Apply for exemption or approval for changes to state heritage register-listed places

To cut red tape and reduce assessment timeframes, the Heritage Council of NSW has delegated a range of functions to the City of Sydney.

Project Status: When you need to do this

Before you start works within the property boundaries of a state heritage register item, or a place under an interim heritage order, you either need an approval or an exemption under the Heritage Act 1977.

Heritage approval or an exemption is required before work starts.

What you need to do

Check if your works can be done under standard exemptions

Standard exemptions apply to all state heritage register or interim heritage items. This aims to make it easier for owners of heritage items to maintain their property.

Refer to the standard exemptions fact sheet for information.
Make an application

If the proposal is not in line with the standard exemptions, it is likely you will need approval which can be obtained by applying under section 60 of the Heritage Act 1977.

There are 2 types of section 60 applications.
- Section 60 fast track application
- Works application (section 60)
A modification to approved works applications (section 65a) can be lodged by the original applicant of a standard section 60 works application.
Lodge your form

Email [email protected].
Pay your application fee

Fees apply. Refer to our fees and charges.

Section 60 fast track applications

To reduce assessment timeframes, a section 60 fast track approval pathway applies to minor works.

To be eligible, the proposal must relate to activities or works to a state heritage register or interim heritage order item, which:

will have little or no adverse impact on the heritage significance of the item
is not listed as an exemption under the Heritage Act 1977
has a cost of works up to $150,000.

The fast track application cannot be used to obtain heritage approval following an integrated development application determination. Also, a section 60 fast track approval cannot be modified, except for minor administrative corrections.

Section 60 fast track applicationDOCX · 47.29 KB · Last modified 29 June 2021

Works applications (section 60)

The standard section 60 approval pathway is for activities and works:

to an item listed on the NSW state heritage register or subject to an interim heritage order
that have, or would have the potential to have, a moderate or greater impact on the heritage significance of the item, in the opinion of the Heritage Council (or its delegate)
that are not listed as an exemption under the Heritage Act 1977
that will exceed an estimated cost of $150,000
that are in line with any relevant guidelines.

This is the pathway for heritage approvals following determination of an integrated development application and where modifications may be required.

Works application (section 60)DOCX · 639.71 KB · Last modified 29 June 2021