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NSW Housing Pattern Book

The Pattern Book supplies endorsed designs and a specific approval pathway where all requirements are satisfied. It is not a pre-approval for every site.

What the Pattern Book is

The NSW Housing Pattern Book is a government-endorsed set of housing designs. Official guidance is on the Pattern Book fast-track page. Using a pattern does not skip the need for a complete application.

Low-rise CDC versus mid-rise DA

Low-rise Pattern Book homes can, where eligible, use a complying development certificate. Mid-rise Pattern Book development uses a development application pathway. Exclusive Certifiers assesses eligible low-rise Pattern Book CDCs within class 1 and 10 scope. It does not sell mid-rise Pattern Book certification.

Low-rise patterns we assess under

The NSW Housing Pattern Book currently includes 8 endorsed low-rise designs. Assessment is only for eligible Pattern Book CDCs within class 1 and 10 scope.

Pattern Identification Number

Each endorsed pattern has a Pattern Identification Number. That number identifies the design being relied on. An enquiry can include the number; the form will not decide that the pattern fits the site.

Design Verification Statement

A Design Verification Statement records that the application follows the selected pattern and the Pattern Book requirements. The DVS is prepared by the appropriate designer or architect, not by the certifier. Exclusive Certifiers assesses a submitted DVS; it does not write one.

Site requirements and exclusions

Zoning, lot size, frontage, setbacks and mapped constraints still apply. Flood, bushfire, heritage, easements and sewer restrictions can exclude a Pattern Book CDC even when the architectural pattern itself is endorsed.

Required supporting documents

A typical pack includes the selected pattern, the Pattern Identification Number, the DVS, architectural drawings, survey, structural and stormwater documents prepared by independent engineers, and any constraint reports the codes require. See the public checklist.

Role of the certifier

The certifier assesses a complete low-rise Pattern Book CDC application against the statutory tests and, if appointed later, inspects the work as principal certifier. An eligible Pattern Book CDC application must be determined within 10 days once all required information has been provided. A seven-day neighbour-notification period applies before the certificate can be issued.

Role of the designer, architect and engineers

Designers and architects adapt or document the pattern for the site and prepare the DVS. Engineers prepare and certify structural and stormwater design. Exclusive Certifiers does not imply it designed material it later assesses.

What Exclusive Certifiers does not provide

  • Pattern Book design or site adaptation
  • Design Verification Statements
  • Engineering design
  • Mid-rise Pattern Book DA assessment
  • Guaranteed or automatic approval

Official sources

Related services

Pattern Book CDC service

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