Gain exemption from requiring development consent for heritage works
You’ll still need to notify us about minor works to heritage items or within heritage conservation areas.
Project Status: When you need to do this
Use this form for minor works or maintenance of heritage items or works within heritage conservation areas.
These are typically like for like replacement or rectification works that would be considered exempt development if not for the site being a heritage item or in a heritage conservation area.
Don't use this form for:
- works that have already underway or completed
- tree removal or lopping
- new intrusions into the building exterior such as new window openings or the installation of partition walls/reconfiguration of rooms.
If the place is listed as a state heritage item you will need to first obtain an approval from the NSW Heritage Council.
What you need to do
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Download and complete the form
Ensure all fields in this form have been filled in correctly.
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Lodge the form
Please complete the form and email it with your supporting documents to [email protected]
Before you start
The best way to conserve heritage items and places in heritage conservation areas is to carry out regular maintenance and repairs. Some types of minor works may also improve the serviceability of the place without negative impacts on heritage significance.
These works may include re-painting a building in an original or appropriate colour scheme, replacing rusty gutters and downpipes to match original details or restoring a front verandah to its original detail.
To make it easier for owners to maintain and repair their properties, the Sydney Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2012 specifies certain development that may be carried out to heritage items or within heritage conservation areas without the need for a development application.
Works can only be carried out without a development application when:
- the consent authority has been notified and given approval in writing
- they're minor, to maintain and not affect the significance of a heritage item, Aboriginal object, place of heritage significance or archaeological site or within a heritage conservation area.
An application form still needs to be completed for these works.
In some instances, approval under part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 may be required for the relevant works. Please seek pre-application advice from us before lodging this application.
For general planning advice you can make an appointment to speak to a duty planner.
Heritage item inventories and conservation areas
There a number of heritage conservation areas in our area. The Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 details the boundaries of these areas in its list of heritage maps.
Search the State Heritage Inventory for heritage items in the ‘Sydney’ local government area.
After you finish
If your request is approved, you will receive written confirmation that your works do not require consent.
You can't commence work until you receive this written confirmation and you should keep the confirmation for your records.
