Most residential developments in Australia are required to meet specific guidelines, whether through

local council, building regulations, overlays or zoning laws. The goal of these policies is to preserve the
amenity of each site and that of the neighbours.

• The setback is the average between the two neighbouring buildings of the site. If there are no
neighbouring buildings, it is 6 metres, unless stated otherwise.

• The building height cannot exceed 9 metres, unless the building is on a slope of 2.5 degrees or
more, with a property greater in width than 8 metres.

• One cannot occupy more than 60 per cent of his/her total property area. This includes roofed
structures such as garages.

• At least 20 per cent of your property must remain permeable.

• Design must make use of passive solar techniques, reducing electricity costs, and should not
impact on the energy efficiency of neighbouring properties.

• If large or significant trees are located on someone’s property he/she must retain them, or
replace them if they need to be removed.

• Side and rear setback regulations require a new building not on or within 200 millimetres of a
boundary to be set back from side or rear boundaries at least 1 metre, plus 0.3 metres for every metre
of height over 3.6 metres up to 6.9 metres, plus 1 metre for every metre of height over 6.9 metres.

• A new wall constructed on or within 200 millimetres of a side or rear boundary of a lot should
not abut the boundary for a length of more than 10 metres, plus 25 per cent of the remaining length of
the boundary of an adjoining lot.

• Buildings opposite an existing habitable room window shouldprovide for a light court to the
existing window that has a minimum area of 3 square metres and minimum dimension of 1 metre clear
to the sky.

• If a north-facing habitable room window of an existing dwelling is within 3 metres of a boundary

on an abutting lot, a building should be set back from the boundary 1 metre, plus 0.6 metre for every
metre of height over 3.6 metres up to 6.9 metres, plus 1 metre for every metre of height over 6.9
metres, for a distance of 3 metres from the edge of each side of the window.

• At least 75 per cent – or 40 square metres with minimum dimension of 3 metres – whichever is
the lesser area, of the secluded private open space should receive a minimum of five hours of sunlight
between 9am and 3pm on 22 September.

• Windows within 9 metres cannot directly look into adjacent property windows that contain
habitable rooms or onto secluded private open space.
• Windows must face an open area of 3 square metres, with 1 metre clear to the sky to allow
adequate light.

• 20 per cent of the property area must be private open space or 80 square metres, whichever is
lesser. The minimum amount required is 40 square metres, regardless of property size.

• Outdoor spaces should be built towards the north and if not, they need to be set back 2 metres
plus 0.9 metres for every metre in height.

• The designers, builders and homeowners are to encourage design detail on the facade of a
residential dwelling that respects the existing or preferred neighbourhood character.

• Fences must either be a maximum of 1.5 to 2 metres, depending on the type of street.