Development

Building certification

Building? Find all the information on the NSW Planning Portal, construction certificates, occupation certificates and the principal certifying authority. You can also book building inspections through Council here.

Building in a road reserve

Any land between the property boundary and the road is identified by Council as a road reserve. Road reserves are Council land and any works that fall within it must be approved by Council before commencement.

Bushfire zone maps

Find out what areas are listed as being in a bushfire zone. You can access our online mapping portal to view bushfire prone land.

Buying or selling

Looking at buying or selling in Port Stephens? Find out what you need to know in this process so it will be as smooth as possible.

Development applications

Development Applications (DAs) need to be lodged for most developments in Port Stephens. Find out about the application process for different types of development and which projects are exempt.

Engineering standards and infrastructure specifications

Find out what specifications are required for planning, design and construction to meet engineering standards.

Flood safety

We are continually working on updating and improving our understanding of flood risk in Port Stephens. Find out what you can do to protect and understand our environment.

Local area planning strategies

Our local area planning strategies apply to particular areas in Port Stephens and provide a plan to manage projected population and economic growth.

Place plans

We're planning for the future of our places in a way that makes it easy for you to understand and get involved.

Standard drawings and technical documents

Standard drawings show construction layouts and details of infrastructure assets that are acceptable to Port Stephens Council. Technical documents are provided to assist designers, constructors, etc. in meeting Council requirements.

Strategies and planning guides

Our planning guides and strategies help to shape the future for the Port Stephens area. Find information on our Development Control Plan, Economic Strategy, Community Engagement Strategy, Liveability Index, Local Environmental Plan and Place Plans.

Trees

Trees are important to the landscape of Port Stephens and provide a range of benefits to the community. Find out how you can help us to look after trees in our environment.