Planning Reform
Improving the NSW planning system
The NSW Government is implementing planning reforms to create a more efficient and transparent planning system. This follows the passage of planning reform legislation in mid-2008.
This section of the Department's website provides a 'one-stop-shop' of information about the reforms as they are being implemented. Reforms implemented to date include:
- reviewing infrastructure contributions to boost housing supply
- releasing the NSW Housing Code to provide approvals in ten days or less for new homes or home alterations and additions
- strengthening rules and penalties for accredited certifiers
- creation of a Planning Assessment Commission.
Latest news
11 Jun 09 – Draft code of conduct and operational guidelines for joint regional planning panels released to councils
11 Jun 09 – Nominations now open for State members to sit on Western Region joint regional planning panel
03 Jun 09 – Joint regional planning panels – funding clarified
03 Jun 09 – Local infrastructure contributions review – first review outcomes
14 May 09 – Implementation of NSW planning reforms - Update One
05 May 09 – Nominations open for State members to sit on joint regional planning panels
17 Apr 09 - Complying development - changes to Conveyancing Regulation, and guide to post-determination notification - Planning Circular
27 Feb 09 – Amendment to Code SEPP - Planning Circular
20 Feb 09 – Commencement of SEPP (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 on 27 February 2009 – Planning Circular; Commencement of complying development provisions of the EP&A Act and Regulation - Planning Circular; Exempt and complying development - LEP practice note
28 Jan 09 – NSW Housing Code workshops - register now
23 Jan 09 – Review of local contributions - section 94E Direction - Planning Circular
23 Dec 08 – Review of infrastructure contributions - Planning Circular and Questions and Answers
18 Dec 08 – Encouraging entertainment in pubs, bars and restaurants - Planning Circular
12 Dec 08 – Register of development assessment guidelines launched
12 Dec 08 – NSW Housing Code launched
12 Dec 08 – Commencement of Concurrence SEPP - Planning Circular
03 Dec 08 – Planning Reform Fund Round 6 - applications invited
03 Nov 08 – Commencement of corporate accreditation for certifiers - Planning Circular
12 Sep 08 – Political donation disclosure laws commence 1 October
22 Aug 08 – Commencement of further provisions of planning legislation - Planning Circular
24 Jul 08 – Commencement of planning legislation - Planning Circular
Further information on the reform legislation
Media release - landmark reforms pass upper house and associated fact sheet and frequently asked questions (18 June 2008)
Planning reform Bills guide (May 2008)
The planning reform amendment Acts (various parts to commence on date proclaimed) - Environmental Planning and Amendment Act 2008 No. 203, Building Professionals Amendment Act 2008 No. 37 and Strata Management Legislation Amendment Act 2008 No. 38
For more historic information, see Planning Reform Progress