Residential Flat Design Code
The Residential Flat Design Code is a resource to enable councils, planners, developers and architects to improve residential flat design.
The Code sets broad parameters for good residential flat design by illustrating the use of development controls and consistent guidelines.
The Design Code supports the ten design quality principles identified in State Environmental Planning Policy No. 65 — Design Quality of Residential Flat Development. It supplies detailed information about how development proposals can achieve these principles.
With the other Design Quality Program initiatives, the Residential Flat Design Code provides comprehensive guidance to improving the design quality of residential flat buildings.
To read the Design Code, click on links to the following chapters:
Introduction [PDF]
Part 1. Local context
- Relating to the local context [PDF] - outlines the importance of the local context in shaping residential flat design
- Residential flat building types [PDF] - explains the concept of building types as a tool for testing development controls and illustrating desired local character
- Amalgamation and subdivision [PDF]
- Building envelopes [PDF]
- Primary development controls [PDF] - contains sections on building height, building depth, building separation, street setbacks, side and rear setbacks, floor space ratio
Part 2. Site design
- Site analysis [PDF] - explains site analysis using a case study
- Site configuration [PDF] - contains sections on deep soil zones, fences and wells, landscape design, open space, orientation, planting on structures and stormwater management
- Site amenity [PDF] - contains sections on safety and visual privacy
- Site access [PDF] - contains sections on building entry, parking, pedestrian access and vehicle access
Part 3. Building design
- Building configuration [PDF] - contains sections on apartment layout, apartment mix, balconies, ceiling heights, flexibility, ground floor apartments, internal circulation, mixed use and storage
- Building amenity [PDF] - contains sections on acoustic privacy, daylight access and natural ventilation
- Building form [PDF] - contains sections on awnings and signage, facades and roof design
- Building performance [PDF] - contains sections on energy efficiency, maintenance, waste management and water conservation
Appendices [PDF] - contains Appendix 1: SEPP 65 Design Quality Principles; Appendix 2: Pre-development application recommendations; Appendix 3: Development application recommendations; Appendix 4: Local context analysis
Glossary [PDF] - contains references and further reading, acknowledgements and image credits
Feedback
The NSW Department of Planning welcomes comments and suggestions about the Residential Flat Design Code. Feedback can be emailed , faxed or posted to :
SEPP 65 – Residential Flat Design Code Feedback
Sustainability Unit,
NSW Department of Planning,
23-33 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Postal Address: GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001
Facsimile: (02) 9228 6544
Email: sepp65@planning.nsw.gov.au