Blue Mountains City Council

Blue Mountains Better Living DCP

The "Better Living" Development Control Plan (DCP) works towards a more sustainable future for the Blue Mountains.

It provides practical information aimed at encouraging development that retains and enhances the remarkable character of the Blue Mountains. It is part of a suite of documents that form a blue print towards a more sustainable future. It contains all the relevant issues, design principles, performance criteria and standards for development.

Adopted: 8 March 2005
Effective: 7 October 2005
Amendment Adopted: 4 October 2005
Amendment Effective: 1 December 2005

Hard Copies are available for purchase at Council offices.  Alternatively, download at right.  The documents have been split into a series of manageable download file sizes:

  • Better Living DCP: Contents
  • Better Living DCP Part A: Introduction
    • A Blue Mountains Timeline
    • Where This Plan Applies
    • How This Plan Works
    • Retrofit
    • Contributions and Bonds
    • Varying a Standard
  • Better Living DCP Part B: Site Planning
    • Site Analysis and Design
  • Better Living DCP Part C: General Principles
    • Protecting the Natural Environment
      • Biodiversity
      • Weeds
      • Stormwater
      • Site Management
    • Character and Landscape Assessment
      • Streetscape and Character
      • Landscaping
    • Heritage Conservation
    • Hazard and Risk Assessment
      • Bushfire
      • Crime Minimisation
      • Land Contamination
      • Health and Safety
    • Other Considerations for Development
      • Services
      • Wastewater
      • Vehicular Access, Parking and Roads
      • Amenity
      • Energy
      • Adaptability
      • Access and Mobility
  • Better Living DCP Part D: Standards for Development 2005
    • Dwelling House and Ancillary Structures
    • Granny Flats
    • Dual Occupancy
    • Multi Dwelling Housing
    • Accessible Housing
    • Bed and Breakfast
    • Tourist Accommodation and Boarding Houses
    • Subdivision
    • Other Forms of Development
  • Better Living DCP Part E: Standards for Development 1991
    • Dwelling House and Ancillary Structures
    • Bed and Breakfast
    • Subdivision
    • Other Forms of Development
  • Better Living DCP Part F: Appendices
    • Glossary
    • Weeds of the Blue Mountains
  • Better Living DCP Part J: Lawson Village
    • About this Part
    • Vision, Objectives, Character and Strategies
    • Public Domain
    • Urban Structure
    • Design Guidelines
    • Glossary of Terms