Use this article to check which development control plans (DCPs) apply to a New South Wales (NSW) property in Landchecker, search the list of DCPs and open the DCP document you need. DCPs are listed in the property's Info panel under Planning Information, alongside the property's planning zones and planning controls.
This article is for anyone researching NSW properties in Landchecker, including property developers, town planners, architects, real estate agents, valuers and conveyancers.
Development control plans are available on all Landchecker plans, including the free plan.
What is a development control plan (DCP)?
A development control plan (DCP) is a planning document, usually prepared by the local council, that sets out detailed planning and design guidelines for development in NSW. A DCP supports the council's local environmental plan (LEP), which sets the planning zones and key controls such as maximum building height and floor space ratio. DCPs cover things like building setbacks, design standards, car parking, contaminated land and how development applications (DAs) are notified.
In Landchecker, you can check which DCPs apply to a NSW property before you buy, design or lodge a DA, with the property's zoning and planning controls in one place.
Which properties show development control plans in Landchecker?
Development control plans in Landchecker are available for NSW properties only.
A NSW property can have one DCP or several. Councils often have a main DCP plus separate DCPs for specific topics, such as transport, telecommunications or contaminated land. The Development Control Plans section in the Info panel shows the name of the DCP when one applies, or how many DCPs apply when there's more than one.
How do I view a development control plan in Landchecker?
To view the development control plans (DCPs) for a NSW property in Landchecker:
Log in to your account at app.landchecker.com.au.
Type the NSW property address into the search bar at the top of the map and choose it from the results. The map moves to the property and the Info panel opens on the right-hand side of the screen.
In the Info tab, scroll down to Planning Information. The Development Control Plans section sits below Planning Zones and Planning Controls. What you see depends on how many DCPs apply to the property:
1 to 3 DCPs: Each DCP is listed by name on the right-hand side, with an open icon next to it, for example “Woollahra DCP 2015 - as amended 2 Dec 2024”. Go to step 6.
4 to 15 DCPs: The section shows how many DCPs apply, for example “8 development control plans for this property”. Click it to open the full list. Go to step 4.
More than 15 DCPs: The section shows how many DCPs apply, for example “19 development control plans for this property”. Click it to open a list you can search by DCP name. Go to step 5.
Click the Development Control Plans section or the arrow on its right. The DCP panel opens and lists every DCP that applies to the property, with the total number of DCPs at the top.
Type part of the DCP's name into the Search development control plans box at the top of the DCP panel, for example "Contaminated Land" or "Sydney DCP 2012". The list updates to show only the DCPs whose names match. The search looks at DCP names only, not the text inside each DCP document.
Click the open icon to the right of the DCP's name. The DCP opens as a PDF in a new browser tab, so you can read or download it. Landchecker stays open in your original tab.
To go back to the property's Info panel from the DCP panel, click the back arrow next to the property address at the top of the DCP panel. To close the DCP panel, click the close icon (X) in its top right corner.
The screenshots below show the Development Control Plans section in the Info panel for a NSW property with 19 DCPs, the DCP panel with its search box and the open icon next to each DCP, then the Development Control Plans section for a NSW property with one DCP.
How do development control plans in Landchecker help my work?
Development control plans (DCPs) in Landchecker help you check the detailed council controls for a NSW property early, with its zoning, maximum building height and floor space ratio in the same place. Here's how different property professionals use DCPs in Landchecker.
Property developers
Property developers can check which DCPs apply to a NSW site while assessing it, then open the main DCP to review controls such as setbacks, car parking and design standards. This helps you gauge a site's development potential before you spend time and money on detailed due diligence.
Town planners
Town planners can see every DCP that applies to a NSW property in one list and open the relevant DCP without searching the council's website. This helps you give clients initial advice sooner and check the controls a development application (DA) will need to address.
Architects
Architects can open the DCPs for a NSW site before design starts, so you can work within controls such as setbacks, landscaping, building design and car parking from the first concept. Checking the DCP alongside the maximum building height and floor space ratio helps you avoid redesigns later.
Real estate agents
Real estate agents can check which DCPs apply to a NSW property before an appraisal or listing, so you're ready when buyers ask what can be built or changed on the site. You can also point buyers and sellers to the DCP that covers their question.
Valuers
Valuers can review the DCPs for a NSW property and its comparables to understand the controls that shape what can be built there. This supports your assessment of a property's development potential and highest and best use.
Conveyancers
Conveyancers can check which DCPs apply to a NSW property early in a matter, so you can raise planning questions with your client before exchange. Use the DCP list in Landchecker alongside the section 10.7 planning certificate, not in place of it.
Frequently asked questions
Which states can I view development control plans for in Landchecker?
You can view development control plans (DCPs) in Landchecker for NSW properties only. They're listed in the Development Control Plans section under Planning Information in the property's Info panel.
Do I need a paid plan to view development control plans in Landchecker?
No. You can view development control plans (DCPs) for NSW properties on all Landchecker plans, including the free plan. Log in to Landchecker, search for a NSW property address and check the Development Control Plans section in the Info panel.
Why does my NSW property have so many development control plans?
A NSW property can be covered by several development control plans (DCPs). Councils often have a main DCP plus separate DCPs for specific topics, such as transport, telecommunications, contaminated land or how development applications are notified. DCPs from former council areas can also still apply after council boundaries change.
What if a NSW property has only one development control plan?
If only one development control plan (DCP) applies to a NSW property, the Development Control Plans section in the Info panel shows the DCP's name with an open icon next to it, for example "Woollahra DCP 2015 - as amended 2 Dec 2024". There's no DCP panel to open. Click the open icon to open the DCP as a PDF in a new browser tab.
How do I search for a specific development control plan in Landchecker?
To search for a specific development control plan (DCP), click the Development Control Plans section in the property's Info panel to open the DCP panel. Then type part of the DCP's name into the Search development control plans box. The list updates to show only the DCPs whose names match.
The search looks at DCP names only. It doesn't search the text inside each DCP document, so to check a specific control, such as setbacks or car parking, open the DCP and search within the PDF.
Where does a development control plan open in Landchecker?
When you click the open icon next to a development control plan (DCP), the DCP opens as a PDF in a new browser tab. You can read or download the PDF there, and Landchecker stays open in your original tab.
Should I check a development control plan with the council?
Yes. Development control plans (DCPs) are prepared and updated by NSW councils. Before you rely on a DCP for a development application or client advice, check the council's website to confirm you have the current version.
Where can I see the other planning controls for a NSW property?
Planning zones and planning controls for a NSW property, such as maximum building height and floor space ratio, are shown in the same Planning Information section of the Info panel, directly above Development Control Plans.
If you have questions or need help, use the live chat in Landchecker and our team will be happy to help.