What’s permitted in Sydney
Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 — 11 zones. Pick a zone to see what it allows.
Zones in Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012
Pick a zone to see which uses are allowed without approval, need consent, or are prohibited. Search your address to see which zone actually covers the lot.
Some state-level housing and precinct policies sit above council rules and can override them. Those aren’t included here.
A council’s LEP can also grant extra permitted uses of its own on top of the standard list. Those aren’t included here either.
Check a property
Or browse the Sydney zoning map.
Building rules in Sydney
Frequently asked questions
Does the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 apply to every property in Sydney?
It is the Local Environmental Plan for Sydney. Some sites also have extra precinct rules; search your address to see what applies to the lot.
Is R2 in Sydney the same as R2 in another council?
No. Each council writes its own list, even when the zone has the same name.
Sources
General guidance only. Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 as sourced 19 August 2026; confirm with City of Sydney before relying on a list.
Talk to a town planner in Sydney
This page covers the general rules. A qualified town planner can tell you what applies to your block, including the zone, overlays and approval path, before you spend money on drawings.
- Qualified, practising town planners
- Advice specific to your property
- Free, with no obligation