The NSW Government has made several changes to the planning rules over the last few years in relation to medium density housing types.
In 2020 the Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code came into force, which allows dual occupancies, manor houses and terraces (up to two storeys) to be carried out under a fast-track complying development approval.
On 1 July 2024, Stage 1 of the Low- and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms commenced. These reforms permit dual occupancies in the R2 Low Density Residential zone of the Liverpool Local Environmental Plan 2008. As a result, dual occupancies can now be approved through a Development Application, and carried out under a fast-track complying development approval as of 1 July 2025.
The effect of these rules will differ depending on your suburb and zoning:
| Suburb | Zone | Are the new housing types permitted via Complying Development? |
|---|---|---|
| Edmondson Park, and Middleton Grange | R1 | Yes, but only terraced houses and manor houses |
| Austral, Edmondson Park South, Leppington | R2 | Yes, manor houses, dual occupancies and terraced houses |
| Austral, Edmondson Park South, Leppington | R3 | Yes, manor houses, dual occupancies and terraced houses |
| Other suburbs | R2 | Yes, but only dual occupancies, and only from 1 July 2025 |
| Other suburbs | R3 | Yes, but only manor houses and terraced houses |
Note: Proposed developments must meet other criteria to be approved through the Medium Density Code, including minimum lot sizes and frontage. Properties that are heritage-listed or within conservation areas are excluded from the Code.
Further information on the Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code and the Low- and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms can be found on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s website.
To find out the zoning of your land, visit Council's ePlanning portal or apply for a planning certificate.
