NSW Housing Code Community Information

How does the code work?

The NSW Housing Code outlines how new detached single and two-storey houses and home alterations and additions on specific lot sizes and zones can be approved within 10 days. It also outlines how 40 different types of minor improvements, such as garden sheds or rainwater tanks, can proceed without planning or construction approval.

To determine if the complying development code applies to your building works, refer to the User Guide

If you want to do an exempt development, click here

The User Guide for complying development explains the basis and operation of the legislation, the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008

Equivalent Zones

The Codes SEPP relies on the land use zones established under Standard Instrument—Principal Local Environmental Plan.
Click here to find out more about Standard Instrument for LEPs.

In circumstances where council has not yet made a LEP in accordance with the Standard Instrument, the Codes SEPP provides that complying development can be carried out on an equivalent zone. The Codes SEPP includes a guide to determining the equivalent zones under clause 1.6 (1) and allows the Director General of the Department of Planning to determine the equivalent zones.

 Click here to view or download tables for all NSW council equivalent zones under the code.

Exempt development

Development standards: State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008

Fact sheet: Exempt development frequently asked questions

Have a question about NSW Housing Code?

NSW Housing Code Information Brochure 

Fact sheets

Amendments to the NSW Housing Code 

Overview of the NSW Housing Code 

If you have a question about the NSW Housing Code click here to contact the Department of Planning information centre.

To receive regular updates about the code, subscribe to eNews distributed by the Department.

Archive

05 August 2009: About accredited certifiers 

05 August 2009: Cost savings 

05 August 2009: Frequently Asked Questions from the Community Information Sessions 

05 August 2009: Heritage protection 

05 August 2009: Introduction to the NSW Housing Code 

05 August 2009: Preserving local character 

05 August 2009: Protecting neighbours rights 

05 August 2009: Sustainability and the NSW Housing Code 

08 April 2009: Interstate comparisons 

25 March 2009 Media release: Government removes red tape for "diy" home improvements

20 February 2009 Fact sheet: Education and training 

03 February 2009 Media release: NSW Housing Code Implementation Workshops

12 December 2008 Media release: 10 Day Housing approvals under new State wide Code 

12 December 2008 NSW Housing Code launch video and presentation