Local Environmental Plan Making Guideline
This Local Environmental Plan Making Guideline (PDF, 4.5 MB) explains how to prepare, assess and finalise a planning proposal to make or amend a local environmental plan (LEP) in NSW.
It guides planning proposal authorities (including council), proponents and agencies through each stage of the process, outlining:
- what needs to be done
- who is responsible
- what information is required
- key decision points and outcomes.
Local environmental plan
A LEP is a legal planning instrument that controls how land can be used and developed within a local government area.
It sets planning provisions, including:
- land use zoning
- permitted and prohibited uses
- development standards (such as height, floor space ratio and minimum lot sizes).
Changes to a LEP are made through a planning proposal.
Planning proposal
A planning proposal is the formal document used to make or amend an LEP.
It must:
- clearly describe the proposed change
- justify why it is needed
- demonstrate strategic merit (alignment with the applicable strategic planning framework)
- demonstrate site-specific merit (suitability of the land and impacts).
How the process works
The LEP making process follows 5 stages. These are set out as modules in the guideline:
- Scoping report and advice: Identify key issues, risks and study requirements
- Planning proposal: Prepare and submit the planning proposal for assessment
- Gateway determination: Government decides whether the planning proposal should proceed
- Post gateway and public exhibition: Public consultation to help refine the proposal
- Finalisation: Legal drafting and making of the LEP
Planning proposals are categorised as standard or complex, which affects the level of assessment, consultation and timeframes. This is confirmed during the early stages of the process but may be reviewed if greater complexity or issues are identified.
| Module | Benchmark timeframes (working days) | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Complex | |
| Module 1 – Scoping report and advice* | 50 days | 60 days |
| Module 2a – Planning proposal request** | 95 days | 120 days |
| Module 2b – Rezoning review | ||
| Module 3a – Gateway determination | 25 days | 45 days |
| Module 3b – Gateway review | ||
| Module 4 – Post gateway and public exhibition | 145 days | 185 days |
| Module 5 – Finalisation | 55 days | 70 days |
| Total (from Modules 2 to 5) | 320 days | 420 days |
Who is involved
The process involves multiple stakeholders:
- Proponents: Prepare and justify the planning proposal
- Councils (planning proposal authorities): Assess and manage planning proposals
- NSW Government: Provides oversight and gateway decisions
- State agencies: Provide specialist advice
- Community: Participates through public exhibition
Search and follow proposals on the NSW Planning Portal.
Plans, policy, guidelines and technical tools for LEP making.