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 plansDCPs provide detailed planning and design guidelines to support the planning controls in the local environmental plans.
- Development guidelines & policiesAdditional information and guidance to the controls contained within local environmental plans and development control plans.
Development guidelines & policies
Community participation planWe encourage meaningful and effective community participation in planning.Published 6 July 2023
Contributions and agreements
- Development contributionsSome work may require a financial contribution towards new and upgraded amenities for the people who will live and work in the area.
- Affordable housing contributionsSome development in the City of Sydney local area may require a contribution towards the cost of providing affordable housing.
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 2016Development applications
Request the City of Sydney prepares a planning proposalAsk for an amendment to our planning instruments.
Plans, policies and places under review
There are a number of strategic plans, planning controls and policies that are under review at any one time.
NSW Government projects
Planning proposal: Waterloo estate (south)New planning controls for Waterloo estate (south) to provide a mix of public, affordable and private housing will come into effect on 28 February 2023.Closed · WaterlooPolicy & planning changes
Strategic review: net zero energy developmentImproving the environmental performance of buildings is critical to meet NSW and local government targets.ClosedPolicy & planning changes
Strategic review: Botany Road precinctThe proposed planning controls will encourage new commercial buildings and affordable housing while recognising the significance of the place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.Closed · Alexandria and EveleighPolicy & planning changes
Strategic review: southern enterprise areaA key focus of the review will be to support the long-term economic viability of all enterprise areas in the city.ClosedPolicy & planning changes
An Open and Creative City: discussion paperThe proposal included allowing shops and businesses to trade later, pop-up creative events and fair management of noise.ClosedPolicy & planning changes
Review of planning controls: Oxford StreetA review of the planning controls applying to Oxford Street aims to reposition it as a vibrant cultural and creative precinct.Completed · Darlinghurst, PaddingtonNSW Government projects
Redevelopment of Blackwattle BayInfrastructure NSW’s proposal for the site.Closed · PyrmontPolicy & planning changes
Strategic review: Pyrmont PeninsulaWe’re reviewing the planning controls for the Pyrmont Peninsula to align with the NSW Government’s Pyrmont Peninsula place strategy.Under review · Pyrmont