North Shore Architecture Legislations

Playoust Chucher - Relevant-legislations-for-architects-on-North-Shore

For those in the architectural space, it’s crucial to understand the relevant NSW legislation. But let’s be fair, unless you enjoy reading legislative documents in your downtime, it can be challenging to stay on top of what you need to know.

And with different areas that require up-to-date knowledge of changes to regulations and guidelines, how do we ensure any North Shore designs we’re working on are compliant with all necessary requirements?

First, what legislation and guidelines do architects need to know about?

Architects do much more than simply sketch up a design. We support our clients through every stage, including construction management and the DA process.

And by staying informed about the relevant laws and council compliance, we can make sure we’re meeting project requirements, avoiding fines and reputational damage, and perhaps most importantly, keep projects on track.

But what are some legislations North Shore architects should be aware of?

Silhouette engineer standing orders for construction crews to work on high ground heavy industry and safety concept

1. Building Code of Australia (BCA)

The BCA sets technical standards and requirements for design and construction of buildings.

It covers various aspects, including structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, accessibility and more.

Architects in the North Shore area and other parts of NSW need to comply with the BCA when designing and constructing buildings.

Hand Point Mention Save World Environment Awareness Conference

2. Local Environmental Plans (LEPs)

LEPs provide guidance on land use and development in specific local areas, including zoning, building height restrictions and heritage conservation areas – and much more.

For North Shore architects, we work across the following councils:

North Sydney Council
Willoughby City Council
Mosman Council
Hunters Hill Council
Ku-ring-gai Council
Northern Beaches Council
Hornsby City Council

The councils’ LEPs are updated periodically to include various amendments to factors like building height controls, floor space ratios and site rezoning.

The councils require compliance with the LEP controls. For projects that do not comply with a LEP requirement, a robust justification is required.

Architect Engineer Design Working on Blueprint Planning

3. Development Control Plans (DCPs)

DCPs provide guidelines for building design and construction in specific areas, including requirements for setbacks, landscaping and building materials.

DCPs vary from council to council so it is imperative to have a thorough knowledge of each council’s DCP when working on the North Shore.

DCPs cover other areas of development that aren’t covered by the LEPs, and while the inclusions of the DCPs aren’t legally bound, they do carry a lot of weight when it comes to assessing DA applications.

It’s best practice to know what’s expected in accordance with your local council’s DCP at the outset of a project.

4. State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs)

State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) control land use and development in NSW by providing policies and rules across different focus areas, such as housing, transport and infrastructure, biodiversity, industry and employment, and resources and energy.

Architects throughout NSW need to consider the relevant SEPPs when designing projects to ensure compliance with the specified environmental requirements.

We work with the SEPP Seniors Living in our retirement village designs.

In fact, adhering to the SEPP has allowed us to create a winning formula for SEPP developments and senior housing design. So you certainly don’t need to feel contained by any policies that may impact your designs.

To stay compliant with the architectural laws and guidelines on the North Shore, it’s important to be proactive, pay attention to the details, and be engaged in this exciting, vibrant industry.

At Playoust Churcher we aren’t just architects

Our services go beyond just design. Sure, we need to – and do – remain compliant with the relevant North Shore design legislations. But we partner with clients for the long haul.

Not only do we design the concept, we also work with construction teams as consultants to help you keep costs – and headaches – to an absolute minimum.

We remain aware of the ever-evolving regulations and guidelines that we must follow, so you can see your project through from start to finish. And we’ll be there with you every step of the way.

Contact us today to make the first step towards building your dream project – whatever it may be!

Frequently Asked Questions

What legislation sets the technical building minimums in NSW?

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) governs key building standards—covering structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, accessibility, and more—forming the foundation for all compliant building design.

Learn more

Which planning instruments regulate land use and zoning locally?

Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) control land use, zoning, building heights, and heritage overlays across council areas like North Sydney, Ku-ring-gai, Mosman, Willoughby, Hunters Hill, Northern Beaches, and Hornsby. Non-compliant designs require strong justification.

What guidelines shape design details, setbacks, and aesthetics?

The Development Control Plans (DCPs)—unique to each council—provide critical design guidelines for setbacks, landscaping, materials, and contextual aesthetics. While not legally binding, they significantly influence DA assessments.

Find details

Are there statewide rules impacting development across NSW?

Yes. State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) set uniform rules on housing types, infrastructure, biodiversity, and more. For example, SEPP Seniors Living guides retirement village design and planning.

Explore SEPPs

Key Takeaways

Adherence to the Building Code of Australia (BCA)

Architects must align with the BCA’s comprehensive safety and performance standards—spanning structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility—to ensure legal and safe building practices.

Navigating Local Environmental Plans (LEPs)

LEPs dictate zoning, height limits, floor space ratios, heritage overlays, and more. While requirements vary by council—including North Sydney, Ku-ring-gai, Willoughby, Hunters Hill, Mosman, Northern Beaches, and Hornsby—compliance is mandatory, with deviations requiring strong justification.

Interpreting Development Control Plans (DCPs)

DCPs guide critical design elements—such as setbacks, landscaping, and materials—but aren’t legally binding. In practice, they strongly influence Development Application assessments, so early familiarity is indispensable.

Complying with State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs)

SEPPs shape broad planning policies across NSW—from housing and infrastructure to biodiversity and seniors living. Architects must account for applicable SEPPs in project designs to meet state-level environmental and planning standards.

Meet the Author

Brett Churcher

Managing Director & Nominated Architect 
NSW Architect Registration No. 5924

With over 30 years of architectural experience, Brett Churcher leads Playoust Churcher Architects with a rare combination of design expertise and commercial insight. As a registered architect and Managing Director, Brett has played a pivotal role in delivering high-end single residential homes and boutique medium-density developments across Sydney’s North Shore and beyond.

Brett’s unique strength lies in his deep understanding of both architectural design and the Sydney property market. His valuation background enables him to align creative vision with practical feasibility, ensuring each project achieves both aesthetic excellence and financial viability.

At Playoust Churcher, Brett drives the studio’s growth, strategy, and leadership, while remaining closely connected to what matters most: the client. His ability to see the bigger picture from a client’s perspective and to guide projects seamlessly through the design process is at the heart of his role and reputation.