Building and Development 
 

Policies and Planning Documents

Ku-ring-gai Planning Scheme Ordinance

The Ku-ring-gai Planning Scheme Ordinance (also known as ''The Ordinance'' or the KPSO) can be seen as the ''global'' or ''big picture'' planning tool for Ku-ring-gai.   The KPSO comprises a written instrument and maps.

Development Control Plans

Development Control Plans (DCPs) are detailed guidelines that illustrate the controls that apply to a particular type of development or in a particular area. A DCP refines of supplements a Regional Environmental Plan or Local Environmental Plan and is made according to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. More Information on DCPs

Local Environmental Plans

Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) are the principal legal documents for controlling development at the council level. The zoning provisions establish permissibility of uses and standards regulate the extent of development. They are prepared by councils and approved by the Minister after exhibition. More Information on LEPs

 
Section 94 Development Contribution Plans

A Section 94 Development Contribution Plan is a document which enables Council to place a charge or levy on new development for the purpose of providing additional facilities and services which will be needed as a result of that new development.

The Contributions Plans are public documents that display Council's policy for the assessment, collection, spending and administration of development contributions.

The title "Section 94" is a reference to Section 94 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, which is the state legislation that deals with this matter.  While amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act have been passed by Parliament and received the assent of the Governor, they are not yet enacted.  Council will review its plans under the new legislation, once enacted, in the normal course of review.

The Section 94 Contribution Plans detail:

• The type of development to which the plan applies.
• The facilities that are likely to be needed as a result of that development.
• The cost of the contribution applying to such development; and
• the link between the new development, the facilities needed and the associated costs.

Codes and Policies

Councils Codes and Policies are guidelines and rules in the aspects of building and planning. Council uses these policies to assist in its decision making.

Each of the codes and policies is also intended as a guideline for owners and developers. Development criteria that are proposed in a code or policy are based on principles aimed at complying with Council's objectives concerning a particular type of development or construction, eg. Housing for Older People and People with a Disability; Use of Reflective Glass; and Siting Satellite Dishes.

Each application will be considered on its merit and such merit will be tested against the provisions of the code or policy which is meant to apply to the subject proposal.

The desirable principles contained in Council codes and policies are set out to achieve orderly and pleasant development as well as to maintain and improve the existing quality of both the built and natural environments. More Information on codes and policies

Dual Occupancy Code

More Information on the Dual Occupancy Code

Plans of Management

Plans of Management (POMs) provide a strategic framework for management of community land and must be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993. Consultation is a key factor in the process.
More Information on Plans of Management

State Environmental Planning Policies

State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) are policies proposed by the Minister and approved by the Governor. They address matters of state significance.

Regional Environmental Plans

Regional Environmental Plans (REPs) are plans proposed by the Minister or Director-General and approved by the Minister before becoming law. They address matters of regional significance.

Definitions by Department of Urban Affairs and Planning (Glossary of Planning Terms) and Ku-ring-gai Council's Department of Planning and Environment.

Community Plan

A social and community plan developed by Council in accordance with guidelines provided by the Department of Local Government. View the Community Plan.

Traffic and Transport Policy

The Traffic & Transport Policy Nov 2006  Traffic & Transport Policy (2.21MB) is Council's guideline for seeking solutions to traffic and transport issues in Ku-ring-gai including:

• Road Safety (Infrastructure)
• Speed Limits
• Traffic Calming
• Traffic Signs & Lines
• On-Street Parking
• Resident Parking Schemes
• Pedestrians
• School Safety
• Public Transport
• Heavy Vehicles
• Special Events
• Cyclists
• Community Consultation
• Roadside Memorials

Code of Conduct

Ku-ring-gai Council recognises the importance of ethical behaviour and fairness to all parties. The Local Government Act, 1993, requires every Council to adopt a Code of Conduct for observance by Councillors, members of staff and persons representing the Council. This Code has been prepared taking into account the provisions of the Local Government Act. 
 Code of Conduct (2.28MB)

Riparian Policy

Adopted December 2004 this policy provides guidelines for building near watercourses and protection of stream-side habitats.
 Riparian Policy (2.23MB)

 Riparian Policy Map - adopted December 2004 (2.43MB)

Contaminated Land Policy

In some situations, the use of land can result in its contamination by chemicals, posing a risk to human health and/or the environment. The NSW Environment Protection Authority has identified a number of activities, including agriculture/horticulture, landfills, service stations, engine works and dry cleaning, that may cause contamination. Many of these activities are currently being, or have been in the past, carried out on some land in Ku-ring-gai. View Policy