Housing Code Monitor

The LGSA has released a report on the first six months of the NSW Housing Code, which looks at applicants’ use of the Code’s State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) and councils’ views on its operation.

The report uses the results of a survey of councils on the operation of the codes. It provides a useful early ‘snapshot’ of the operation of the Code’s SEPP including issues facing Local Government and options to improve its effectiveness.

The LGSA will use the results of the survey to provide feedback to the Department of Planning on the operation of the Code’s SEPP to ensure that any problems with the Exempt Code and the NSW Housing Code are reviewed and corrected as soon as possible.

The report will also be used by the Associations in future discussions with the Department, particularly in relation to the proposed Stage 2 of the NSW Housing Code, which will see its extension to smaller lot sizes and other forms of residential development.

View the report at the LGSA website: www.lgsa.org.au/www/html/2475-planning-changes.asp

Mr Sam Haddad, Director General of Planning, has responded in detail to our first report card on the implementation of the Housing Code.

The report card collated the key concerns raised by councils in the first month of the Code’s implementation. The Director General has provided detailed comment on:

• Last minute changes to zoning (s149) certificates.
• Excessive notification requirements.
• Applications for additions where the whole house must comply.
• Need for a broader range of local variations.
• Consideration of council water and sewerage infrastructure
• Compliance with the Code.
• Lessons from the first month.

The Director General indicated that he is appreciative of the feedback from Local Government and has taken on board many of the comments provided as part of the ongoing process of reviewing and refining the Code.

For more information:

• View full response from the Director General to Report Card One (PDF)
• Visit the LGSA website Planning Changes section

The LGSA has compiled the first monthly ‘report card’ on the NSW Department of Planning’s housing code.

The past month has seen some very healthy discussion of the issues surrounding the new SEPP and Code, and the report reflects the feedback that we have received so far on this site.

The key issues raised so far by councils include the difficulties caused by late advice from the Department about changes required to zoning certificates (section 149 certificates); the extensive scope of neighbour notifications required after a complying development application (CDA) has been approved; and the need for a broader range of local variations.

These issues caused widespread and immediate negative feedback. For further information, please see the report below:
Housing Code Monitor Report - March 2009 (PDF)

Monthly reports will be available for both the Department and general dissemination.