Development Control Plan 2025 (DCP)

Port Stephens has undertaken a comprehensive review of its Development Control Plan (DCP). The DCP 2025 was adopted by Council on Tuesday 28 October 2025 and commenced on 30 October 2025.

The DCP provides further guidance to the Port Stephens Local Environmental Plan 2013 (LEP).

The DCP is available on our new online platform

Visit dcp.portstephens.nsw.gov.au to view the digital version of our 2025 Development Control Plan.

DCP homepage

A PDF version of the DCP can be downloaded here - Port Stephens Development Control Plan 2025 (PDF 7.8 MB)

Development Application Supporting Handbook (DASH)

A development application (DA) assessed under the Port Stephens DCP must be accompanied by the relevant supporting documentation prescribed in Council’s Development Application Supporting Handbook (DASH). The DASH provides straightforward guidance to support you through the DA process with Port Stephens Council and includes practical tools such as document templates and links to useful resources. More information on development applications may also be found on Council’s website

Download DASH

There are a number of locations for which a Water Sensitive Urban Design Strategy has been prepared and endorsed by Council.

Specific requirements for managing stormwater may apply in these areas.

Refer to Chapter B3 Stormwater Management in the DCP to identify requirements for development in areas with a regional stormwater treatment system.

Mapping relevant to the DCP can be accessed via Council’s GIS mapping portal here

Port Stephens DCP 2014 (Repealed)

Port Stephens DCP 2014 (PDF 5.8 MB) – The previous DCP is only relevant for saving provisions purposes (for DAs that had been lodged, but not yet determined, prior to the DCP 2025 commencement).