Residential Drafting Design (drafting services in Sydney): general council regulations you should know

When it comes to designing a house, whether it is a brand new house, a first floor addition or a rear extension, local councils have their specific local regulations standards that are set within the local council Development Control Plan. It's important that you are aware of these items because it can be factors that determines the overall design of your home project development. Below are some of the items that you should take into considerations.

Height Restrictions: Height is an important control as it has a major impact on the physical and visual appearance of the area. Building height is also critical in addressing impacts from development such as solar access, privacy and view loss. In most council regulations, the limitation of residential housing is 2 storeys, however some councils may only accept by height in metres rather than in storeys.

Floor space ratio: Council’s Floor Space Ratio (FSR) aims to facilitate an acceptable bulk and scale of development that maintains a satisfactory relationship with adjoining development. Therefore when designing your new build, ensure that the total FSR meets the standard.

Building Setbacks: Each council has its own set of 'set-back' rules. Appropriate street setback controls can contribute to the public domain by enhancing the streetscape character and the continuity of street facades. For instance, setback rules generally apply to front, side, and rear. For corner blocks, side set back are even more specific due to visual impact.

Land Zoning: Zoning describes the control by authority of the use of land, and for building developments. Local councils generally divide lands into different zones within which various uses are permitted. For instance; R2 as low density residential whilst B1 for commerical usage.

Site Coverage: For particularly councils, site coverage applies to development. Adequate areas for landscaping, open space and spatial separation between buildings are critical for certain council regulations. Therefore, along with other building regulations, site coverage applies for a % of land being landscape, building or other usage.

Soft Landscape Ratio: Landscape area is critical in any devleopment as it provides sufficient and accessible open space for the recreation needs of the likely residents of the proposed dwelling. In some circumstances, local councils may request deep soil landscape area and general hard surface landscape areas.

Speak to us, the Sydney specialist in residential drafting design services, to assist you what you can build for your next home project. It is difficult if you have no experienced in designing or building similar projects before. At Go Design Solutions, we assist our clients with feasibility assessment and functional affordable designs.