Design codes & technical specifications

Standards and requirements for development applications and works on public land.

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Public domain design codes

Our design codes set the public domain guidelines. The Sydney Signage Code and Sydney Parks Code are currently being updated. The Sydney streets technical specifications is the companion document, providing design and construction standards and details.

Design codes & technical specifications
Sydney Streets Code 2021
Guidelines, design coordination and material palettes for work carried out on streets and footpaths.
Published 12 May 2021
Design codes & technical specifications
Sydney Lights: Public domain design code
Design principles, palette selection, technical requirements and performance standards.
Published 30 March 2015
Design codes & technical specifications
Sydney Streets technical specifications
Design and construction standards for physical assets in our city, including roads, footpaths, kerbs, gutters, street lighting, survey and stormwater infrastructure.
Published 10 September 2025
Design codes & technical specifications
Legible Sydney Design Manual
The manual has been created to assist with the planning, documenting and tendering of our pedestrian wayfinding sign system.
Published 30 June 2019
Policies & procedures
Inclusive and accessible public domain policy
Provides a framework to apply relevant Australian access standards consistently.
Published 1 October 2019

Application requirements

Built environmentPublic spaces

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Development applications

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Development guidelines & policies

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Development control plans