Expert Building Design in Fiddletown

Fiddletown is one of Hornsby Shire’s most peaceful rural pockets—tucked between orchards, bushland, and large-acreage properties. Known for its agricultural history, winding country roads, and serene surrounds, Fiddletown offers a relaxed lifestyle ideal for families, retirees, and anyone looking to build a rural retreat.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Fiddletown. Whether you’re creating a country-style home, upgrading an existing farmhouse, or adding a secondary dwelling, we design with Fiddletown’s rural zoning, bushfire risk, and environmental regulations in mind.

We proudly service Fiddletown and the full Hornsby Shire area—bringing personalized, council-ready design solutions to acreage properties and lifestyle blocks of all shapes and sizes.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Fiddletown?

  • Acreage & Rural Design Expertise: Tailored layouts for wide frontages, large setbacks, and lifestyle inclusions

  • Bushfire & Environmental Coordination: Full support for BAL assessments, septic coordination, and vegetation protection

  • DA-Ready Plans: Designs prepared to meet RU2 zoning, low FSR, and Hornsby Council rural development standards

  • Character-Driven Aesthetic: We blend modern comforts with Fiddletown’s country charm

  • Start-to-Finish Project Guidance: From concept design to final submission—we take care of it all

Our Fiddletown building design projects balance open space with livability—ensuring compliance, clarity, and comfort throughout.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Fiddletown

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 15–25m | Side/Rear: 5–10m, with flexibility depending on lot dimensions

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Generally limited to 10% site coverage in RU2 zones

  • Average Block Size:

    • 1–4 hectares, often bush-adjacent or gently sloping

  • Zoning:

    • RU2 Rural Landscape, E4 Environmental Living

  • Local Considerations:

    • Bushfire risk (BAL 12.5–FZ), tree preservation, limited access roads, and on-site wastewater management

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

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the The Hornsby Shire Council website.

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

Most Fiddletown projects fall under a Development Application (DA) due to rural zoning and environmental overlays.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most new homes, secondary dwellings, and major upgrades

  • Lodged with Hornsby Shire Council

  • Involves bushfire assessments, geotechnical reports, and septic design

  • More flexibility in design to suit rural context

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Uncommon in Fiddletown

  • May be applicable for compliant sheds or minor structures

We’ll evaluate your site and guide you to the most fitting approval pathway.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Fiddletown

  • Yes—subject to zoning, access, and servicing. We’ll check your property’s suitability and design accordingly.

  • Most Fiddletown sites have moderate to high BAL ratings. We’ll arrange your assessment and design accordingly.

  • Most projects move from concept to submission in 6–10 weeks, depending on complexity.

  • Not at all—we also work across the entire Hornsby region, including Mount Colah, Hornsby, and Waitara. We're also available for select projects up to 4 hours away from The Hornsby Shire 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?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a classic home.

Our Building Design Services in Fiddletown

We design rural homes, second dwellings, stables, sheds, and lifestyle upgrades—each tailored to Fiddletown’s unique zoning and site conditions.

From modest extensions to striking new builds, our Fiddletown building design services help your ideas become reality—stress free.

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

See how our rural-focused designs have helped Hornsby residents transform open land into dream homes.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From rural retreats to long-term family homes, our Fiddletown building design services deliver space, serenity, and success.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Fiddletown?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a classic home.

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 Fiddletown?

DMR Designs proudly services the entire Hornsby Shire Council area—from the riverside homes of Brooklyn and Berowra Waters to the leafy streets of Beecroft, Wahroonga, and Westleigh. Wherever you're building across the Shire, we bring the same expert process and personalized design approach to every project.