We’ve listened to your subscriber feedback and understand you really want to be able to access more detailed specifications on existing properties, to assist your future development planning.
We are pleased to announce, Stash Subscribers can now quickly and easily view the maximum building height and floor space ratio for all NSW properties.
There are so many factors to be considered when exploring future development. Certain limitations or maximums are set by the local council or educating group, depending on where the property is located and finding these requirements can be difficult. Across Australia, not all states specify certain building information due to privacy laws protecting current occupants.
For now, maximum building height and floor space ratio are only visible inside Stash for NSW properties, however, if regulations change or new information is made available, we will be sure to add this to our platform.
What do building height and floor space ratio mean for a property developer in NSW?
The principal development standards control the size and form of development.
Building Height:
- More info on how tall your building will be and should be;
- Greater understanding on the basis of the building height;
- Knowing some exceptions that may override the development standards set by the local council; and
- Other factors to be considered along with it.
Floor Space ratio:
- Gives a better picture on how the development will look like
- Knowing the site area
- Knowing the allowable floor space ratio for the site which is identified on the Floor Space Ratio Map
- Understanding the gross floor area of the development (this is defined in the Dictionary of Mosman LEP 2012)
Note: It should be noted that the gross floor area excludes the car parking to meet any requirements of Council.
Development Standards set by the council for the Maximum Building Height and Floor Space Ratio
Maximum Building Height Australian Standards
Under the Australian Housing Code, the maximum allowable building height is 8.5 metres. A uniform approach to building height is applied within the Housing Code to provide clarity and consistency for houses.
The height of a dwelling house is measured from the existing ground level, which is the ground level of a site at any point, before any earthworks (excavation or fill) have taken place.
The maximum height limit of a building may be varied in some circumstances. Development that includes an architectural roof feature that exceeds, or causes a building to exceed, the height limits set by the local council may only be carried out with development consent.
Example: Maximum height of building 8.5m
As for the floor space ratio, it is the ratio of the gross floor area of a development to the site area expressed as a factor of 1. That is, the total floor area on all levels of the building minus any exclusions provided for in the definition of gross floor area, divided by the site area. Floor Space Ratio can be a difficult concept to visualize.
It is often used as one of the regulations in city planning along with the building-to-land ratio. This can also be used in zoning to limit urban density. While it directly limits building density, indirectly it also limits the number of people that a building can hold, without controlling a building’s external shape.
Both heights of buildings and floor space ratios are ‘development standards’ that can be varied under Clause 4.6 Exceptions to Development Standards.
The combination of standards like height, FSR and setbacks, combined with your site’s physical features will determine how big your house can be and where it will be located on your block.
How to check out this feature inside Stash?
To view the maximum building height and floor space ratio inside Stash, simply follow the steps below:
- Select your potential target property.
- Be sure to stash the property so you can easily access it again.
- Click on ‘Planning Info’.
- Once clicked, you will be redirected to another page showing the building information of the property with its Maximum Height and Floor Space Ratio. You can also click the links below under the references heading, to check the detailed information, which will re-direct you to the local council’s website.
Well, that information isn’t that hard to find if you have Stash. Go ahead and give it a try! We’d love to hear your feedback on how this works for you.
We’re here to help you.
Please contact us at support@stashproperty.com.au or through our live chat at https://app.stashproperty.com.au.
Happy Stashing!
Disclaimer: The information provided by Stash Property is for general informational purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the site. Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the site or reliance on any information provided on the site. Your use of the site and your reliance on any information on the site is solely at your own risk. It is still advised that users should do their own due diligence.
