City of Sydney House Keeping 
Amendments

Significant changes to the planning framework in the City of Sydney are now on exhibition.

Following Gateway Determination in October, the City has swiftly revised their 'housekeeping' planning proposal. The proposal seeks to introduce comprehensive updates to the Sydney LEP 2012 and Green Square Town Centre LEPs, as well as amendments to the Sydney DCP 2012.

The scope of changes is substantial and detailed across many aspects of the existing planning framework. A few select highlights include:
• Incentives for Green Roofs: Flexibility in building height restrictions to accommodate green roofs and related structures.
• Deep Soil: Deep soil and tree planting inserted as matters for consideration in achieving design excellence and in the creation of site-specific DCPs.
• Sun Access to Public Open Spaces: New controls to protect sunlight to Gunyama Park, Zetland and Cook and Phillip Park.
• Car Parking: Reduced parking rates for multi-unit residential, retail and employment generating development.
• Design Competitions: The threshold for design competitions raised from 25m to 35m. Additionally, the opportunity to achieve both a height and floor space bonus after a competition.
• Affordable Housing DRP Process: A design review process will be allowed for affordable housing projects as an alternative to a competition.

While labelled as 'housekeeping', these amendments are quite significant and far reaching. The implications of these amendments will be material to the planning framework of Sydney, and we are happy to discuss the changes in further detail as they may apply to particular sites.

Given the exhibition is commencing the week before Christmas, the consultation will be extended and close on Friday 28 February 2025. The City is aiming to have the amendments finalised by November 2025.

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View the changes here.