The Office of Local Government administers (or shares responsibility for administering) the broad range of laws and regulations that apply to NSW councils.
In turn, councils must apply the laws and regulations as they deliver community services and infrastructure to your local area. This section provides updates on how we monitor and review local government laws and regulations, which have the potential to impact on the day to day lives of people throughout the state. The laws cover:
- building, development, rezoning and planning
- pet ownership, pet registration and animal impounding
- sewage, drainage and water management
- swimming pool registration, inspections and compliance certificates
- public places and community spaces
- environmental and public health.
Key issues
The rates and charges you pay fund the services councils provide to the community, such as sport and recreation facilities, waste collection, environmental protections and public health inspections.
The Office of Local Government is evaluating the effectiveness and implementation of the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021.
Development matters
Your council is responsible for most planning, development and zoning decisions within the local government area.
If you're not satisfied with how the council has handled your development application, you have the option to amend your application and reapply for development consent; apply for a review of the council’s decision; or appeal to the Land and Environment Court (LEC).
If you have a concern about a proposed development in your neighbourhood, you should raise this with your local council or elected councillors. Many councils invite public comment on certain types of development and this is your opportunity to have your say about the proposal.
You cannot appeal decisions to grant development consent unless you believe that there are serious legal issues involved or the development poses a serious threat to the environment. The one exception is a designated development, For more information, see the development appeals section of the LEC website or contact the Environmental Defender’s Office.
If you have a concern about the conduct of a private certifier you should speak to them directly in the first instance. If you remain concerned, contact the Building Commission NSW, the NSW Ombudsman or Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Note that rezoning is subject to a final decision by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, on the recommendation of Planning and Infrastructure. For more information, visit Planning.
On-site sewage systems
If your home is not connected to the sewer, you may have an on-site sewage management system, such as a septic tank, composting toilet or aerated system.
There are special regulations that apply to these systems. As the owner of the property, it is your responsibility to ensure that the system is approved by your local council and that it is working properly. On-site systems can be a risk to the health of your family and other community members if they are not properly maintained. They can also cause harm to the environment.
To ensure that your system meets the requirements, you will need to obtain two approvals from your local council. The first approval is to install the system; the second approval is to operate the system. After you obtain these approvals, the council will carry out regular inspections to make sure the system is working properly. Councils can charge fees for inspections.
If you have any questions about the on-site sewage system requirements, your local council can help, or read The easy septic guide (PDF, 941 KB).