NSW proposes introducing standard and model conditions of consent to replace inconsistent, bespoke requirements across all councils and consent authorities.
July 2nd, 2026 — July 30th, 2026
The NSW Government has released an Explanation of Intended Effect proposing standard and model conditions of consent for use across NSW. These would replace inconsistent, bespoke conditions so development assessment and approvals are more consistent across local government areas. For certain developments, consent authorities would be required to consult with applicants on draft conditions before issuing consent. The reforms propose scaled conditions proportional to potential impacts, with simpler, outcome-based requirements for low-rise development and more detailed, management plan-based conditions for mid- and high-rise projects.
Council planners and other consent authorities, builders and developers, industry, and communities involved in preparing, reviewing or negotiating development consent conditions.
You can make a formal online submission through the NSW Planning Portal by completing the submission form fields (including name, email, location and your view), with an option to upload a file up to 10 MB and to request confidentiality of personal details.
Submissions close July 30th, 2026.
“The NSW Government has released an Explanation of Intended Effects (EIE) which proposes to introduce standard and model conditions of consent across NSW.”
“For certain developments, further changes are proposed requiring consent authorities to consult with applicants on draft conditions before issuing consent.”
“Introduce scaled conditions that are proportional to potential impacts, with simpler, outcome-based requirements for low-rise developments”
Quotes are reproduced exactly from the consultation page and machine-verified against it.
Unofficial plain-English summary. Read the full exhibition material and lodge submissions at the official page: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au · Source last checked July 17th, 2026