land survey showing the existing topography of the site, including boundaries, easements, contour levels, and the location of existing structures. This plan should also show nearby streets, driveways, and utility services.
Additional Documents:
- Title: Proof of ownership of the land.
- Easement Information: If the property has any easements (e.g., for drainage or access), this should be indicated.
- Neighbour Notification: In some cases, councils may require a notice to be sent to neighboring properties to inform them about your proposed development.