Home Building Designers in Penshurst: What is a Shadow Diagram and when do you need it?

First Floor additions, give plenty of extra spaces for any homes and significantly increase values. One of the critical components that your residential drafting and design specialist will tell you is that a Shadow Diagram is required. What is it really?

What is a shadow diagram?

A shadow diagram calculates sun position and plots shadows cast by the sun over your proposal site. It allows the council to view whether the amount of shadow cast by the proposed development is acceptable and that it will not affect the neighbourhood. 

When do I need one?

With almost all Sydney's councils, a shadow diagram is required for development application. Generally, any development that includes the construction of a new building (more than 1 storey), or additions to an existing building will require shadow diagrams as part of the Development Application. The diagrams form part of the assessment process to ensure the amenity of surrounding properties is protected to an appropriate sunlight/overshadowing standard.

Why do we need it?

The issue of overshadowing can be a real problem to any neighbour if the proposal was designed too high, or block natural sunlight into your neighbours house. Therefore, the council needs to ensure that adequate sunlight will be available to them post development. 

What Do I need to show in the shadow diagrams?

• True North indication
• be in accordance with the land survey (being prepared by a registered surveyor) for the development application (DA)
• show the expected shadows cast by the development proposal at hourly intervals between 9am and 3pm on 21 June
• show the shadows cast by existing buildings and structures on the site and surrounding areas
• show the extent of additional overshadowing cast by the proposed development at ground level and the windows of adjoining and surrounding premises.

At Go Design Solutions, we look after every part of the development process from design, drafting, documentation and liaising with the council. If you are planning to do any development, chat to us at Go Design Solutions!