fact sheet 3 lot sizes

What is lot size and what does it control?Lot size is a term used to describe the area of a parcel of land. Draft Woollahra LEP 2013 (Draft WLEP 2013) specifies minimum lot sizes for Torrens title subdivision and developing land for particular purposes.

Torrens title subdivisionMinimum lot sizes apply for the subdivision of a parcel of land into multiple, separate lots. Minimum subdivision lot sizes are based on the character of each neighbourhood, the existing subdivision pattern, and design controls that apply, such as boundary setbacks. For example, a 230m2 minimum lot size applies to most of Paddington.

Developing land for particular purposesMinimum lot sizes apply to specific land uses. The controls ensure land is a suitable size so that development is consistent with the neighbourhood character, and provides amenity to residents within the proposed development, and to adjoining properties. For example, development for the purpose of a residential flat building requires a lot of at least 700m2. Lot size controls only apply to residential zoned land in Draft WLEP 2013.

Woollahra Municipal Council | 536 New South Head Road, Double Bay NSW 2028 | 02 9391 7000 | www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/yourplan

Summary of the main lot size controls that apply in Draft WLEP 2013 Torrens title subdivision lot sizesR2 Low Density Residential zone

In the R2 zone, the minimum subdivision lot size is based on the established lot size of a dwelling house for each precinct.

For example, some of the main controls that apply in the R2 zone are:

Vaucluse, Rose Bay and Point Piper: 675m2

Bellevue Hill: 675m2

Watsons Bay: 400m2

Double Bay: 350m2

Paddington, Woollahra and Edgecliff: 230m2.

R3 Medium Density Residential zone

In the R3 zone, a minimum subdivision lot size of 700m2 applies. A site of 700m2 is a reasonable size to accomodate a medium density development containg three dwellings on the same lot of land.

What subdivision controls apply to my property?To identify the minimum subdivision lot size for your property, locate it on the Lot Size Map then compare the colour and code to the map legend.

In Draft WLEP 2013 clause 4.1 Minimum subdivision lot size and the Lot Size Map set out the minimum subdivision lot sizes.

Extract from the Lot Size Map

Minimum Lot Size (sq m)

B 230

E 350

F 400

Q 700

Paddington: Minimum lot size of 230m2

Vaucluse: Minimum lot size of 675m2

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R3 Medium Density Residential landLand uses and minimum lot sizes in the R3 zone:

Multi dwelling housing (three or more dwellings on one lot): 700m2

Residential flat building (three or more dwellings on one lot): 700m2

Development other than a dwelling house if on a battle-axe lot: 950m2.

Fact sheet 3 Lot sizes

How can I find out more?

Printed on recycled stock

New terms and clauses

Draft WLEP 2013 introduces new land use terms and clauses to regulate minimum lot sizes. However, the new controls do not increase development potential as they translate the existing lot size provisions in Woollahra Local Environmental Plan 1995 (WLEP 95). For example, in WLEP 95 the minimum lot size for residential flat building (RFB) development is 930m2. The 930m2 is based on a building containing four or more dwellings. This equates to a minimum dwelling density of approximately 233m2 per dwelling (930m2 / 4 = 233m2).However, the Draft WLEP 2013 definition for an RFB is a building containing three or more dwellings. To achieve the same dWwelling density as WLEP 95, a 700m2 minimum lot size applies for RFBs in Draft WLEP 2013 (700m2 / 3 = 233m2).

Proposed changes to the existing lot size controls

Battle-axe lots

In WLEP 95 , due to minimum site frontage standards, a battle-axe lot can only be used for dwelling houses or dual occupancies in the medium density residential zone. Draft WLEP 2013 does not contain minimum site frontage standards. To protect the amenity of land adjoining battle-axe lots, a 950m2 minimum lot size is required for any development other than a dwelling house.

Discussion paper Chapter 4 explains our approach to lot sizes

Draft WLeP 2013Written instrument clauses 4.1 Minimum subdivision lot size, 4.1AA Minimum subdivision lot size for community title schemes, 4.1B Minimum lot sizes for a dual occupancy, multi-dwelling housing and residential flat building, 4.1BB Erection of dwelling houses on land in residential zones, 4.1C Minimum lot sizes for semi-detached dwellings and attached dwellings in Zone R2 Low Density Residential, 4.1D Exceptions to minimum lot sizes for certain residential development.

Lot Size Map shows what subdivision lot size controls apply

R2 Low Density Residential zoneLand uses and minimum lot sizes in the R2 zone:

Dwelling house: Permissible on any existing lot

Dual-occupancy (attached): Either 460m2 or the lot size shown on the Lot Size Map, whichever is greater

Dual occupancy (detached): 930m2

Semi-detached dwellings and attached dwellings: The lot size shown on the Lot Size Map. For example 230m2 in Paddington, 675m2 in Vaucluse and Rose Bay.

Summary of the main lot size controls that apply in Draft WLEP 2013 (cont’d)Lot size controls for developing land

Draft WLeP 2013

Issued: August 2013

Comparison mapon our website the PDF comparison map contains the current and proposed lot size controls so you can see how the changes apply to you.

www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/yourplan