Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) – A Checklist for Minor Development Applications in NSW

If you're planning to lodge a Development Application (DA) for a small project like a home extension, secondary dwelling, or carport, you're required to submit a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE).

This essential document outlines how your proposal aligns with planning rules and manages potential environmental impacts.

Here’s a simple, practical SEE checklist to help you stay on track.

StraightLine Planning can write your Statement of Environmental Effects for you to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth with council to get it right.

Statement of Environmental Effects (SoEE)

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Prepare your Statement of Environmental Effects:

🏡 1. Site Details

✔️ What’s the address of the property?

✔️ What’s the lot and DP number (can be found on your title or rates notice)?

✔️ What is the zoning of the land under the LEP (Local Environmental Plan)?

📐 2. Development Description

✔️ Briefly describe the proposed works (e.g. “rear extension with a new deck and bathroom”).

✔️ Is the development residential, commercial or industrial?

✔️ Will it involve demolition, tree removal, or excavation?

📏 3. Site Context and Analysis

✔️ What are the surrounding land uses?

✔️ Are there heritage items, flood risks, bushfire zones, or other environmental constraints?

✔️ How does the site’s topography and layout influence the design?

⚖️ 4. Compliance with Planning Controls

✔️ How does the proposal comply with the LEP (zoning, height, floor space)?

✔️ How does it meet the Development Control Plan (DCP) standards (setbacks, landscaping, privacy)?

✔️ Are there any variations or exceptions to planning controls? If so, explain why.

🚪 5. Design and Amenity

✔️ How does the design respect the neighbourhood character?

✔️ Will it affect views, overshadowing or privacy for neighbours?

✔️ Are materials, roof pitch and height consistent with the area?

🚗 6. Access and Parking

✔️ How will vehicles and pedestrians access the site?

✔️ Are parking spaces provided as required by the DCP?

✔️ Any impacts on traffic or on-street parking?

🌳 7. Landscaping and Open Space

✔️ Is private open space being retained or added?

✔️ Are you removing or planting trees?

✔️ Will there be adequate deep soil areas and garden zones?

♻️ 8. Waste Management

✔️ How will construction waste be managed?

✔️ Where will bins be stored?

✔️ Are waste areas easily accessible for collection?

🔧 9. Utilities and Services

✔️ Will the development connect to water, sewer, electricity and stormwater?

✔️ Are existing easements affected?

✔️ Are there overhead wires or service pits nearby?

📃 10. Other Documentation

✔️ Have you included architectural plans, shadow diagrams, BASIX certificate and site analysis drawings?

✔️ Is a Bushfire or Flood Report required?

✔️ Does the SEE reference all attached documents clearly?

The SEE doesn't need to be complex—but it must be clear, honest and complete. It’s your opportunity to explain why your proposal makes planning sense.