Overview

The Rural Housing Code provides a fast-track complying development approval pathway for new 1–2 storey dwelling houses, rural sheds, certain farm buildings, earthworks, and ancillary development on land in nominated rural and large-lot residential zones (typically RU1–RU6, R5, and similar—check the Codes SEPP text). It is designed to reduce approval timeframes and costs for rural landowners whose proposals meet all pre-set development standards.

Eligible Development (Examples)

• New dwelling houses and alterations/additions on eligible rural lots.
• Farm buildings (sheds, machinery storage, grain bunkers—where specified).
• Excavation/fill and certain access or ancillary works that meet volumetric, setback, and environmental limits.
• Fences, water tanks, and minor agricultural support structures within defined parameters.

Exact development types and dimensional thresholds are set out in the Codes SEPP RHC provisions—always confirm against the mapped zone and any lot-specific constraints.

Key Standards Themes

Typical controls address maximum building height, building footprint relative to lot size, boundary and watercourse setbacks, earthworks depth/area, vegetation protection, bushfire and flood considerations, onsite wastewater where reticulated services are unavailable, and visual/amenity impacts in rural landscapes.

Common Exclusions

Land that is environmentally sensitive (critical habitat, certain biodiversity or heritage overlays), land subject to high bushfire attack or flood hazard above specified thresholds, or land outside the mapped rural zones is commonly excluded. Where excluded, a full Development Application (DA) is required.

Approval Steps

1. Confirm zoning and rural eligibility via the NSW Planning Portal Spatial Viewer / planning certificate.
2. Check your proposal against all numeric and locational standards in the Rural Housing Code.
3. Prepare required plans, BASIX (if applicable), siting & servicing info.
4. Lodge with an accredited certifier or council for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).
5. Receive approval—often within 20 days—then commence works after any notification periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can large rural sheds be approved under the RHC?
A: Yes, provided size, height, setbacks, and environmental criteria are met; proposals exceeding standards require a DA.

Q: Are proposed reforms underway?
A: The NSW Government has exhibited changes to better align the Rural Housing Code with the Inland Code to simplify standards for rural sheds and farm works. Monitor updates.

Disclaimers

Legal Disclaimer: This content is intended to provide a general overview of the relevant legislation and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Property and planning laws are subject to change and may vary depending on specific site conditions and council policies. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please consult a qualified legal or planning professional.

General Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, planning, or environmental advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information may not reflect the most recent changes in law or policy. You should seek advice from a qualified professional or relevant authority before making any property-related decisions.