Expert Building Design in Elanora Heights

Perched between Narrabeen Lagoon and the bushland of Garigal and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Parks, Elanora Heights is a serene hillside suburb with leafy outlooks, ocean glimpses, and a laid-back community vibe. The area’s sloped blocks, bushfire overlays, and panoramic potential make it ideal for elevated, modern designs that embrace both nature and style.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Elanora Heights. Whether you’re updating a mid-century home or planning a brand-new build, we tailor every design to suit your land and Northern Beaches Council requirements.

We proudly serve Elanora Heights with lifestyle-driven designs that balance privacy, compliance, and natural beauty.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Elanora Heights?

  • Split-Level & Sloped Site Specialists: Designs that follow the land, not fight it

  • Coastal Bushfire Compliance: We manage BAL assessments and bushland buffers

  • Bespoke Designs with Views in Mind: Layouts to maximize light, privacy, and outlook

  • Modern Family Living: Zoned spaces, open plans, and flexible outdoor connections

  • Smooth Council Approvals: We handle all documentation and submission hurdles

Our Elanora Heights building design services are perfect for homeowners who want modern comfort, smart planning, and effortless flow.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Elanora Heights

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential with E3 Environmental Management and bushfire overlays in parts

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: Usually 6–8m depending on slope and streetscape

    • Side: 900mm–1.5m depending on height

    • Rear: 3–6m based on lot configuration

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 650–1,000+ sqm; irregular shapes and slopes are common

  • Key Constraints:

    • BAL-12.5 to BAL-40 zones near bushland edges

    • Sloped blocks require tailored drainage and driveway design

    • Vegetation controls may limit clearing

    • Site access can be tricky on tight or elevated streets

  • Utilities:

    • Fully serviced—mains power, water, sewer, and NBN

Building in Elanora Heights requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and environmental planning policies.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Elanora Heights Project?

Due to terrain and overlays, most projects go through the DA pathway. Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for sloping blocks, rebuilds, and bushfire-prone sites

  • We coordinate all reports, plans, and council interactions

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible only for minor works on flat, bushfire-unaffected sites

  • We’ll assess eligibility and advise the fastest path forward

Need help figuring out which route suits your site? We’ll assess your block and walk you through your options.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Elanora Heights

  • Yes—we’ll help you position and design the upper level for optimal views while staying within height and view-sharing controls.

  • Somewhat—but we work around constraints using fire-rated materials, smart setbacks, and native vegetation buffers.

  • We design practical, compliant driveway gradients and turning areas, even for steep or elevated sites.

  • Not at all! While we love working in spots like Avalon, Narrabeen, and Dee Why, we also take on projects across the North Shore, Ku-ring-gai, and even further out. We’re open to select builds up to 4 hours from the Northern Beaches Council area.

  • Cost depends on the scope of your project. We’ll walk you through pricing during your discovery call so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to take the next step?

From custom home designs to council-ready plans, we’re here to guide your project every step of the way. Let’s bring your vision to life — reach out today.

Our Building Design Services in Elanora Heights

From bold rebuilds to clever upgrades and sloped-site solutions, our Elanora Heights building design services combine design creativity with council-savvy execution.

We help you build something special—designed for today, and ready for tomorrow.

What to Expect: Our Building Design Timeline

A step-by-step look at how we take your project from concept to council approval and beyond.

Every project starts with a discovery call and ends with council-approved, build-ready plans.

Here’s how we make it easy from start to finish:

Step 1 - Discovery Call

  • Let’s chat! We’ll have a quick call to understand your project and see how we can help.

Step 2 -Site Visit & Consultation (5–7 days)

  • We’ll meet at your site (or virtually), take a closer look, and discuss your vision in detail.

Step 3 - Fee Proposal (2 days)

  • You’ll get a clear, no-surprises proposal with the scope, timeline, and costs.

Step 4 - Concept Design (4 weeks)

  • We’ll create initial design ideas and layouts tailored just for you.

Step 5 - Design Development & Expert Coordination (2 weeks)

  • We’ll fine-tune the design and collaborate with any needed specialists (engineer, energy consultant, town planner, geo tech engineer, bushfire, heritage consultant, etc).

Step 6 - Final Adjustments (1 week)

  • We’ll polish everything and prepare the final drawings for submission.

Step 7 - Submission for Approval

  • We handle the council or certifier submission, so you’re ready for the next steps.

Want the full breakdown?

View our detailed process here.

From Plans to Reality: See How It All Comes Together

Explore our work in other elevated suburbs—tailored for slope, sun, bushland proximity, and modern coastal living

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Elanora Heights building designs make the most of your location—and your lifestyle.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Elanora Heights?

We’re here to help you take the next step! whetheR It’s

a new chapter or a fresh upgrade

We’d love to hear what you have in mind. Book a discovery call or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours.

Not based in Elanora Heights?

DMR Designs proudly serves the entire Northern Beaches—from Palm Beach and Avalon to Dee Why and Manly. Wherever you're building, we bring the same precision, creativity, and local know-how to every design.