Residential Drafting Services Sydney: What is deep soil area?

What is Deep Soil Zone?

Deep soil zones enable planting of significant vegetation, which has the ability to grow to a mature size and provide a permeable ground surface alternative to paving or other hard surface treatments, which allows infiltration of surface water into the soil. Deep soil zones have important environmental benefits including supporting the healthy growth of large trees with large canopies, protecting existing mature trees and improving infiltration of stormwater.

How does it work?

Deep soil zone is generally part of your landscaped open space, which should provide a range of usable, attractive and accessible landscaped open space and recreation areas for the use of occupants of the dwellings. Landscaped open space also contributes to the relationship of the building to adjoining and nearby development and has a significant relationship to the level of amenity and quality of life for local residents. Landscaped open space also includes deep soil zones suitable for the growth of vegetation and large trees.

How much do I need?

Every council is different. Some councils required a minimum of 25% of the site area should incorporate deep soil areas sufficient in size and dimensions to accommodate trees and significant planting. Others may be more or less. 

Deep soil areas must be located at ground level, be permeable, capable for the growth of vegetation and large trees and must not be built upon, occupied by spa or swimming pools or covered by impervious surfaces such as concrete, decks, terraces, outbuildings, or other structures.

Always check with a residential drafting design specialist regarding to your new development.