Rezoning Land

This webpage provides information about rezoning land in Warringah and the processes involved. Professional assistance is recommended if you are thinking of preparing a planning proposal.

The Warringah Local Environmental Plan (LEP) guides planning decisions in Warringah. It consists of a written instrument and maps and establishes zones which determine whether a land use is permissible, sets out key planning controls (with regards to height, flooding, heritage, acid sulfate soils), and guides planning outcomes.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the Act) sets the requirements and process for rezoning land or seeking to amend an LEP, otherwise known as a Planning Proposal. The planning proposal explains the intended effect of a proposed LEP and justifies the amendment of the LEP.

The process for assessing a planning proposal is established under the provisions of the Act and by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure (the Department) in accordance with the Department's flowchart. Further information about the Department’s Gateway process and guides to preparing LEPs and planning proposals is available from its website. Applicants are encouraged to view this information before preparing a planning proposal.

Before Council resolves to support a planning proposal and refer it to the Department’s LEP Review Panel, we undertake the process outlined in this linked flowchart.

All applications to amend the LEP must regard Council’s Statement of Business Ethics and disclosure of political donations or gifts.

Planning Proposal Tracking System

Warringah Council and the Department of Planning and Infrastructure have electronic systems that allow users to track the progress of a planning proposal and view documents associated with its assessment.

Key Points to Note

• Fees are applicable for planning proposal applications and pre-lodgements meetings.
• The cost of a pre-lodgement meeting is detailed on the Pre-lodgement Meeting Application Form.
• The fees applicable for a planning proposal application are detailed in Council's Schedule of Fees and Charges.
• The value of a development is based on the definition of Capital Investment Value (CIV) under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.
• Pre-lodgement meetings for planning proposals are mandatory unless written exemption is provided by Council. Exemptions may be granted for minor LEP amendments at Council’s discretion.
• Notes of pre-lodgement meetings are prepared by Council and a copy provided to the applicant, generally within 14 days following the meeting.
• Council’s initial assessment of the planning proposal includes public exhibition. This phase of community consultation occurs in addition to and public exhibition as required by Section 57 of the Act.
• The extent of public notification is at Council’s discretion but in most cases will involve letters to nearby landowners and an advertisement in the local newspaper.
• Council requires applicants to schedule an appointment to lodge their planning proposal application. To book an appointment to lodge an application, please call the Manager of the Sustainable Urban Planning team on 9942 2111.
• Planning proposals shall be prepared in the format established by the Department and documented in the publication titled A Guide to Preparing Planning Proposals.

Planning Proposal Application Forms

• Planning Proposal Pre-lodgement Meeting Application Form
• Planning Proposal Application Form