NSW Government low to mid rise housing policy

Changes to create low and mid-rise housing

Dual occupancies

The NSW Government has referred to dual occupancies as being two dwellings on a single lot, commonly known as duplexes or semis. 

It is proposed that dual occupancies be permitted on all land zoned R2 (low density residential), up to 9.5m high and floor space ratio of 0.65:1, provided the minimum lot size is 450 square metres and a minimum 12m in width.

Tree canopy targets will be as low as 15% of the site area. 

Currently dual occupancies are generally not permitted in Ku‑ring‑gai.

Multi-dwelling housing near stations and town centres

The NSW Government has referred to multi-dwelling housing as being terraces, townhouses, and manor houses (two storey apartment buildings).

It is proposed that within 800m walking distance of a railway station or a centre with a wide range of frequently needed goods and services such as full line supermarkets, shops and restaurants, the following will be permitted:

  • On land zoned R2 (low density residential): terraces and townhouses up to 9.5m high at floor space ratio 0.7:1, plus manor houses up to 9.5m high and floor space ratio 0.8:1. This is in addition to existing controls that allow multi-dwelling housing in R3 and R4 zones.
  • Tree canopy targets will be as low as 20% of the site area.

Examples of low-rise housing
diverse-and-well-located-homes-low-rise-900x600_edited (002).jpg

Mid-rise housing near stations and town centres

The NSW Government has referred to mid-rise housing as being residential apartment buildings and shop-top housing that is generally between 3 and 6 storeys.

It is proposed that within 400m walking distance of a railway station or a centre with a wide range of frequently needed goods and services such as full line supermarkets, shops and restaurants, the following will be permitted:

  • On land zoned E1 (local centres) or MU1 (mixed use): up to 21m high (approx. 6 to 7 storey) shop-top housing at a floor space ratio of 3:1
  • On land zoned R3 (medium density): up to 21m high (approx. 6 to 7 storey) apartments at a floor space ratio of 3:1

It is proposed that between 400m and 800m walking distance of a railway station or a centre with a wide range of frequently needed goods and services such as full line supermarkets, shops and restaurants, the following will be permitted:

  • On land zoned E1 (local centres) or MU1 (mixed use): up to 16m high (approx. 4 to 5 storey) shop-top housing at a floor space ratio of 2:1
  • On land zoned R3 (medium density): up to 16m high (approx. 4 to 5 storey) apartments at a floor space ratio of 2:1

The proposed planning control would reduce requirements for deep soil planting and tree targets from 50% to 7% of site area for mid-rise housing.

The government is seeking input from councils to determine which E1 and MU1 centres contain an appropriate level of goods, services and amenities to be included for mid-rise housing and multi-dwelling housing.

Examples of mid-rise housing
diverse-and-well-located-homes-mid-rise-900x600.jpg

Ku-ring-gai Council submission on low and mid-rise housing

Ku-ring-gai Council has made the below submission on the proposed low and mid rise housing policy changes.

Final Ku-ring-gai Council Submission - Changes to create low and mid rise housing(PDF, 18MB)

Back to top