Save time with a fast-tracked assessment
Projects that use a pattern book design may be able to access a fast-tracked pathway.
The low-rise patterns can be used across NSW where these low- and mid-rise housing types are already permitted with consent and the proposal meets eligibility criteria. All mid-rise patterns can be used on sites where Low- and Mid-Rise Housing Policy and Transport Oriented Development (TOD) reforms apply and the large lot apartment patterns can apply elsewhere across NSW where residential flat buildings are permissible with consent.
The complying development pathway is available for low-rise patterns, and a streamlined development application (DA) pathway is available for mid-rise patterns.
A low-rise pattern development that meets all relevant standards and specifications in the pattern can be assessed as complying development by a council or an accredited certifier. The Pattern Book Development Code 2025 makes this pathway available for low-rise patterns. A combined planning and construction approval, this pathway requires detailed architectural drawings and additional documents in addition to the pattern drawings. Find out more about low-rise patterns.
A streamlined development application (DA) is available for mid-rise pattern book developments that meet all relevant standards and specifications in the pattern. As the patterns are pre-endorsed by the NSW Government Architect, this process removes the need for assessment against matters already addressed in the pattern designs. Find out more about mid-rise patterns.
Step-by-step guide to lodging your pattern planning application
Follow these 5 steps to gain planning approval using the complying development or streamlined DA pathway.
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Explore patterns and engage a designer
Browse the NSW Housing Pattern Book and choose a pattern that suits your site and requirements. Hire an architect or building designer to support you through the process.
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Adapt the pattern to your site and preferences
Customise the design using the available adaptations to suit your site and preferences. Design adaptations may include options for internal layouts, a selection of material palettes and modifications for a gently sloping site.
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Prepare your application documents
Your local council can confirm which drawings and supporting information you need to submit with your planning application. Your designer will help you prepare the required documentation and sign either the NSW Housing Pattern Book Design Verification Statement (Low-rise) (PDF, 204 KB) or NSW Housing Pattern Book Design Verification Statement (Mid-rise) (PDF, 237 KB), depending on which pattern you are using, which must be submitted with your application.
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Lodge your planning application
All planning applications in NSW must be lodged through the NSW Planning Portal. When you lodge your planning application, you will be asked if your application is a pattern book development to speed up the assessment process.
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Get fast-tracked approval
For low-rise patterns, once your complying development certificate is approved, you can start the construction process. For mid-rise patterns, after your DA is approved you will need to apply for a construction certificate before starting construction. Speak to your designer about the next steps in your pattern book project.
Relevant legislation
The NSW Housing Pattern Book is enabled by new legislation that supports faster approvals:
For low-rise pattern developments the relevant legislation is in the Pattern Book Development Code 2025 which is also supported by amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.
For mid-rise pattern developments, the relevant legislation is contained in Chapter 7 Pattern Book Development in State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 and supporting amendments in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.
Get expert advice to help manage your budget and reduce risks.
Explore the range of available pattern designs before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about the fast-tracked planning pathway for the NSW Housing Pattern Book.
Streamlined planning pathways for residential developments using the NSW Housing Pattern Book are available, with specific requirements for low-rise and mid-rise housing patterns.
Low-rise housing patterns:
Applicants using a low-rise pattern may be eligible for the complying development pathway under the Pattern Book Development Code introduced in July 2025, provided the development type is permissible with consent, the site meets eligibility criteria, and the proposal complies with the pattern requirements.
Mid-rise housing patterns:
Applicants using a mid-rise pattern may access the streamlined pathway under the newly introduced Chapter 7 Pattern Book Development in State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021, provided the development type is permissible with consent and the site meets the requirements of policy and the relevant pattern. The recently passed Planning System Reform Bill provides the opportunity to further streamline pattern book DAs via a targeted assessment pathway, which the Department will prioritise and consult on in 2026.
Low-rise housing patterns:
Councils or private certifiers can assess low-rise pattern book developments submitted as complying development under the Pattern Book Development Code 2025.
Mid-rise housing patterns:
The consent authority assessing mid-rise pattern developments will usually be councils. Applicants can submit through the streamlined development assessment pathway from November 2025 under Chapter 7 Pattern Book Development in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021.
Low-rise housing patterns:
The complying development pathway is only available for low-rise patterns on eligible sites.
Low-rise patterns lodged for a Development Application (DA) will be subject to a full merit assessment by local councils against all local requirements. However, any use of a pattern design must still comply with pattern requirements under the terms and conditions of use.
Mid-rise housing patterns:
There is no complying development pathway available for mid-rise patterns.
The streamlined development application (DA) pathway is only available for mid-rise developments on eligible sites. However, you may still be able to use the mid-rise pattern designs if the development type (i.e. residential flat building or shop top housing) is permitted on your site.
Patterns lodged through a standard DA will be subject to a full merit assessment by local councils, with all applicable planning rules, including the Apartment Design Guide, the local environmental plan, and the development control plan, applied. However, any use of the pattern designs must still comply with pattern requirements under the terms and conditions of use.
Low-rise housing patterns:
Yes, concurrent subdivision and pattern book complying development applications are permitted under a single complying development certificate for low-rise pattern development. Alternatively, applicants may first apply for the pattern book complying development certificate, and then apply for the subdivision – either Torrens title or strata subdivision – as complying development.
Mid-rise housing patterns:
Yes, concurrent strata subdivision and pattern book development applications are permitted under the streamlined DA pathway for mid-rise patterns. Alternatively, applicants may apply for the streamlined DA for pattern book development first and for the subdivision later.