Land-use planning
Our plans and policies provide an urban planning framework for development and conservation in the local area.
Why we’re doing this
Strategic land use plans help manage change in our city and neighbourhoods over the long term by providing a consistent planning approach for how we use and develop land. The plans encourage positive change while protecting the characteristics that make places attractive.
They balance competing demands, ensure new development is supported by appropriate public infrastructure and promote transparency and fairness to achieve our long term vision.
Our land use strategies can affect the entire local area or be specific to key sites or precincts.
Planning controls and policies
- Strategic land use plansManaging long-term change by providing a consistent approach for how we use and develop our area.
- Local environmental plansPlanning instruments that apply to the local area.
- Development control plansDetailed planning and design guidelines to support the planning controls in the LEP.
- Development guidelines & policiesAdditional information and guidance to the controls contained within local environmental plans and development control plans.
Contributions and agreements
- Development contribution plansSome developments may require a financial contribution towards the cost of new and upgraded amenities for the people who will live and work in the development.
Development guidelines & policies
Planning agreement guidelinesPlanning agreements (also commonly referred to as VPAs) are voluntary agreements entered into by the City of Sydney and a developer to deliver public benefits.Published 30 July 2016
Projects and consultations
- Policy & planning changes
Development guidelines & policies
Community participation planWe encourage meaningful and effective community participation in planning.Published 30 November 2019Policy & planning changes
Central Sydney planning frameworkWe've updated our planning framework to ensure future growth occurs where it respects our special places, spaces and parkland.Under review
Other programs and initiatives
Development applications
Find the consent authority for development applications within the City of SydneyDevelopment applications
Request the City prepare a planning proposalDevelopment guidelines & policies
Travel planning guidelines: Preparing and implementing site-specific development measuresPublished 6 August 2020Cultural support & funding
Heritage floor space scheme
Development applications
Guidance on sustainable developmentEnvironmental support & funding
Smart green apartments
